Re: LIttle Mudhen

Hi,

As I recall, the 375, 360 and 361 were all Little Mudhens.

375 was the sole member of class C-25. 360 and 361 were both C-21. All three were ex-Crystal River RR.

Although I do not recall where, (maybe CO Rail Annual 21 - Narrow Gauge News) I think Bob Richardson tried to purchase one (maybe 375?) and not long afterwards, (a few days?) it was cut up by D&RGW.

I think the 375 was the heaviest loco that could operate through the Black Canyon. The K-27s could not. I believe that a dry K-27 could be towed through the canyon and yet I seem to recall there were very tight clearances.

There is a video showing a K-27 and the 375 working a single train up to Cerro Summit from Cimmeron. K-27s could not work Cimmeron to Gunnison.

As a point of information, I think that nothing larger than the K-27 ever worked on the Cimmeron-Ouray-Montrose section. The only ways a K-27 could get there were 1) RGS, 2) dead and dry through the Black Canyon, and 3) via SG.

K28, K36, and K37 (if there had ever been a need) would have had to come by SG. Also recall, K-27s were not allowed south of Ridgeway.

How many K-27s were stationed at Montrose? I think only one. I also seem to recall that Bob Richardson wanted to purchase the Montrose K-27 also but could only afford one of the two ng locos there.

Doug vV