Re: Alder Gulch Shortline

Hi Olin,
Per your comments, I thought you might be interested in the following story.
Oral tradition has it that, F. Nelson Blount did actually go down to Mexico in search of a remaining Baldwin 2-6-0 from the then-recently abandoned Cordoba & Huatusco. He didn't find that one (which is now on display in Mexico City's Pantaco Sport Stadium), but he did find #12 - the sole survivor from the FCM's 30" gauge Zacatlan branch.
The story goes, that Mr. Blount purchased it and shipped #12 back to South Carver for the express purpose of converting her to 24" gauge. The problem was that of all the known surviving 30" Baldwin 2-8-0s, #12 is the heaviest - at least in terms of axle loading. Edaville also has some pretty sharp mainline curves and this too was a matter of concern given #12's comparatively long fixed wheelbase.
The punch line is, #12 was never narrowed to two foot because the cost of performing the necessary track upgrades would have been too great.
Again, this is oral tradition. But the pieces *do* fit.
Best Regards,
Glenn