Hello, Andrew -
In a previous post, you referenced a VERY thorough discussion on UtahRails.net
(http://utahrails.net/drgw/drgw-green-boilers.php) which includes the following two paragraphs:
'
Many messages to various email discussion groups mention a D&RGW Standard Practice 57-L-179, dated November 1, 1937 "Painting Locomotives and Tenders", which includes a specific line entry for "Jackets...........Jacket Enamel (Dark Olive Green)".'
'
The problem with citing this "official" specification is that it is difficult to determine exactly how many locomotives were actually painted using it, except the few specially repainted for railfan excursions in 1949-1950 of which numerous color photos were taken. Research into "official" instructions for painting and lettering issued by other western railroads such as UP, SP, and AT&SF has proven many times that official instructions did not filter down in their entirety to local paint shop and roundhouse foreman.'
HOWEVER, Burnham Shops in Denver - birthplace of the K-37's - is not exactly a "local paint shop" (e.g. Durango or Montrose), dependent upon the whims of the "roundhouse foreman" for painting standards. The two B&W photos which - much more than any others - seem to show K-37's with the officially specified 'Dark Olive Green' boiler jackets were taken in 1938 (#490) and 1930 (#497) when each of these engines was newly painted. There is no soot on #490 in the photo above; it is likely the photo was taken before the engine had been returned to service. The photo of #497 shows an engine that is so recently delivered to Alamosa from Burnham that it is still on a flatcar, sans wheels.
If any narrow gauge 2-8-2's EVER had green boiler jackets (other than #499 and #489 circa 1948-1950, respectively), it is the K-37's delivered from Burham Shops in
1938-39 1928-30.
IMHO, these 10 engines WERE painted according to late-twenties official standards when they were converted from standard-gauge 2-8-0's in 1928-30, and the existing late-twenties - mid-thirties customs were merely being formalized - or repeated - in the Nov. 1, 1937 specifications (57-L-179).
- Russo
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2009 02:11PM by Russo Loco.
