Re: Speed on the D&RGW ng lines

Hi, Bob -

IMHO, (driver diameter in inches) + 10% = MPH_max would give a better estimate. If well-
balanced, +15% might be even better.   I remember riding across many empty miles of
Wyoming behind the 80-inch drivers of U.P. 844(4) at 40 seconds between the mileposts
(exactly 90 MPH), and she gave the impression that she was just loping along. IIRC, one
of S.P.'s 80" drivered GS-3 or GS-4 engines was clocked at 109 mph while undergoing a
speed test.

The K-28s were designed for passenger service, and were lighter and better balanced than the later engines. I can easily believe they could go 50 mph - maybe 55 - between Alamosa and Antonito with a relatively light train like the San Juan.

- Russo



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2009 12:08PM by Russo Loco.