The Evolution of the "K-Class Locomotive"

Hello everyone,

I was reading up on the DRG&W Narrow Gauge practices and a few questions popped in my head regarding the evolution of the "K-Class" locomotive:

1) It seems to me that as power demands increased the Rio Grande naturally looked for more powerful locomotives. I noticed that the K-28's were an ALCO design and from what I have read very popular with the crews. Given the success of these locomotives, why did the Rio Grande decide to make the K-36/37's off of a standard gauge locomotive boiler and their own design and not employ ALCO again?

2) Those on this forum that have operated K-27/28/36/37s what performance pros and cons have you noticed between all or a few of them?

3) I have noticed that the K-28s had large spark arrestors on them during the 60s on the Silverton branch. Today on the D&S those same locomotives do not have them. Why?

Thanks ahead of time for the information!

Mike Wilson
Michael J. Wilson Photography
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