Re: C&TS Motive Power - a K-37 in the future? ...

William, Dick, Cole et al -

IIRC, the majority of the funding for the restoration of #463 is coming from The Friends and from
outside donations - NOT from the two states - and I presume there is sufficient interest among
D&RGW fans that a significant percentage of the funding needed for the restoration of #497 (or
#492 using much of #497's running gear) would likewise not come from the C&TS coffers.

Also, #463 is the only K-27 surviving in Colorado and one of only two in the entire world, whereas there are nine surviving K-36's and only one of them - #483 - is not currently operational. #463 has only about 3/4 the tractive effort of a K-36, and as a unique historic artifact it is very unlikely that #463 will ever become part of the regular rotation of motive power for the C&TS. She is much more likely to be used mostly on special occasions or when more than one K-36 is down for repairs at the same time.   #492 or #497 on the other hand would not be such a unique artifact - although she would like be the only one of her class in operating condition - and would offer essentially the same t.e. as a K-36 so she would fit more easily into the regular power rotation. Even so, I would presume she would be used less often than any of the K-36's and perhaps - like #463 - only for special occasions and emergency service.

- Russ

p.s. Before turning over the beautiful 20"x32" painting of #498 on her last day in service that he created for me last spring, Jeff Ellingson had a very high resolution digital scan produced. He has suggested that a limited edition of ten or twelve full-size gicleé reproductions of this painting could be offered at $498 each, and perhaps a few dozen smaller copies at a proportional price, with 100% of the net profits going to a K-37 restoration fund ...

"The Last Freight"

D&RGW #498 with the last Revenue Freight over Cumbres Pass at m.p. 286.72 on 08/29/68.
Painting by Jeff Ellingson from a photo by R. B. Sperry, copyright © 2010 - ALL Rights Reserved.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2011 12:01PM by Russo Loco.