Re: Why was K-28 prefered for passenger trains?

One thing that is being overlooked in the discussion about the K28s going to the WP&Y is that the D&RGW needed all their narrow gauge K engines for the war effort. The CF&I coal mine at Crested Butte was at one time the largest coal mine in the state and even by WWII was still one of the largest. The CF&I steel mill in Pueblo got most of their coal and limestone off the D&RGW narrow gauge. The D&RGW at one point during the war had to move some of the K36s from Cumbres to Salida to help out there.

The K28s were the largest class of relatively modern narrow gauge power that the Army could get their hands on. Where else could they get existing narrow gauge engines large enough to do the WP&Y any good. The C&S and Silverton short line engines that were sent up there were primarily used as yard switchers.

D&RGW documents state that they would have preferred that the Army take the K27s, but the Army didn't want them...too old, too worn, etc.

Jerry Day



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/2010 11:28AM by Jerry Day.