nng - on the road with SLRG 18
| June 07, 2010 09:55PM |
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Last Saturday was a big day for the SLRG with our Fir concert series underway and the Rocky Mountain Region of the NMRA having thier convention in Alamosa. Our regular 4 car train was expanded by 2 domes making a 6 car 568 ton train. As 18 is good for 500 tons on the west side of La Veta and 410 tons on the east side, a helper was necessary.
SD90mac 116 was used as helper. Shortly after this was taken, 116 took off light for Sierra at the bottom of the 2.5% grade to wait for #18.
After coupling up, the climb begins...
Where else can you see an SD90 helping a 100-year-old 2-8-0?
At fir 116 cut off and followed us down the hill to La Veta. There we turned and 116 again was put on the point for the trip home.
Heading up the 3% east of Francisco....
Many people thought 18's use was for decoration as they thought 116 was going to do all the work. I present the following evidence to the contrary.....
Fireman Butler seen under the wide open throttle..
Reverse angle....
For those who need more proof, I present the following video....
At Fir, 116 cut off and headed light for Alamosa, we followed it home.
SD90mac 116 was used as helper. Shortly after this was taken, 116 took off light for Sierra at the bottom of the 2.5% grade to wait for #18.
After coupling up, the climb begins...
Where else can you see an SD90 helping a 100-year-old 2-8-0?
At fir 116 cut off and followed us down the hill to La Veta. There we turned and 116 again was put on the point for the trip home.
Heading up the 3% east of Francisco....
Many people thought 18's use was for decoration as they thought 116 was going to do all the work. I present the following evidence to the contrary.....
Fireman Butler seen under the wide open throttle..
Reverse angle....
For those who need more proof, I present the following video....
At Fir, 116 cut off and headed light for Alamosa, we followed it home.
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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter
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