Re: D&RGW question

Sharpest curves on the D&RGW ng was 24 degrees. There was one mainline curve west of Monero at 24 degrees. The Chama-Alamosa line's maximum is 20 degrees. The Silverton Branch has several 24 degree curves. Wyes were laid out with a 24 degree maximum. The track profile I have dates from 1954 and doesn't show Marshall Pass, but I think there were some 24 degree curves up there too.

The Baldwin spec sheet for 480's show a maximum curvature in road service of 24 degrees (at 25mph with a 6" super elevation!) with an "emergency" curvature of 30 degrees. I recall when the D&S started running 481 there was a tendency for the inside pilot truck wheel to lift off the rail on some of the 24 degree curves, so to get around a 30 degree curve, it would have to be REALLY good track.