I'd like to answer some of the questions and clarify some comments made on this thread.
The D&SNG will always double head with 2 steam locomotives UNLESS circumstances beyond our control dictate otherwise! On the previous 2 days we double headed with steam. However, on Thursday locomotive 478 needed to stay in the shop for some needed repairs. We brought out #7 diesel just to help the 481 pull the 14-car train up the Hermosa hill from the Hermosa tank to Rockwood. At Rockwood the #7 uncoupled and returned to Durango. The diesel did NOT help to pull the train over the highline!
The helper locomotive leaves ahead of the passenger train and waits for it at Hermosa tank. Although it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it wouldn't make sense to switch locomotives around to go those 6 1/2 miles.
The K-36 class is rated for up to 13 cars but we try not to run more than 12 cars behind it.
In my 27 years here I only remember one other time we double headed with steam & diesel and it was a unique "Kodak moment" morning!
Yvonne