davidtltc Wrote:
=======================================================
> As Many have stated in previous threads, most of
> the engines were just limping along, with the very
> minimum repair done, while the Rio Grande was
> trying to close the narrow gauge down for good. I
> am just curious which of the 490's could have kept
> on going, if the Rio Grande would have been forced
> to stay in operation another few years. I see in
> your list that 498 and 493 along with 483 and 484
> were the last to have their fires dropped in 1968.
> Were there any that were being re-flued at the
> time the Rio Grande was working on closing the
> line?
>
> Thanks again for preserving all this precious
> information and then for your willingness to share
> it with others.
The #481 was an ongoing project throughout most of the 1960's when shop time was slow. As I understand it, it was the only K-36 which had not been turned over at any time, and the D&RGW was rebuilding it for possible future use on the Silverton line.
The overhaul was eventually completed, but the loco was never fired up. It was moved to Durango on the very last D&RGW train to run the line between Antonito & Durango in December 1968.
The D&S had an easy time putting it back into service.
Regards,
Donald Foster
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2012 07:13AM by Donald Foster.