Also, I think it needs to be noted that the only reason the K-27's lasted as long as they did, was because the government reqesitioned 7 of the K-28's to go to Alaska.
This leads to some speculations as what would have happened if the governemt didn't take the K-28's:
1. The Silverton branch could have easily been handled by the K-28's. (which it was.)
2. Heavier power could have been transferred to Montrose (by loading on flats and bringing around via standard gauge or lacking water and coal, brought through the Black Canyon).
3. The RGS could have been updated to accomidate the K-28's or bought K-27's from the D&RGW.
Fire Away.
Regards,
Donald Foster