487. First on account of a beautiful back-lit Jim Shaunessey photo of the loco at speed between Alamosa and Antonito published in Beebe & Clegg's
Narrow Gauge in the Rockies - my first book on the narrow gauge. That photo really captured my attention. I always have liked the way she wore a plow.
Then she happened to be the first K-36 I saw in freight operation, June 12, 1967. At that time she had a round top Powell whistle as well but totally different from 489's. It would fuzz your microphone out at close range but sounded sweet and clean from a mile away! Chased her and the 498 out of Antonito and then the next day from Chama to Dulce running solo.
Second place, 486, just 'cause I rode her on a D&S cab ride.
Close third, 489. First narrow gauge loco I ever saw in steam on the Rio Grande - 1959 - by accident of trip routing. On the table at Alamosa. At the tender age of 13, this was my first recognized encounter with 3' gauge. Our stop at the roundhouse was prompted by my curiosity at the three rail track seen as we drove north on 285 from Antonito. "Is that Lionel in full size?" Had to make my folks stop and check it out!