Re: Shavano/San Juan Express equipment and other questions

In 1937, 9 of the K28's (the exception being 474) were set up with steam heat and signal lines for the new San Juan/Shavano passenger trains. In addition
3 K36's (482, 483 & 489) were also equipped as well as 3 K37's (493, 494 & 499). In 1945, 3 more K36's were equipped (484. 485, 488).

480, 481, 486 & 487 were never set up with steam heat and signal lines.

Pics of 493 and 499 pulling the Shavano do exist, although 472 and 479 were the regular locomotives.

The San Juan was a 200 mile trip which was covered in around 9 hours.

The Shavano was a much shorter trip from Salida to Gunnison, less than 75 miles. Shavano seems to have run on the same schedule that was used when the train ran all the way to Montrose, with an early morning departure from Salida, a mid morning arrival in Gunnison, then an afternoon departure from Gunnison and an early evening arrival in Salida. The one way trip would have been made in less than 4 hours.

As the Shavano's trip was much shorter, there was no reason to provide meal service, therefore its parlor cars did not have dinettes in them.

The regular Shavano consist was: RPO, Baggage/generator, coach, parlor car. Occasionally, and extra baggage was added. Never have seen a pic with more than one coach.

The San Juan ran with the same consist, but carried an extra coach as needed.