Re: D&RGW K-37's

The 480's still have thier original tanks - at least those that haven't been replicated in recent history.
Shortly after the engines were built the coal bin was extended back a couple feet. The slope sheet in the coal space wasn't moved but the back wall was moved back to create a "shelf" that held an extra 1/2 ton of coal. That extra bit of coal saved my butt more than once.
Later the wood boards were added for additional capacity. The modifications were good for an extra 1 1/2 tons of coal.
In the 1930's flangers were applied to the pilot truck which filled in the space between the pilot truck frame and the pilot beam.
Without a doubt as built without the coal boards, doghouse and back up light , the 480's had a much longer, leaner look to them.
I recall having one tender without side boards and a doghouse for part of a summer and was suprized at how much better you could see when backing up without having to see over the taller coal pile and around the doghouse.