When?

wishiwasincolorado Wrote:
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>
> So my question now is what are the sharpest turns
> and steepest grades the D&RGW would allow on their
> narrow gauge mainlines?
>
Most of the information posted on this thread is accurate for the declining years of the D&RGW but not for earlier periods.
One thing that has been missed is that there was, right to the end, a curve of around 25 degrees under the snowsheds at Marshall Pass.
Many of the D&RG lines had original curves lessened over the years but I don't have data on from what. One where I do, the original line to Alamosa, had at least one 30 degree curve (Muleshoe Curve.) DSP&P had several 30-32 degree curves in the Platte Canon.
>
> Hecla
> branch that had to have specially modified
> locomotives just to run on because of the 5%
> grades.
>
I've seen it written that the grades on that branch approached 8%.
hank





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