The 473 is certainly the favorite of both the crews and the roundhouse of the D&S for its ease of operations & maintenance, and of course its the all round favorite of the local foamers.
I own the 1940-2010 Trains DVD collection and I find it fascinating that the 473 rates a cover photograph for its 5th issue, June 1941. Consider the vast difference in the railroad environments. Instead of being a lonely survivor it was just one of ten K-27s, or for that matter just one of tens of thousands steam engines that were the very backbone of American (or world railroading).
As common as dirt as my grandfather would say.
Only a few high class novelty streamliners and a few diesel switchers were out there. Except for those FTs ominously growing in the far distance...
And of all the steam engines that graced the covers & pages of Trains the 473 is the one that even as of March 8 2017 is still at work on its original line doing its original work. A true favorite and the ultimate survivor.
Makes me all sniffly...think I'll use my annual pass & catch a ride behind the 473 tomorrow.
The Other Hank
Husker Hank
Durango CO