As I have stated before, I would not be surprised if the locomotive trade is revisited. Why?— well with the new make-up of the commission it is more likely that the trade will be more favorably received. I believe the trade is really in the best interests of both the D&S and the C&TS.
For the D&S, they are in great need of more “big” locomotives. With four available K-36’s presently and having run four trains at the peak of the summer season, they aren’t left much extra for breakdowns and regular maintenance. Yes, they have the two operating K-28’s, but however good those engines are, they simply can’t pull what a K-36 can pull. If you were to put the K-28’s in the summer rotation, you would be compelled to run shorter trains. So I would imagine that the D&S would like to expand their fleet of K-36’s or K-37’s. It makes good business sense, and after all, the D&S is a business first and foremost. I think it is telling that earlier this year, the D&S chose to rebuild 493 over rebuilding 478. Clearly it was felt that a K-37 met their needs more than a third K-28.
The C&TS motivation in acquiring a K-28 is for its historic value rather than its pulling power. The fact is the C&TS has other “big engines” available for restoration to service, should that need arise— 492 and 497 come to mind. I would imagine that 478 would fill a role similar to 463. The reason that this is appealing to the C&TS is that it is a publicly owned entity and an operating museum. Trading the 483 for 478 would not compromise the operations on the C&TS, but would enhance the historic aspect of the C&TS.
On the other hand, while the D&S is run as a business, it’s historic aspect would not be affected as it would retain two K-28’s for operation, yet its operational capacity would clearly be enhanced with another K-36 in the stable.
I think when you look at the situation and ask yourself which railroad, in view of its particular needs, has the greater need for 483 and which has the greater need for 478, the trade absolutely makes good sense. It surely seems like a win-win for both railroads.
Bill M.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/16/2018 09:09PM by Bill M..
