Re: 493

My earlier statement....The running gear, pony and trailer trucks on the K-37s are the same as the K-36s. The D&RGW used the K-36s drawings to build the 37s...was only partially correct. Following is from my D&RGW notes.


DENVER & RIO GRANDE WESTERN RAILROAD
Alamosa, Colorado
October 17, 1946
Mr. L. H. Hale:

Your letter of October 16th, File 2, comparing action of 490 class engines in Marshall Pass territory with Cumbres territory, also if any trouble on Monarch Branch.

We have had trouble with engine trucks derailing both 480 and 490 class engines in Alamosa-Durango territory, also with 470 class engines when track conditions were the same as they are now on east side of Marshall Pass, namely curves slipping out of line due to moisture in ground. The last derailment of 480 class engine truck to my memory in Alamosa-Durango district was Engine 481 in Monero Canyon and apparently was due to high degree curve out of line to the extent roller swing bearing dislodged from normal fit and laid on side in a position it did not return to normal fit when curve changed back to proper degree further around the curve.

Engine trucks, rods, and other machinery are interchangeable on both engines, except trailers, and trailers on 490 class are the same as 470 class engines.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2019 10:22PM by Jerry474.