guymonmd Wrote:
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> It was my understanding that 493 was being
> restored and converted for oil burning for use in
> times of high fire danger, and they would use the
> the coal-burners at other times.
> They are also purchasing 2 new diesel loco's for
> use during times if high fire danger.
> I'd like to see another k-37 restored and used,
> but I think for operations during lower fire
> danger they have all the power they need.
> I don't know how much the diesels will be able to
> pull, and many riders like myself would much
> rather ride behind a steam locomotive than a
> diesel, and with the 493 and 2 diesels they might
> be limited to 2 trains a day during high fire
> danger. They might like to have another oil
> burning steamer they can use, but as to if they
> will convert a k-36 to oil burning during the next
> scheduled overhaul or restore another k-37, only
> the D&S can say. We'll just have to wait and
> see.
>
> I would not be surprised if over the next 10-15
> years if they convert all their k-36's to oil
> burning if the 493 works out for them.
The reason the 493 restoration started is because the D&SNG needed another large engine to keep up with the demand. As pointed out the rebuild was accelerated due to the 416 fire when 493 was then deemed necessary to make her an oil burner. In order for the D&SNG to do complete and major overhauls like they did on the 476 another large loco was needed in the rotation. 493 will be used as much as any operating loco today as it is part of the normal operating plan moving forward. This was a crucial step to ensuring the shop crews had time to really take the time needed for a full teardown and rebuild of every operating locomotive. I heard 486 is next in line for the major rebuild so we wont see or hear her for at least 18 months from the completion of 493.
William
aka drgwk37
