The plan was to not have a doghouse. Yes, why spend the money if it is not needed. However with Randy's (the D&S roundhouse foreman) approval for an outside source to build one at no cost to the railroad seems like a win win.
Remember 473,476, and 480 currently have doghouse. Also they are not completely unused, they often have tools and other supplies. Great place to keep water treatment. Also when the locomotives are used in Photo charters and lettered Rio Grande the dog house adds to authenticity.
Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.