Re: 494 & 495

I wondered the same about 497. 498 looks messed up because she was the road engine and 497 was helper. 497 went in the ditch and then 498 hit the ties, turned over, and came to rest EAST of 497 on an eastbound freight. There are some pictures in the history section of TICKET TO TOLTEC. But, I think that if either frame was bent, the D&RGW would have retired the errant engine and put on of the other out of service engines on line. 492 is in at least reasonable shape after her August 1962 mishap at Navajo Rock at which time she got 490's front end. Something strange happened after 497 hit the ties in 2000. she was bound for Antonito and derailed and then run back the Chama for repairs and the front truck swap with 492. Why not take the front truck off of 494 or 495. I personally feel that even if they won't run for quite some time, 494 and 495 should not be sectioned because they are historic pieces that are in limited numbers from the D&RGW. Maybe one of them should be given back the old identity on the 4'8.5" gauge (sorry, but I had to bring it up even though this is the NGDF) and placed back on standard wheels.