Kevin,
Never gotten to ride in the Eureka, but Dan was gracious enough to let us in the cab on the Silverton siding while waiting for the regular to arrive. It is nothing less than a spectacular locomotive.
I have had the pleasure of chasing the Eureka up to the old 550 crossing just before Rockwood. I was not there to see them load the tender if they did. On this particular day (Railfest 2010) there were something like 6 trains passing through Rockwood in a matter of an hour or two. We chased 2 up the hill (Eureka was the first) and then stayed to watch the rest come in. If I remember correctly, it was 480, 481, and 486 with the regular trains, 315 with the green coach train, Goose 5, and Eureka. It was a blast to watch that many trains pass through in such a short time. By the time one was arriving, another was leaving, and as soon as one left, yet another whistle was hear around the bend...
Seeing Eureka parked next to a K-36 is kind of like seeing a golf cart sitting next to a Mack truck!!! Such a wonderful piece of history to have preserved. I cant wait to see the pair of them together in August!!!!
Casey