D&RG track upgrades for the 2-8-2s

The D&RG was generally careful to upgrade track , roadbed and bridges before allowing the heavier engines to operate on them . Chama to Cumbres was upgraded with 55-57 lb rail in 1908 .The mudhens were kept in helper service only on that segment till the line to Antonito was upgraded in the 1920-23 period ,in anticipation of the 470s and 480s . However, the "mudhens" ran to Santa Fe during WWI ,despite a lot of 40 lb rail . They also ran to Durango over the RGS ,despite a lot of light rail between Rico and Durango .They also went on the ground a lot on that segment , and preferred light engines on that segment . As most of you know , 2-8-2s were not allowed to run thye the Black ,Canyon of the Gunnison ,but htis was due to bridge restrictions . I highly recommend Dennis O'Berry's excellent "Mudhens" book ,as he explains in detail many of the problems the D&RG encountered when they first put these engines in service .