Re: My first trip to the Narrow Gauge - and some thoughts on change

John, loved reading your story and viewing the pictures that went along with it. You and so many others have been blessed with the ability to enjoy firsthand the Rio Grande, the way it was. Well into the preservation era, I treasure the memories I have of my first trip to NG country. Man oh man, whoever was at the throttle of 463 really knew how to quill the whistle...

I myself am exclusively around oil or wood burning engines most of the time, and can say there isn't much different between coal and oil burning locos. The sights and sounds are identical, just as thrilling. That being said, personally I think it would be nice to see at least one of each class of D&RGW engine preserved as a coal burner. 464 is oil, but 463 is coal. Set aside one K-36 and one K-37 to remain coal fired and convert the rest as needed. This may not be possible for the K-28's in Durango, but if converting 478 to oil means all three of their class is operational, so be it! I'd rather see a locomotive alive and well any day over sitting indefinitely in the shop due to fuel shortages, fire risk, etc.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2024 03:37PM by The Train Tracker.