" I just hate the way the K-37's get a bad wrap--remember they were the primary source of power on the ng until the end. I believe there were more servicable K-37's in "68" than K-36's believe it or not. "
Actually according to my notes via Earl Knoob, there were 5 engines in freight service during 1968. 483,484,493,498,478. So, it was 50-50 for the 480's and 490's. 493 last ran in July, 484 and 498 ran last in August, and of coure 483 ran last in December. 478 was used several times out of Durango to Gato and back, and on trains to Farmington and back. We saw it on a RT in May 1968 to Farmington, then 498 the next day, and three locos at Chama the following day including 498,483, and 493.
As for speeds, the final day we chased 483 to Cumbres with 493 as pusher. 493 went ahead light. After watching 483 at Los Pinos we headed to Antonito and chased light engine 493 to Alamosa. Speed was a pretty steady 35 as I remember. I was shooting out the back of a truck camper. Thus 493 was the last engine I saw in steam during the freight days.
Greg