Re: Farmington SG

Prior to C. Bradshaw purchasing the Silverton Branch and upgrading it, neither the 480's or the 490's were allowed past either Rockwood or Cascade due to clearance and bridge weight problems. I am sure that on the RMRR excursions these trains were pulled with 470 series locomotives, not 480's or 490's. Now the D&SNG is running standard gauge stock cars converted into the open rider cars. The D&SNG was willing to let loose of the 497 because of problems they encountered with "kicking" curves out of alignment due to the added weight and slightly longer wheelbase, which accounts for the longer trailing truck on the 490's than on the 480's.
Hope this helps with your question.
Mark Y.