Re: How many cars can Hawaii #12 pull up the Loop?

Since this is all speculation, may I interject one other note. The operating Locos on the
Loop were rarely loaded to capacity as you and Jason are suggesting.
If you load down this 2-6-2 to its rated capacity repeatedly, by the end or even mid-season the tonnage rating will be a moot point as the locomotive will either:
a. be in need of major mechanical work to the runing gear
b. need a whole bunch of new staybolts (as the replacement boiler wasn't built to RR specs)
c. a combination of both
As for what the locomotive can pull? The answer is: Lots of cars on Maui (where it was constructed to be used); Not so many in Colorado (where NONE of the operating 3' gauges ever used a 2-6-2). Time will tell as to how many cars it can haul, but it is safe to say that the
passenger counts will not reach previous levels.
Unfortunately the CHS is going in with the attitude that they can do no wrong. They are in for a rude awakening. Perhaps the CHS knows so much more than the pros by procuring this locomotive.... but I doubt it.
Remember, the Loop locomotives put as many miles on per day as the C&TS locos (5 mi. x 2 x 6 trips) but it is ALL on 4% grade. Unless there is a midnight shift mechancal force or a backup loco, this little prairie will never take the load... it was never designed to. BTW... with all the cracks in the frame of the 74, unless the frame is completely replaced, its role will be tenuous, also.
Rick