Re: Feedwater heaters on the K series

As far as Mudhens having superheaters, the 455 recieved superheating when it had piston valves installed in 1925. The remainder of the Mudhens recieved superheaters in 1927 & 1928 with the exception of the #s 450, 451, 457, 460, & 462. All of these engines but the 462 were never fitted with piston valves and were cut up in 1939. Thus the 462 was the only piston valved Mudhen without superheating. This created such a pig of a locomotive, that it was rarely used by the D&RGW, and the RGS was stuck with it most of the time. That is why photos of the 462 in service on the D&RGW are so rare. It was scrapped in May 1950.