Wade Hall Wrote:
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> The late George Headington, the former master
> mechanic in Salida, who I interviewed a number of
> years ago when researching my book about Salida,
> gave me some insights on the K-37's. They spent
> much of their time based out of Salida, until they
> were removed to Alamosa just prior to the Valley
> Line being abandoned. They had been the preferred
> power in Salida because they could pull more
> tonnage (coal) over Marshall Pass. When they were
> removed from Salida, part of the reason George
> stated was because they were
> "maintenance-intensive" locomotives and Alamosa
> was a better locale to base them for that reason.
> George related what El Coke mentioned
> specifically--spring problems being a continuing
> headache.
>
> Now, I happen to like the K-37's. My wish would
> be to see 493 removed from rotting away in
> Silverton and be restored to operation. I have a
> soft spot for it, since it was the first
> "non-K-28" I ever saw under steam on the D&RGW--in
> Durango in the 1960's. How I would love to
> revisit those days! I also have a real soft spot
> for the 463. That little K-27 just seems to have
> heart. It's nickname of "Thunderchicken" suits it
> well--it sounds great.
Yeah like the Durango and Silverton would do anything to restore them! There the ones that traded 497 for 482 remember! They should at least put them back together and give them a paint job! The Cumbres and Toltec display K-37 (494, and 495) look a heck of a lot better than them. Maybe the Cumbres and Toltec should buy them and put them back together and give them a paint job!