Re: More K-28 Thoughts

Hi, Wade,
I couldn't agree more with your comments. I was sure that when I saw 487 and 498 under steam in Durango in the Summer of 1967 that would be the only chance I'd ever have to see the larger K class engines in service. And the sight of 315 at the Chamber up on Main St. was a sad sight indeed.
Regarding the pilots, they were part of the required package at the time on designated switching engines, along with the power reverse. There was also required wood footboards at the rear of the tenders, and also stirrup steps at the rear corners. In a previous discussion of this issue here on the NGDF, it was said that the FRA(?) required a certain number of engines to be designated as being in switching service, and the power reverse was by then required. In addition to 473 and 478, K-27's 453 and 464 were also so designated and outfitted, for use at Durango.
I don't believe 476 was ever in service with a switching pilot, and was the only K-28 to retain all four cast steps on her tender (which was switched with 473's tender in about 1971).