Re: Rio Grande bummers

As regards what steamed well and what didn't, all the k-36s were different from each other. 89 steamed very freely but was prone to spectacular failures, 88 was prone to setting the world on fire, 84 was the volkswagen and always got over the road, and 87 was a pretty good horse after the valves and cylinders were bored and got new rings. I was fond of the 97 though the fire door was very close to the floor which took some getting used to. I was very fond of the 63 but that may be mostly parental love. I dont think the regular guys were that fond of her. She had a small firebox and needed more attention than the big engines. Of course I didn't get out all that often, mostly just on helpers. But that is my recollection. However remember and this is important "A RAILROADER IS A MAN (OR WOMAN) WHO NEVER ALLOWED THE TRUTH TO STAND IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY"