Narrow Gauge Talk Forum

Im kinda sad to see her along with RGS #42 just sitting there in the Durango Roundhouse. If she is still operational, then why are they not working on her? Note I started this topic in support for member k28drgw request to bring her back under steam.

Matt,

I was under the impression she is not operational... I knew two of the K-28s were in good shape at the D&S, but that one of them was in rough shape (possibly frame related?) and needed work. I think that one is 476.

Robert

The saddle needs some work, the way I understand it, the boiler wasnt secure and was jolting around. To fix this is really expensive.

Hey guys and thanks Matt. Reports are that her saddle is cracked and to fix her it would take lifting up the boiler. I which the money would come in that I can use to get it in the D&S shop to fix. Seems that the railroad know that something was worng for she was riding funny. I think they did to her as the 483 was to the C&TS, ridin hard and put away wet. But you know what a rebel yell it would be to see here being the first engine of the season to Silverton again. THE Silverton branch cover girl!

476's saddle is working in the frame. The steel keys that fit into tapered slots to hold all of it tight worked loose (and fell out?) causing the cylinders to start to work in the frame. With the cylinders moving, the machine tapered bolts holding the smokebox to the saddle and the saddle to the frame began to work loose too. The bottom of the smokebox is probably rotten enough to have the saddle bolt holes wallowed out.

The fix is to have the saddle/frame and saddle/smokebox holes re-reemed to the right taper and new bolts fitted. A new smokebox bottom probably needs to be made. After this the keyways need need to welded up, re-machined and new wedge keys fitted up. It's a bunch of work, but could be accomplished without lifting the boiler. While removing the boiler might make the job easier, the task of removing and re-installing the boiler is a big job in itself. The amount of time and cubic $$$ involved with this project is why 476 remains parked. Especially when the D&S gets along pretty well without it.

Many of our summer time trains are a little much for a K-28 anyway. Typically, anything over nine cars will see a K-36.

With four K-36's kept in service throughout the summer, and three trains there really isn't much need to keep all three 28's running. Last season we only ran the 473, and that worked out pretty well. She would be used on smaller trains, helper service and sections. As well as a few extra trains. It will probably be the same thing this season, but anything can happen.

Only a few enginemen at the railroad currently have been on the 76, most have not. It's said that it was a crew favorite.

There's far more work that needs to go into it than fixing the saddle. Many, many new appliances would be required as well as a form four. That isn't saying it won't run again, but it just isn't needed. It does serve a good purpose in the museum, by giving visitors a chance to be in the cab of an engine that has sisters still in operation without paying the 1000 dollar cab ride fee.

-Jon

OK OK But what if she went to the C&TS? Then just think of a k-27,k-28,k-36 and if they get ether 97 or 92 running!? That would be pretty cool.....but I wonder if al h would sell her. What the thought on that guys? Jon the 76 as I said was dear to my great uncle. Broke his heart when he found out she was parked. But it does make since for the money makers to be running. Hows 481 doing? she's my favorite outta the 36's even got a HOn3 of her. HMMMM I should do a drawing of her.

k28DRGW,
I doubt the Cumbres and Toltec would do anything with her even if the D&S parted ways. The C&T has a smaller budget and already has 4 and soon 5 locomotives to keep in operation. If you add a K-37, that's 6, and I see no reason why they need 6 or more locomotives in operation.

Also, I believe if they had the money, they'd put it towards a 483 restoration.

Just my 2 1/2 cents.

WELL>>..........LOL I understand that the 83 is the C&TS baby. Just wish she'd be running again. I better shut up and win the lottery to fix her. ah helll I'd buy her and then us boys can to charterruns on both! tho my back yard is a little to sub. to fit her here