Re: #60 ~ A Little More.... Tonnage Ratings on the C&S

Posted by Mike Trent on Apr 03, 2016; 8:20pm
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/60-A-Little-More-Tonnage-Ratings-on-the-C-S-tp5040p5049.html

Hi Lee,

Those calls would have been made by the operating department, or maybe the Road Foreman of Engines. Heavy snow, or drifting would have probably called for extra power if available, but those issues would have been determined on a case by case basis. This information is related to common day to day operations. I don't believe weather related issues are covered in the rule book, other than if it affected the Conductor's duties.

#74 has a field weld in the frame just forward of the right cylinder. The break was caused by bucking snow somewhere near French Gulch, as I recall. Mickey Hansen did the welding, a much younger version than my Dad's old friend when I was a kid. So absolutely, weather in the High Country could always be a factor.

It is pretty certain that the roster of available power would have had to have an engine or two that could be brought out in emergency service. One would think that an extra locomotive would have been kept at Leadville if possible. Como did have an "emergency" engine in reserve for the passenger train, under steam.