Re: Alpine Tunnel Glass

Posted by Chris Walker on Oct 10, 2017; 9:32pm
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Alpine-Tunnel-Glass-tp9540p9690.html

John Droste wrote

Chris, I do not know or understand the layout of the land or even the interconnecting maps to be precise. Somebody did mention in the DSP group years ago, 'rumour' of a photo a K exiting the tunnel.
But I wonder then, if a standard gauge snowplow on narrow gauge trucks can reach and pass through the tunnel, why not a K? Albeit a dead and empty K with possibly the drivers and or the connecting rods removed.
But for my individual pursuit too, perhaps the needs of the K to be on the Alpine pass route need not be the case either. For as I mentioned before, it was the road between Denver and Leadville that was broken, requiring the engine to be moved to Como for repairs.
So I am thinking between Buena Vista and Leadville. I need to and will learn about these things. Same as I did the depot, to reach understanding.

John,

every two years you seem to have resurrected this "K in Como rumor", I was going to collate an article and timeline but after having re-read the D&RGW Yahoo Group answers to you from many people, that you haven't seemed to have taken on board, I'll give that away.
 
Just keep in mind that the 1903 built Class 125 (K-27) was a big loco for that time, built as a Vauclain compound and not successful,
15 were purchased for the Marshall Pass line between Salida and Crested Butte, which had to be upgraded prior to operation, at that time the heaviest were Class 70/71 (C-19/C-17),  
prior to early 1911 the class were confined to Salida-Gunnison (more likely to Sargents) awaiting Bridge strengthening at Almont on the C.B branch.
first loco's in the class converted to simple in 1905,
two K-27's to upgraded Chama-Cumbres line in 1917,
Como shops discontinued circa 1910,
C&S had to rebuild their lines to handle the #74-#75-#76-#537 after circa 1923 before use,
K-27 to long for the Como turntable without disconnecting tender,
K-27 pilot plows were not seen in photo's before 1940's, prior to that large wedge plows were fitted as were to C-class.
Finally the Salida Leadville line was standard gauge and operated as such as part of the D&RG Denver to Salt Lake mainline. NG power would most likely be transited between Sal-Leadville and there is no mention anywhere of a K-27 or larger ever running to Leadville that I have read.