Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Hi,

Currently (Nov 2016) there are 4 K36 locos operational and the K27 463.

Assuming that money is not a problem, what would the best number of locomotives needed for operations and why?

I've heard rumors that a sixth locomotive would be best. I've also heard that 463 is a problem in current operations due to the lower Tractive Effrot.

Thanks.

Doug vV

I thought they only had 3 K-36 engines in service the last few years as 488 has had a long return to service.

484,487,489. did i miss one?

Tom C.

Tom, '88 was only out of operation during this past season. That was an unusual situation because the new boiler tubes that were required to finish the 1472 FRA inspection were not available in time for it to be completed by the season start. Under normal operating conditions the railroad can operate with just 3 K-36s but they would much prefer to spread the operating time over 4 engines. This extends the time between the expenses of a 1472.
463 as an older and smaller engine works very well for the railroad when used within it's capabilities. As an example when the K27 is used during a double header situation where the consist is heavy enough to require more than one K36 but a second one would be over kill then 463 adds the extra power, saving on operating time for a K36.
If money were not a problem? The more engines the better. If a major mechanical problem pops up having reserve engines available is sweet.
Fortunately this past season it appeared (from the side lines) that there were no major breakdowns which would have made shuffling the engines a problem.

Hi,

Thanks for the information about locomotive requirements.

Is there any idea about what threshold(s) might trigger a need (not want) another operational K36 or K37 locomotive?

Thanks.

Doug vV

more riders and dollars

Tom C.

The 2019 season should see 315, 463, 484, 487, 488 and 489 serviceable throughout the season, with 168 expected to join them at the years end. Any announcements on which engines will be on opening duty, and whether 489 will be one of them?