related question: Did the SP use the 80" drivered GS-4's on the Donner route? I was not in California for that - missed it by a few years.

I think the point about Kiefer's genius was that he accomplished a very powerful, innovative locomotive that would conform to tight clearances in the eastern end of the line. And a signature modern look. Too bad it could not have been accomplished earlier because of the war. There might have been time to iron out the bugs.

I think it was a much better attempt than the Pennsy's T-1, etc. The PRR tended toward the eccentric and small power for a mountain road. Belpaire boilers and no articulateds ever AFAIK. I'd guess the N&W A 2-6-6-4 would have performed quite well on the Horseshoe Curve.

Speaking of which I read today the last A, the 1218, is missing a lot of parts due to its being rebuilt at the time the N&W dumped its steam program. There's a lesson and a caution there.

The NYC was one of the worst RR's in re locomotive donation and preservation. Ironically the N&W was lacking too considering it championed steam for so long. The 1218 was bought by Union Carbide to use as s stationary boiler. Just luck it lasted till a change of mindset.