I was a young fireman on one of the K-M's on a run back to Roseveille from Gerber, CA (Gerber was the intermediate crew change point at that time,) and we were south (the SP called it west in those days) of Gridley, CA when the drive shaft from the rear engine/transmission came loose from where it was attached to the leading rear final drive unit on the trucks.

Needless to say all hell broke loose back there, the engineer stopping the train to see what had gone wrong.

After alll was said and done, the dispatcher contacted and notified that one of the magaical Germans had fallen down on the job again, we were told to proceed to Roseville. We did just that. But what was surprising was that all that was done upon our arrival was to add another unit to the point and forward the train on to L.A.

Did not take too much particular notice in those days, but I want ot recall the unit was scrapped do to the heavy damgae sustained to the transmission and drive train. The reason for the scarpping was more than likely all of the K-M's were now listed on the engine roster as "Reasearch and Developement" which in SPRR parlance meant "write off the cost of purchase and maintenacne."

Was told that the real reason for SP buying the K-M's was to prod EMD into building high HP locos which at that time they were VERY reluctant to put R&D money into.

History class is now over.

RR Gary