Re: August 1982, SP 2-6-0 1744 near Heber City, Utah
Author: Tom Moungovan
Date: 02-19-2012 - 21:34
Interesting locomotive choice for the operation out of Alamosa...those 63" drivers are a great fit for the first hour on the valley floor, but when the grade starts in earnest for the climb to Fir, her low t.e. of around 33,000 lbs. really limits what she can haul. An modern SP Ten-Wheeler would do a little better with around 38,000 lbs. Just musing here, but the former SP&S 539, a heavy Mikado, should really be a puller with t.e. up over 60,000 lbs.
Anyway, nice photo as always Drew, thanks for taking the time to post same.