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Steam Locomotive |
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DENVER & RIO GRAND WESTERN |
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With the completion of the Western Pacific in 1910, the Rio Grande's traffic pattern changed and " bridge line" traffic became the order of the day. This necessitated the purchase of faster, more powerful locomotives. The need was addressed by the purchase of fourteen Baldwin 2-8-2s in 1912. Numbered 1200-1213, the Class K-59 Mikes came with 63-inch drivers and superheating, but lacked mechanical stokers. Principal mainline freight power, they were placed by larger 4-8-2s in 1922, when they were demoted to secondary mainline operation. When the Dotsero cut-off was completed in 1934, the K-59s were upgraded with mechanical stokers, syphons and power reverses, resulting in re-assignment to passenger service! Superseded by 4-8-4s during World War Two, the 59s finished their service back on the secondary mainlines. Though half were scrapped by 1948, the others lasted until 1956 when #1207 was the last scrapped.
The Division Point and our premier steam builder Boo-Rim Precision will bring you these neglected "Mikes" in "Scenic Route" and "Flying Grande" graphics. Call your dealer and get those reservations in!
| As usual, we are indebted to those folks who publish the information and photos we need. We urge you to buy their books and photos. |
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Photos are coming!
| Baldwin-built in 1912, Class K-59 2-8-2 "Mikado"; 63-inch drivers, Walschaert valve gear, spoked wheels, stokers added; 13,000-gal/20-ton(coal boards) 4-axle tender w/"dog house", black boiler | ||
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| DP-2460 Denver & Rio Grand Western #TBD, Class K-59 2-8-2 (Series 1200-1213), circa 1934-1940, "Scenic Route" graphics for passenger service, smoke deflector |  |
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| DP-2462 Denver & Rio Grand Western #TBD, Class K-59 2-8-2 (Series 1200-1213), circa 1941-1956, "Flying Grande" graphics, for dual-service, smoke deflector, black boiler | |
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