I finally got the last engine I needed for my old fancy D&RG collection.
The 4-4-0 .
The 10 wheeler is an Annie I rebuilt/restored.
The 2-6-0 and 4-4-0 are new.
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Found a bonus when I took the bottom motor cover off the 4-4-0. She’s equipped with a brass drive gear.
Finished converting it to Railpro today.
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FYI:
During the 1880s, the Denver & Rio Grande (D&RG) primarily ran narrow-gauge, 2-8-0 “Consolidation” type steam locomotives, which were purchased in huge numbers to support the railroad’s rapid expansion. The D&RG also operated smaller steam engines, and by the end of the decade began standard-gauging some of its mainlines, requiring larger equipment.
Narrow-gauge steam locomotives
The vast majority of D&RG’s lines in the 1880s were narrow-gauge (3-foot), with its locomotives built by both the Baldwin and Grant Locomotive Works.
Class 60 / C-16
Wheel arrangement: 2-8-0 “Consolidation”.
Use: This massive fleet of engines was the railroad’s primary motive power throughout the 1880s and beyond, hauling both passenger and high-priority freight trains.
Timeline: Most were built between 1881 and 1882 during a period of massive expansion into Colorado and Utah.
Manufacturers: The fleet was built by both Grant Locomotive Works and Baldwin Locomotive Works.
Survivors: Several Class 60 engines still exist, including #268 in Gunnison, CO, and #278 near Cimarron, CO.
Class 56
Wheel arrangement: 2-8-0 “Consolidation”.
Use: These earlier, lighter consolidations were delivered starting in 1877.
Status: Most Class 56 locomotives were scrapped before the 1924 reclassification.
Class 70 / C-19 and Class 71 / C-17
Wheel arrangement: 2-8-0 “Consolidation”.
Use: These more powerful consolidations were acquired later in the 1880s.
Timeline: Class 70 engines were delivered starting in 1881.
History: The class 70/C-19 locomotives have a complex history that includes being converted to standard gauge and then back to narrow gauge before being reclassified.
Other narrow-gauge engines
American (4-4-0) and Ten-Wheeler (4-6-0): The D&RG purchased these engine types in the early 1880s, primarily for passenger service.
Moguls (2-6-0): These were also used, particularly for passenger service.
Standard-gauge engines
Starting in 1887, the D&RG began standard-gauging its mainline between Denver and Ogden, Utah, which required a new fleet of larger locomotives.
Consolidations (2-8-0): These were preferred for freight and helper service.
Ten-Wheelers (4-6-0): These were typically used for passenger trains on the new standard-gauge lines.
I would like to add a Bachmann C19 to add to my D&RG collection. Maybe some day if I could find one.
I have the Bachmann K 27.
John - If I ever decide to part with any of mine, you will be on the list to call!
At the moment, temptation to begin selling off stuff is great, but I know that I should wait until I know what my real needs are and then approach any sell off logically.