description Durango & Silverton K-28 Overview
The K-28 class comprises narrow-gauge 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotives originally built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1923 for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Designed for the rugged three-foot narrow-gauge lines of Colorado, they were initially used for both freight and passenger services. Today, three of these historic locomotives survive and continue to operate on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. They remain a significant example of early 20th-century American narrow-gauge steam technology used in mountainous terrain.
insights Ranking position
Durango & Silverton K-28 ranks #98 of 397 in the Locomotive ranking, behind New York Central J-3a Hudson, ahead of Indian Railways WAG-12 (Wabtec).
help Durango & Silverton K-28 FAQ
What is the wheel arrangement of the Durango & Silverton K-28 locomotive?
The Durango & Silverton K-28 class locomotives have a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement, which is classified as the Mikado type. This configuration features two leading wheels, eight driving wheels, and two trailing wheels.
Who manufactured the original K-28 class locomotives for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad?
The K-28 class locomotives were built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1923. They were specifically designed to handle the rugged three-foot narrow-gauge rail lines in the mountains of Colorado.
Are the K-28 locomotives still operational on the Durango & Silverton Railroad today?
Yes, several K-28s, specifically numbered 470, 473, 476, and 478, are still operational and preserved by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. They are frequently used to pull the line's daily tourist excursions.
What is the difference between the K-28 and the larger K-36 class locomotives?
The K-28 class weighs less and has a slightly lower tractive effort than the K-36 class, making the K-28s better suited for the lighter rail and tighter clearances on certain branch lines. Both are narrow-gauge Mikados used on the historic Colorado routes.
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