Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

The daily train has left. These two are standing by.
The one on the left is a K27 series and the other is a K36 series.
The K27 had a nickname, the Mud Hen. I don't know the name came about.
There were 15 K27s originally ordered and they came with the Vauclain compound cylinders.
The compound cylinder had problems and were switched back to regular cylinders some time later.
The K27 has an existing sister, numbered 464.
It is located in Flint, MI and operates daily (Huckleberry Steam Train).
Jinx & I rode it several years ago when we were in the area.
Pat

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RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Good to see. Thanks for posting.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

According to 'American-rails.com' speaking of the Baldwin K-27..."The origin of their nickname as "Mudhens" has never been fully understood; one version of the story states the term came about because the Mikados were prone to derailments on the tight curves and poorly maintained narrow-gauge trackage. As they skipped and waddled along the ties the locomotive's looked like a hen, giving them their nickname. However, another version says that because of their low center of gravity and having their counterweights (or cranks) situated beyond the width of the rails (due to their outside frames) they appeared to weave and bob down the rough track giving them the name "Mudhen."" The second theory, the low center of gravity one, seems to be the more common theory for the source of the name Mudhen.

As a side note, the 27 of the K-27 designation refers to the locomotive's tractive effort rating of 27,000 pounds. The "K" is in reference to the locomotive's design - miKados.

Pat - have they been running double-headed out of Chama often this year?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

That is a great shot Pat!

And thank you for the backstory which compliments that great shot.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thanks, Richard!!

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I had not heard of the three origins of the name, Mudhens. Interesting!
Also, I had not heard of the explanation of K-27 designation.

They ran two locomotives 3 or 4 times last week.
Everytime, #463 was hooked up to the train first and then a K-36.
At Cumbres Pass, the K-36 (they would use different ones) would disconnect and return to Chama.
Pat

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thank you!!
Pat

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Fred, as of this past Saturday, for the month of July the RR had run 15 double headers.
The troubles at the Durango & Silverton has diverted many of their customers to the C&TS. The number of riders has been up prior to that though. Possibly due to the economy and better marketing.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Nice shot Pat!
and my wife thanks you '63 is her favorite

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice shot Pat.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thanks, everyone!
Pat

Mtn.Skipper Loc: Jerome, Idaho