D&RGW No. 492 is a K-37 class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type narrow gauge steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, PA in 1902 for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG), later known as the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW), originally as a standard gauge C-41 class 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type locomotive. It was later rebuilt into a narrow gauge 2-8-2 type locomotive by the D&RGW's Burnham Shops in 1928 and reclassified as a K-37.
It was used mostly in freight service on the D&RGW narrow gauge system, sometimes on the Chili Line between Antonito, CO and Santa Fe, NM and doubleheaded mostly with class K-36 locomotive 484. In 1968, the D&RGW discontinued regular steam operations on their narrow gauge system and it was soon after retired from service. In 1970, it was sold to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS) between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. It is one of four class K-37 locomotives currently owned by the C&TS, the others being Nos. 494, 495, and 497.
On February 16, 2022, the C&TS announced that it and 497 will both be evaluated to see which one is the best candidate for restoration back to operating condition. After careful evaluation, it was later confirmed that it had been chosen for the restoration instead of 497. As of May 2023, it is currently being restored to operating condition by the C&TS. On August 9, 2023, it was moved off of the stub track in Chama, NM next to the Chama roundhouse where it will be moved into the Chama roundhouse for the restoration process. The plan is to temporarily use 497's tender and to restore 492 as a coal burner. However, if it becomes economically feasible to restore 497 back to operation again in the not-too-distant future, the C&TS will build a new tender for 492.
Trivia[]
- No. 492 was given the smokebox front of sister class K-37 locomotive No. 490, which was scrapped after its retirement from the D&RGW.
- In May 2023, it was announced that No. 490's whistle would be donated to the C&TS for No. 492's restoration to operating condition.
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