C&TS No. 494 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 190 class 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type standard gauge locomotive. It was rebuilt into a 2-8-2 type locomotive in 1928, reclassified as a K-37, and served along the D&RGW narrow gauge system until its retirement in 1962. In 1970, it was sold to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS) between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO, but was never restored to operating condition.
As of today, the locomotive is on static display in Antonito, CO alongside No. 495 while two of its closest relatives, Nos. 492 and 497, are both being evaluated for restoration back to operating condition. It is currently one of four K-37 class locomotives currently owned by the C&TS, the others being Nos. 492, 495, and 497.
Trivia[]
- The engine can be seen in Herron Rail Video's Narrow Gauge Glory Volume 1.