483 QUESTION

[Claude Wilkerson]

i AM IN THE PROCESS OF DIGITISING OLD NEGATIVES WHEN I CAM ACROSS TWO TRIP ON THE C&TS IN THE EARLY 70'S BOTH PULLED BY 483. JUST CURIOUS, WHEN DID 483 MAKE IT'S LAST RUN

[Jonathan Cordova]

the 483 was a mainstay at the C&TS until 1977, when she was set aside because she was pretty thoroughly worn out. With other engines as better restoration candidates, the 483 was parked and became a parts source for her sisters, looking more and more like a skeleton with each passing year, as the grass grew up around her on the Chama dead-line. She hasn't turned a wheel in 40 years. Although there are lots of steam locomotives in similar or much worse shape around the US, the 483 is unique in that she's the only survivor of her class that is not operational. Of the 10 K-36s built, one (485) was scrapped after taking a tumble into a turntable pit in 1955, but 8 others are currently in service. Four are on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, and 4 more serve the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Only the 483 sits idle.

[Jonathan Cordova]

[Jack Spencer]

I have heard a rumour that 483 may be restored after 168 is finished. Then they would do 497. That is just something I've heard. They may focus on the 1472 on 489 and the repairs on 487 before 483 is started in earnest.

[Claude Wilkerson]

the best i can tell from old photos it was 1973 and 1975 when we were there. i sure would like to take another ride on 483, here's hoping that they restore her one day