Detail of a K37 class steam engine locomotive, for the Cumbres & Toltec narrow gauge railroad, in Chama, New Mexico.
This particular locomotive was not in service and was sitting in the trainyard, awaiting maintenance. The "K" in the designation refers to the type of axle arrangement. Such engines have a wheel 2-8-2 arrangement in which the front and back 2 wheels are not driven by the engine. Evidently the arrangement allows for a more efficient placement of the firebox. The "37" in the designation refers to the 37,000 pounds of pulling force.
Despite the massive power such a locomotive unleashes, when it is in full operation, it is in no way immune from the bondage of corruption. Cracked and peeling paint, rust eating its way across the metal. Left alone, it will decay into nothing.
I was recently honored to have this image featured in the WeeklyShot category of Texture.
- image © 2005 A. R. Lopez
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