In 1925 the Rutland needed some modern, heavier passenger power, and received class K-1 Pacifics. These were successful, able machines, but required two firemen till stokers were later applied. Pleased with the K-1s, and seeing the need for still more, modern Pacifics, Rutland returned to Alco for 3 more locomotives in 1929. The slightly heavier, higher t.e. K-2s, # 83-85 were quite modern machines. They were built with stokers, and Elesco exhaust steam injectors on the right hand side. They too were quite sucessful machines. However, the depression came at about the same time, and Rutland did not order new steam again until class L 4-8-2s in 1946. Those short lived machines were Rutland's last new steam locomotives.
The Eddystone model has a curious history. Back in the 1990s
a Rutland devotee ordered a custom built K 2. This he ran so much that
he sent it back years later with egged side rod journals. That happens
to HO locomotives which run up really high miles. His locomotive was overhauled,
and runs to this day. In any event, another Rutland fan saw the picture
in this website of the first locomotive, and wanted two built.
In order to assure a high level of consistency in construction details,
I tooled the project for urethane castings, rather than building from
scratch. So, if other Rutland fans want copies, they can be made.
Note that the Elexco exhaust steam injector is mounted in close proximity
to the trailing truck. This limits truck swing, and radiuses of 30"
or better are required. A static model can also be built, at lower cost
if you would like to gloat over it at home, or at the office.
The loco was developed from Alco drawings and Al Armitage
drawings ( for tender construction), as well as photos and old interview
notes. You have a choice of Eddystone's As 36 or As 28 drive. Both give
smooth, quiet power, the As 28 yields higher top end speeds.These are
powerful locomotives, and will handle substantial consists. My first K
2 customer is a ballast scorcher, are you? Digitrax and Soundtraxx T'sunami
decoders are optional. Crew, coal tools, and MV Products lenses are standard.
Light or heavy weathering is optional. Bowser 73" drivers are used,
the main driver must be blind so that the drivers don't foul one another.