The K-27 is a class of 3 ft 0 in (914 mm) narrow gauge 2-8-2 steam locomotives built for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1903. Known by their nickname "Mudhens," they were the first and the most numerous of the four K classes of Rio Grande narrow gauge engines to be built. Of the original fleet of 15 locomotives, two survive to this day and operate on heritage railways in the United States. Fifteen locomotives were built, originally class 125, they were reclassified as K-27s in 1924 when the Denver and Rio Grande became the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In the D&RGW's classification system, K was short for MiKado while 27 referred to the engine's 27,000 lbf of tractive effort. The K-27s were built as Vauclain compounds, with two cylinders on each side, expanding the steam once in the smaller cylinder and then a second time in the larger one. The extra maintenance costs of the two cylinders were greater than the fuel saving, so they were converted to simple expansion in 1907–1909. As a result, the K-27s were the Rio Grande's last purchase of compound locomotives. They were built with their main structural frames outside the driving wheels, with the counterweights and rods attached outside the frames.
They pulled freight, passenger and mixed trains on the D&RGW in and over the Colorado Rocky Mountains, traversing the entire length of the railroad. Many of them also spent time on the Rio Grande's subsidiary, the Rio Grande Southern. In later years, some were used as switchers at the D&RGW's yards in Durango, Gunnison, and Montrose.
Recorded from D&RGW (Cumbres and Toltec) K-27 463
Whistles:
CV163=0 UP 844 "Steamboat"
CV163=1 SP&S 3 Chime
CV163=2 Steamboat 3 Chime
CV163=3 SP 4449 Daylight
CV163=4 DRG&W 5 Chime
CV163=5 SOO Line 1003
CV163=6 DL&W 5 Chime
CV163=7 WM 6 Chime
CV163=8 DRGW 463 - Default
CV163=9 DRGW 484
CV163=10 DRGW 488
Bells:
CV164=0 Pnuematic Bell 1
CV164=1 Pnuematic Bell 2
CV164=2 Pnuematic Bell 3
CV164=3 Steam Loco Rope Pull Bell
CV164=4 SOO Line 1003 Bell
CV164=5 UP 844 Air Ringer Bell
CV164=6 SP 4449 Bell
CV164=7 DRG&W K27 Bell - Default
Dynamos:
CV165=0 Soo Line 1003 Dynamo
CV165=1 K27 463 Dynamo - Default
CV165=2 SPTriple Dynamo
CV165=3 UP Dual Dynamo
CV165=4 Z27 Dynamo
CV165=5 T16.1 Dynamo
Air Pumps
CV166=0 Cross Compound #1 Soo Line 1003
CV166=1 Cross Compound #2 K27 463 - Default
CV166=2 Cross Compound #3 SP 4449
CV166=3 Cross Compound #4UP 844
CV166=4 Single Stage #1 Z27
CV166=5 Single Stage #2 T16.1
The ESU Full Throttle Steam files now include a few new logic features for added operational realism while still leaving you in control of HOW YOU wish to run your locomotive.
Heavy Load: F9 by default.
Similar to the “Drive Hold” button on the Full Throttle Diesel files “Heavy Load” allows you to adjust the “Steam Cut Off Valve” at any speed allowing for a fierce full chuff or drifting with snifters and rod clanks. Heavy load can also act as an offset allowing speed adjustments when engaged if desired.
Coast: F4 by default.
Opposite of “Heavy Load” Coast allows for a negative offset allow drifting sounds of Rods and snifter valves at any speed. You again have the option to hold the speed to adjust the speed with this offset active. Even allowing for an increase of speed with no chuffs as if drifting downhill.
Independent brake: F10 by default
Identical to the Full Throttle Diesel files. This allows for the locomotive to stop more quickly than its regular momentum would normally carry it. This one is pretty self-explanatory – just press the brake and come to a stop! For additional options there are 3 Braking rates that can be set up for user preference.
Articulation: Sound Slot 2
By adding Sound Slot 2 to the F8 Function Mapping and enabling the "Secondary Trigger" (CV250) you can add a second set of drivers making any ESU Steam File articulated.
Function Mappable Air Horn: F21 by default
Sound Slot 21.
Many Steam locomotives had a single chime airhorn equipped. Those modelling SP, MILW, and others can now have this feature and put it where they would like in the function mapping in addition to the whistle.
S0586 - Release Notes
===================================================
V-2 R-2:
===================================================
- updated independent brake
- updated boiler hiss
V-3 R-3:
===================================================
- updated steam chuff sound slot
V-4 R-4:
===================================================
- changed whistle sound slot 3 maximum sound slot speed to 128