Q Why are some Rio Grande steam locomotives referred to as “Mudhens?”
— Larry Beck, Susanville, Calif.
— Larry Beck, Susanville, Calif.
A The term “Mudhen” refers to 15 Denver & Rio Grande Western class K-27 2-8-2s, Nos. 450-464, built by Baldwin in 1903. Two K-27 Mudhens are left: No. 463, under restoration at the C&TS and No. 464, in operation at the Huckleberry Railroad in Michigan. One explanation for their name is that they were about as ugly as a muddy chicken. Another theory we’ve seen is that they were prone to derailments and often got covered in mud when they would turn over on their sides.
— Jim Wrinn and Rob McGonigal
