Articulation. How do you get a 2-6-6-2 locomotive around a sharp curve? The answer is articulation. This engine has two sets of drivers. the boiler and tank sits firmly over the rear set and the front set, along with the (huge) pilot pivots on its own. So, this engine is a bit like a pair of 0-6-0s double-heading...and sharing one boiler carried by the road engine....if that makes any sense. The articulation is difficult to see for a stationary observer trackside, but if you ride in the front of the coach that sits just behind the locomotive on the return trip from Keystone to Hill City, you'll see quite a show. The locomotive is running in reverse on that segment of the trip, so the smokebox is directly in front of the coach windows. I had the pleasure of watching this show with Asst. Maintenance Operations Manager Scott Harlan, for most of the return trip. Scott indicates that the railroad has purchased a second, nearly identical 2-6-6-2T (which will be BHCR #108), and is currently restoring it to operation. They hope to have it running on this most interesting line within the next couple of years.
