Train Basics Ask Trains Why ‘mudhens?’

Why ‘mudhens?’

By Angela Cotey | October 1, 2011

| Last updated on November 3, 2020


Ask Trains from the October 2011 issue

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Q Why are some Rio Grande steam locomotives referred to as “Mudhens?”
— 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

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