I spoke to the fellows at the Friends of the C&TS table at the Big E show. They didn't have any info on the D&RG style flanger blade that is on the front of the K-36s, etc. They suggested contacting the C&TS and/or D&S shop foreman. They told me that one of the D&S engines has the flanger blade in place so there would be info available on its design. As Jason noted, a small flanger blade could be added to 52 which would give the loco better clearing ability. That's probably the easiest way to get a flanger on the line. 52 clears pretty well when (as Mike noted) you plow up to a crossing, stop, then hand shovel the crossing. This gives you an idea what is under the snow, especially if the road was plowed. You clear the flangeways then back the engine and run forward, through the North end of the crossing. We did this when I worked on the Stewartstown RR because we derailed the 44 tonner one time on ice at a dirt road crossing. We used to apply salt when the temps were above 20. It worked well when the sun was out. I know salt has been used on the narrow gauge, it's good if you can get it down a day or so before you plow.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I like the idea of having a reproduction of the original WW&F flanger. It would be handy in Winter and could be used to carry tools, etc. at other times of the year. Of course it's a non-revenue car so building it would be a few years down the track.
Stewart