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Blackstone Models HOn3 2-8-0 steam locomotive
Nice review, but…
The five engines that were standard gauged went to the Rio Grande Western (RGW), not the Rio Grande Southern (RGS), which never had any standard gauge track. Ultimately the Rio Grande Western and the Denver and Rio Grande merged to form the more famous Denver and Rio Grande Western.
RGS #40 was scrapped as a result of the 1943 wreck. While #20 was repaired it should be noted that it is a 4-6-0 not a 2-8-0.
And finally, the #340 is also preserved and AFAIK was operating at Knotts as well as the #41.
If you want straight and flat on the narrow gauge, just look at the “raceway” between Alamoso and Antonito, and in dual gauge to boot. It would be interesting if Blackstone was to bring out the engine as modernized. And, why before the more numerous C-16’s?
I just received the black unlettered version. It’s a beautiful engine and runs well. I too found the bell volume very low, but adjusting CV130 did the trick. Once I put on custom decals and weather it up, she’s gonna be a “Beaut”.