Join the discussion on the following article:
Blackstone Models HOn3 K-27 2-8-2
I am very pleased with the way my locomotive, both in looks and how it runs. It used to be that if you wanted this level of both running and looks you would have had to pay around a grand, as a point in fact the first K-27 that I bought in the late 70’s cost about the same. The cab detailing was great, this big honking motor filling and sticking out the back of the cab and if you wanted to put a crew in it you were going to have to do something like a chainsaw massacre on them. I spent $75.00 getting it to run good and then spent another $75.00 on a paint job. I am at some point going to order a second and a third of these little jewels but HOn3 is not my main modeling scale, if I had known that this was coming I might have stayed in HOn3, but Bachmann wooed me over to the dark side of narrow gauge modeling and I have been very happy in On30 ever since. I highly recommend that any one that wants a K-27 buy one of these little jewels and Between Bachmann, MMI and Soundtraxx they have made modeling narrow gauge very easy
Great working engine! Runs and performs smoothly. I would recommend this engine for anyone with a HOn3 layout or motive for making one. Blackstone has really made HOn3 Colorado modeling easier. Can’t wait for Blackstone’s HOn3 cars to start hitting the shelves!
I wish that I could be as positive as others regarding the Blackstone K-27. I agree that the sound quality is great, and it is well detailed, but I have encountered several mechanical problems with the loco. The model I received had two problems out of the box. The screw used to attach the eccentric crank for the valve gear and the main rod to the third driver would not make up all the way. This left the eccentric crank loose and allowed it to flop around while operating the loco. The loco also had excessive mechanical noise in reverse with throttle setting between 15% and 30% of full throttle using a Digitrax system. I returned the loco to Blackstone Models for repair. The problem with the screw was corrected. However, I was told that this loco was as quiet as any. The noise problem was not addressed and continues to get worse. Since getting the loco back from Blackstone, I noticed the drivers would occasionally lock up briefly while the loco was running. Upon closer inspection, I found the screws in the driver counter weights on both of the third drivers protruded through the back of the counter weights. This allowed the screws to contact and foul on the loco frame while the loco was running. In addition, the plastic post that holds the drawbar connector to the engine has broken off. This occurred while I was reassembling the engine after looking for the source of the above driver locking problem. I believe the post may have had a fatigue failure. I have been handling the loco as recommended in the operations manual. Their recommendation is to grasp the engine at the cylinders with one hand and the tender with the other hand. This tends to subject this small plastic post to a higher than normal bending force.
I HAVE A HO SCALE LAYOUT AND I A WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE DETAIL ON THIS LOCO AND I MIGHT JUST BUILD A HOn3LAYOUT JUST FOR THIS LOCO. I HOPE THEY WILL PROUDUCE MORE HOn3 LOCOS
I have had no problems with this engine, it ran just great right out of the box. My club has a narrow gauge line that is about 240 feet long. This engine ran the entire loop for a few hours during open house with no problems. I think they have a winner here, I have 3 more on order.
La più bella locomotiva in H0n3 che sia mai stata prodotta. Ne ho comperate 2 e veramente viene voglia di costruire un impianto solo per loro. Speriamo che Blackstone faccia altri modelli allo stesso grado di dettagli e di funzionamento. Intanto un “bravi ragazzi” continuate così.
I have to say that I was pleased to find that all of the “good press” about this locomotive is true. I took the locomotive out of its packaging, set it on the rails, turned up the throttle…and it took off at a nice crawl. The motion is extremely smooth - no jerkiness, no matter how slow it is moving. The fact that it looks great is just icing on the cake! This is the nicest-looking, best-running locomotive I have ever owned.
Although I have not personally seen this locomotive, the judge one of the best products on the market.
I purchased four Blackstone K-27s as soon as they were released. They are all sound versions and the #455 RGS came weathered. Every one ran beautifully out of the box and I have found the sound to be satisfactory. The only better RTR I have is the Division Point, but the price differential makes the Blackstone product the winner by far.
I have already placed an order for two Blackstone C-19s that are due out near the end of 2010. (I have heard rumors that Blackstone is going to have a price increase effective February 1, 2010. but that orders placed before then will be at the current price.)
This sounds like a WINNER!!! 
After you’ve had them for a while problems develop.Siderods become entangled,decoders won’t come on and there are more problems that develop on their own. I’v had to send several of mine back to the factory several times due to mfg problems.One to have the motor replaced.It still doesn’t work right. As they get older you begin to see the mfg shortcuts. Its a shame because they have so much pleasure to offer. Still love them,warts and all.