I have searched until I’m blue to try and find an HO structure kit for the Durango Colorado Depot. I see the building at the top of page 104 in the Septemberissue of model railroader. Does anyone know if this kits exist and where I can find it?
Thanks
Ron,
Back in 1991 I worked for Colorado Tree Company and we made an HO kit of this structure before I started. I’m not sure if these kits are still around, as they were craftsman kits and produced in limited runs. However, I live 4 blocks north and 3 blocks west of that building and I could easily shoot some photos of it for you. I’m not sure what it looked like at the turn of the century, but all the photos around town seem to indicate that it hasn’t changed much on the outside. However, I’m fairly certain the gift shops weren’t part of the interior back then. When you start researching where the railroad was just a few years ago in this town, you realize that it ran all over the place compared to the line still in existence. Anyway, I’d be happy to help. Let me know.
RCHarris
Durango, CO
Ryan,
Thanks for your very generous offer! My family and I have been visiting Durango every other year for the past six years and we ride the train every time. Luckily, I’ve taken plenty of vacation pictures of the train and its station. On our last visit to the depot in June I bought the HO scale of the train for my four year old son and have just put it up around the top of his room and am planning to put up structures that are along the line. Now, of course, I’m hooked on model railroading. I have been disappointed in the lack of historical structure kits for the D&SNGR line. (Durango, Silverton depot, Strater Hotel). Since I am new at this, the task of building from the ground up seems daunting. Thanks so much for your reply and very generous offer, you’ve given me the first glimmer of hope to finding a kit. If I can track it down I’ll treat you to one on the house at the Diamond Belle.
Ron
Shreveport, LA
Ryan,
Forgot to ask. How do I get in touch with the Colorado Tree Company-or is it no longer in existance.
Thanks
Ron
Ron,
As far as I know, it is no longer in existence. I have been looking around on the internet for any trace of the company or the owner, *** Strobel, for the past few years. Maybe you could contact Caboose Hobbies in Denver. I know Colorado Tree Company sold some of it’s product through Caboose and when I was there last they had a pretty large selection of structures relating to Narrow Gauge Lines in the Rockies. Best of luck to you.
Ryan
P.S. The Diamond Belle was the first place my wife and I went after we got married.
Just saw your post. Have you found the Durango Depot yet? Model Masterpieces made an HO scale Durango Depot as part of its Colorado Centennial Series in 1975. Its a spectacular kit faithful to the 1940’s appearance of the depot. According to the history of the depot by Robert Sloan included in the kit, the Durango Depot was one of the largest narrow guage stations ever built. The finished depot measures 22" x 5" by 6" The instructions include a layout of the Durango yards circa 1947. You might find a kit on ebay or Yahoo auctions if you keep checking. You could also run a want ad in the Narrow Guage Gazette.
I know that I am replying to a post from 22 years ago but I have one of these kits. Colorado Centennial Series 1876-1976 Model Masterpieces 107 Durango Depot. NOS