C-19 345 Special Edition!

As the 345’s role as a Durango switcher declined in the spring of 1951, a final twist of fate for her checkered career loomed ahead. In 1951, Hollywood producer Nat Holt brought a tinsel town entourage to Durango to film a somewhat fictitious account of the D&RG’s Royal Gorge "war" with the AT&SF backed Canyon City and San Juan Railway. In the cinema's grande finale, two consolidations destined for the scrap heap were used to stage a head-on collision on the Silverton Branch.

The 345 was chosen to be a stand in for C-16 268 in this much anticipated "spectacular" crash staged on July 17th. With a splash of bright yellow paint, black pin striping, and the number “268” added to her cab sides, the old Grand River's throttle was finally opened wide for the last time as she raced head on toward D&RGW #319 near MP 475. The fiery result was captured on celluloid and the movie Denver & Rio Grande remains a western cult classic to this day.

We just had to have a little fun with some bright color, and the 345 gave us just the excuse to do it! We have re-created the “Bumblebee” yellow paint scheme and herald as depicted from the movie Denver & Rio Grande.

Note that we decided not to go “too far”, and chose not to add the phony diamond stack, wood cow-catcher and incorrect road number of 268 – thus, our Special Edition 345 will be the Blackstone Models interpretation of the classic movie star and “stunt” engine! We hope you will enjoy it.

Features:

• Fluted style sand and steam dome
• Box style electric headlight
• Flared side tender
• Wood panel cab sides
• Two 11- inch inch single stage compressors
• Road style Pilot
• Prototype specific running board arrangement
• Movie version Denver & Rio Grande Herald