From 1880 to 1882, the Denver & Rio Grande Railway ordered approximately 60 narrow gauge coaches that would become the quintessential open platform style of car used on the Colorado 3- foot gauge line well into the 1950's. Typical of D&RG(W) equipment, the coaches went through various transformations in the early years. By the early 1900's, many of the cars had been converted from the old “duckbill” style roofs to the “bullnose” style that was more prevalent in later years. In the 1920's, the cars were lowered and reinforced to accommodate safety concerns. By the 1930's, the majority of cars had been re-built with double pane windows. A handful of the coaches survived on the D&RGW into the 1960's for use in Durango on the Silverton Branch.
Blackstone Models is proud to announce the release of seven versions of this classic coach in various configurations. We have given special attention to version-specific details such as:
• Lamp Vent placement
• Rest rooms
• Roof Conduit (where applicable)
• Underbody Detail
• Arched and Square End Door Headers
• Interior Seating and Stoves
• “Chili Line” Bay Windows for appropriate versions (Supplied Separately)
• Accurate Paint and Livery
• Trucks equipped with electrical pickup wipers.

Special Limited Edition "Silverton" 3-Pack!
By popular request, we are offering a trio of coaches in a well-known paint scheme. In 1950, D&RGW coaches 280, 306, and 320 were painted in a lively gold color for use on the Silverton Branch out of Durango, Colorado. Painted with double striping, silver roof, and an unusual splash of bright silver on the trucks and hardware, the decoration on these coaches represented the epitome of 1950's western kitsch as the railroad attracted tourists from around the country. A similar paint scheme adorns today’s Silverton train in Durango, Colorado.