Blackstone Models D&RGW 5500 Series Single Deck Stock Car Review

Of all the signature elements of the Denver and Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge operations, its fleet of stock cars stands out among the top of the list. No Colorado narrow gauge layout would be complete without a few of these classic wooden cars to shuttle cattle and other livestock around the Rockies.

Manufacturer: Blackstone Models

Scale: HOn3 (HO scale, 3 foot narrow gauge)
Roadnames: Denver and Rio Grande Western (2 schemes,6 numbers, weathered and non-weathered versions of each), painted / unlettered
MSRP: $54.95 unweathered, $59.95 weathered

These models are all based on cars as they appeared after rebuilding in 1926 (see Prototype History below.) The models are available in two Rio Grande paint schemes. The famous "Flying Grande" logo is available in four numbers. A more simple scheme used from the 1926 rebuilding into the early 1930s is offered in two numbers. Each model is available in fresh paint and in weathered versions. Features common to all models include:

• Die-cast metal and plastic construction
• Seperately applied wire detail parts
• Opening doors
• Detailed brake rigging
• Kadee couplers
• Historic profile of the cars
• Completely Ready to Run

Produced earlier than the double-deck version, these cars are now sold out at the factory but can still be found at many hobby shops that carry Blackstone Models products. I purchased one of these cars for review and for use on the D&RGW project layout. Three double-deck cars were also purchased and reviewed. All were weathered at the factory.

The Denver and Rio Grande purchased 350 stock cars from American Car and Foundry in 1904 at a cost of $686 each. Originally, these cars all featured a single deck and had a capacity of 25 tons. By 1926, 348 of the cars remained and were rebuilt in the company's shops. Many, but not all of the cars were rebuilt with a second deck for sheep loading. The 1926 rebuild cost $477 per car and marked the last major investment in the fleet until its retirement.

Many of the cars remained in service through the 1950s when dwindling traffic and deferred maintenance began thinning the herd (pun intended.) Less than 100 remain today. Several have been restored at museums and scenic railroads in the western United States.

The large scale discontinuence of railroad livestock shipments that began in the 1950s was not limited to the narrow gauge operations. Livestock movements fell under very strict regulations requiring regular rest stops for animals to feed, drink and move about. These cattle yards were expensive, and filthy, operations that required constant care.

Because of the needs of the lading, livestock generally moved in priority trains. Sometimes trains were solid blocks of cattle. Other times, stock cars would be added to produce or later piggy-back trains. Tight schedules plus high maintenance meant thin profit margins. Most railroads were more than happy to see this traffic go to trucks as highway systems improved in the 1950s and 1960s.

- Historic data from Jeff Johnson's excelent data sheet included with the models.

Like the double-deck versions, these cars are loaded with details. The availability of both versions allows a complete look at the Rio Grande's stock cars after the 1926 rebuild.

The individual details on this car are too numerous to list. The wood grain and nut / bolt details are all crisp. The seperately applied wire grab irons are only the beginning. The underframe features a full brake system with all of the associated piping. Car ends feature wire coupler cut levers, air hoses and working Kadee HOn3 couplers. Open the doors and the interior decks are visible.

Paint and lettering is outstanding. All of the lettering is crisp and legible, even the smallest of data. On a slatted car like this, that is no small feet. Even with the car's factory-applied weathering, all of the lettering can be read.

Speaking of weathering, this is one of the nicest features of the models. The rough-around-the-edges look of narrow gauge equipment is definately part of the charm. This car nicely represents an in-service car, well maintained but also well used. For modelers who want a car fresh from the shops, those too are available. Stock cars took a lot of abuse and maintenance was light later in years. Some may want to add additional weathering, but you don't have to.

The second thing you notice after the amazing detail is the hefty weight of these little cars. A metal floor (and wheels) keep the weight low and make these cars very free-wheeling. They run as good as they look.

Honestly, there is very very little that needs to be done by the modeler to these cars other than putting them on the track. Any of the steps described here are completely optional, but could help make your model just a little more unique.

Additional Weathering Some modelers may want a little more grit on their models. Especially if you are modeling the last years of narrow gauge operations, a more severe weathering treatment may be in order. You could easily add additional weathering by any of the conventional means including chalks or airbrushing. Scratching or even removing a board or two would be easy enough with a chisel blade in a hobby knife.

Additional Painting Some of the cars details could be brought out a bit by a little extra painting. Some silver paint on the air hose glad hands and angle cocks, a little rust on the couplers and some grimy black on the wheels and you're about done. If you aren't using magnetic uncouplers, removing the "wands" from the Kadee couplers will greatly improve their appearance.

Interior Details With the thin gaps, any interior detailing beyond what is already provided will probably be lost, but for those who just want to go crazy, it could be done. An open door would provide the best look at a straw-covered floor or maybe even a load of cattle headed to market. I'll have to model at least one of these cars with an open door if only to appriciate the factory-applied lettering on the inside.