HOn3 Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Cars
THE FIRST OF THE HOn3 SERIES
From Third & Townsend Models & Sunset Models 3rd Rail
Recreate the legendary D&RGW narrow‑gauge passenger service in breathtaking HOn3 detail. These exquisitely crafted models evoke the golden age of Colorado mountain railroading:
🔧 Features
ABS plastic bodies for lightweight yet durable builds
Precision painting & lettering, true to prototype liveries
Painted interior detail, visible through clear glazing
Flicker‑free LED overhead and marker lighting—enjoy realistic illumination onboard
Metal wheels & Kadee couplers ensuring smooth rolling and reliable operations
Lettered for Denver & Rio Grande Western and Durango & Silverton
Authentic paint schemes: classic green, Bumble Bee Yellow, Tuscan Red, or Unlettered
MULTIPLE unique car numbers available, each individually lettered
Named & numbered sets for the famous San Juan and Shavano trains
🕰️ Historical Background
The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (originally the “Rio Grande”) was famous for its dramatic narrow-gauge routes built in the 1870s and 1880s, winding through Colorado’s mountainous terrain.
The Shavano, named after Mount Shavano, served the Salida–Gunnison route from 1937 to 1940.
The San Juan was the Rio Grande’s flagship narrow-gauge passenger train, running between Alamosa and Durango until 1951.
During the late 1930s, D&RGW rebuilt many cars with electric lighting, steam heat, and improved seating, offering an unparalleled passenger experience for narrow-gauge service.
These cars replicate that era, from the vibrant “Bumble Bee” yellow scheme to the deep green and red paint seen in later years.
💰 Pricing & Availability
Individual Cars: $139.99 each (subject to change)
Baggage: #111, #127, #163, #164, #165, #167, #168 #169
RPO: #54, #65, #66, #119
Coach: #272, #310, #312, #319, #323, #325, #326, #327
Parlor: Alamosa, Gunnison, Chama
PLEASE ADD IN ORDER NOTES FOR SPECIFIC NUMBERS
San Juan 4-Car Collector's Set: $579.99
Set A: Train 115, Baggage #163, RPO #65, Coach #310, Alamosa Parlor
Set B: Train 116, Baggage #164, RPO #66, Coach #272, Durango Parlor
Packaged in a special collector’s box
Certificate of Authenticity included
Literature about the history and significance of the San Juan prototype
Quantities are limited—secure your road numbers early to build a prototypical consist!
🎨 Why Collectors Love Them
Sunset Models' Golden Gate Depot Passenger Car division is renowned for high‑fidelity brass, aluminum and plastic models, and this release is no exception. Produced in collaboration with Third & Townsend Models, this limited-run project offers superb detail and operation-ready durability.
🎯 Summary
These HOn3 D&RGW passenger cars aren’t just rolling stock—they’re heirloom-quality tributes to one of America’s most storied mountain railroads. With lighting, interior detail, and unmatched historical accuracy, this release brings the magic of the high-country Rio Grande to your layout.