Blackstone Models announces a new version of our popular 3000 Series Boxcars! Often referred to as the “Economy Door Boxcar” for the cost-saving approach the Denver & Rio Grande Western took with this style, this release of boxcars will be available in a variety of road numbers and paint schemes.

By 1924, over two decades of heavy service was evident as the 3000 Series fleet begged for replacement or repair. The cars were stripped of much of the wood while the hardware and trucks were re-used to construct relatively new cars. As rebuilt, the boxcars were equipped with sheet metal Murphy roofs while the side and end doors on many were upgraded with Camel hardware. Some of the cars were equipped with a relatively sparse door, hasp and door guide design compared to that of the Camel hardware equipped models. These versions have come to be known as the “economy door” boxcars. The term “plain door” boxcar has also been used to describe this special sub class.

Today, many of these boxcars survive in limited service on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Flying Grande Herald

The 3495 will be available in the 'lightly sun-faded' paint scheme and be optionally available with light weathering.

The No. 3732 will be available in the 'freshly shopped' paint scheme or may be purchased painted with light weathering.

This is the only numbered car of this production run to only be available in a non-weathered version.

Most of the outfit boxcars used on the Rio Grande narrow gauge throughout the 1900s came from the old 4000 series boxcars of the previous century. At least three 3000 Series boxcars were converted to work service. Boxcars 3057, 3131 and 3085 were converted to work cars after previously being used in revenue service. The original boxcar numbers were retained with the simple addition of a "0" at the front to distinguish the reassignment. Blackstone Models recreated the 03131 as it was with the economy hardware and painted with the Flying Grande livery.

Our new Economy-Style Boxcar in a Painted, but Unlettered version. For those who model something other than Denver & Rio Grande or who have a fantasy railroad. It is only available in a non-weathered version.