Best Model Train Ever Made? Blackstone's HOn3 K-27

Blackstone's Rio Grande K-27 in HOn3 was a revolutionary presence in model railroading. It was detailed, durable, powerful, affordable, and reliable, qualities rarely seen simultaneously in a single locomotive. This video explores some of the history and features of this exceptional model.
www.blackstone...
hon3annual.com/

[@logical_volcel]

its the faithfully modelled outside frame aspect that makes them so good

[@Elizabethvaughanpiano]

This model train is an ABSOLUTE smoke show

[@James-Railyard]

I asked Soundtraxx back in 2022 they found a new factory and just need to move the tooling from the old one to the new one. That was almost two years ago so things could’ve changed but I’m hoping it’s still on the path for a revival.

[@historicalmodeler1483]

The fact that the website went back up was hopefully a good sign that they’ll be back

[@James-Railyard]

@@historicalmodeler1483 just checked their site. Hopefully that do come back. They could spearhead a full American made and built factory to make their stuff but that’s a long shot.

[@timothyboles6457]

I've had 4 different Blackstone locomotives, 2 K27s, and 2 C19s. All have been amazing runners. Control down to an absolute crawl is amazing. It's a real shame these are discontinued, for whatever reason. The rolling stock is superb as well. Prices have skyrocketed for new and used Blackstone equipment.

[@historicalmodeler1483]

I would’ve loved a K-36 from them- really hope that becomes a reality

[@billbeverly2864]

Nice video, well done. I have 5 K-27s and 3 C-19s, Wish I had bought more when they were new.

[@LMR78]

I’ve always wanted one, but are definitely out of my price range. I’d stick to old brass ones until I really get my Hon3 going.

[@TigerDominic-uh1dv]

I enjoyed watching 👀. I want to do a Beginners Train 🚆 layout. I lived next to a railyard when I was 5 and 6 years old. Loved it I played in the Rest buildings they had. 😊

[@historicalmodeler1483]

Good luck on your layout! I’ll be making a video on how I built this one in the next couple of weeks!

[@WHJeffB]

Nice video... Great looking layout too. Love "The Loop".

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Though I'm an O-gauge guy you've made a great video here.

[@PeterNGloor]

nice. Too bad they are still not back in business today. I made a few additions to my models. Ropes (wire) to the bell and whistle, cab curtains, real coal on tender, spark arrestor, weathering.

[@historicalmodeler1483]

That sounds like a gorgeous model you have! It really is a shame that they aren’t around, but hopefully they’ll be back

[@WHJeffB]

@@historicalmodeler1483 If I've not confused the story I heard with one about another manufacturer, I believe their factory in China burned down or closed down and they haven't been able to secure a new manufacturer (you might be right about the closure due to Covid, but I think the factory burned down prior to that). It's too bad... The mechanism from these K-27's would make a great freelanced Sn2 locomotive (S scale, two-foot gauge using HOn3 track). Their (Blackstone) HOn3 wheelsets were excellent too... I just wished they'd followed through with offering them separately from the trucks before they shut things down.

[@sam-ej7sq]

Idk man,seems sweet but as a european modeler. I think some of the new marklin stuff might give it a run for its money

[@JCmilwaukee]

They need to bring hon3 back I’d rather not spend 120 on a hon3 caboose

[@historicalmodeler1483]

Truly haha

[@UmoadoGaming]

4:33 Actually that’s not quite right. There were locomotives on the Rio Grande that used outside frame before the K-27. Back In the days of the Denver & Rio Grande, they purchased 3 locomotives from the Crystal River Railroad. All 2-8-0s. They’re 2 C-21s (#361 and #360, they had ~21,000 TE) and 1 C-25 (#375 she had ~25,000 TE). I’m also currently building one in HOn3 out of a roundhouse kit.

[@historicalmodeler1483]

Ah thanks for pointing that out! I’ll be sure to add a note correcting that in the video!

[@UmoadoGaming]

@@historicalmodeler1483 Just happy to share info with others

[@historicalmodeler1483]

@@UmoadoGaming you might have more accurate sources on this than me, but it looks like the C-21 and C-25 were purchased by the D&RG in 1916, so I actually do think there would have been K-27s on the D&RG before those consolidation engines, even though they were built earlier for the Crystal River RR.

[@UmoadoGaming]

@@historicalmodeler1483 Oh ok, so was thinking of the build date, not the arrival date. Ok so I checked and you’re right. 👍🏾

[@historicalmodeler1483]

@@UmoadoGaming thanks for confirming! Glad you mentioned the C-21 and C-25, I totally forgot they existed

[@hannahg2382]

This IS the best model train ever made.

[@danielripl6611]

Choo Choo! 🚂

[@user-gk8gg1zt7l]

...Great video. Like me...

[@danielboone3770]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@105C09]

In this era, they need working smoke units. It's not authentic without it.

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

You mean *basically never made* due to blackstone going cold right after due to asian manufacturers, lmao.

[@user-sv4pj5jl8n]

Over priced and out of business.