HOn3 Product Reviews

Reviews of great new narrow gauge products of interest to the HO scale model railroader, presented by the HOn3 Annual staff. Please contact Editor Chris Lane to have your product considered for review.

Rio Grande 30′ Refrigerator Car from Blackstone Models

October 19, 2016

Rio Grande 30′ Refrigerator Car from Blackstone Models

Blackstone has introduced the latest in their line of true-to-prototype HO narrow gauge rolling stock; the Denver & Rio Grande Western 30-foot “Short” reefer. A perennially popular prototype for narrow gauge modelers, this new car provides both variety and a bit of color to freight train consists.

MicroLux LaserKnife 2525 Laser Cutter

January 12, 2016

MicroLux LaserKnife 2525 Laser Cutter

With only a few hours of practice, an amazing array of precise parts and models can be created in an almost limitless range of materials. Based on these attributes, Micro-Mark’s LaserKnife will allow the hobbyist to reach new levels with their models and may well prove to be “the ultimate tool” in anyone’s workshop.

Alpine Scale Models Company Houses in HO

March 25, 2014

Alpine Scale Models Company Houses in HO

By the late 19th and early 20th century long term housing for workers close to the mines, mills and construction projects in the sparsely settled sections of North America led to the development of “company” towns. Alpine Scale Models “Chilao Flats” offers three small cabins and back yard conveniences representing these basic structures that would have housed either four single men or a single family unit.

Blackstone Models Open Platform Coaches in HOn3

January 8, 2013

Blackstone Models Open Platform Coaches in HOn3

It may seem hard to imagine today, but once upon a time, the railroads were firmly in the passenger business. The new HOn3 open platform coach from Blackstone Models replicates the most numerous of the Rio Grande’s narrow gauge fleet with impressive fidelity and attention to detail.

Blackstone Models UTLX narrow gauge tank cars

April 1, 2011

Blackstone Models UTLX narrow gauge tank cars

Blackstone Models has recently released two HOn3 versions of the UTLX narrow gauge tank car. Once used to haul petroleum products on the D&RGW and RGS lines, some of these cars made it as far west as Hawaii and as far north as Alaska and British Columbia. These ready-to-run cars are beautifully detailed and will help you build a tank train fleet for your HOn3 layout.

More Up Clear Creek on the Narrow Gauge

January 15, 2011

More Up Clear Creek on the Narrow Gauge

More Up Clear Creek on the Narrow Gauge picks up at Part 55, and runs through Part 120, the last article in the series. The book also includes the 22 other Gazette articles that Harry wrote following the series’ conclusion. The book chronicles the final of 5 moves into the 12′ by 65′ mobile home that Harry calls “Little Colorado” and ends with the layout in its final (current) form.

Blackstone Models D&RGW Long Caboose in HOn3

March 1, 2010

Blackstone Models D&RGW Long Caboose in HOn3

The new Blackstone Models long caboose is an exceedingly accurate model of the prototype available in a ready to run form that narrow gauge modelers could only dream of a few years ago. The paint options and extra detail parts make it in a class by itself. It is the best rolling stock Blackstone has offered to date and a fine value.