D&RGW / D&SNG Open-Air Excursion Cars #400–405

Faithful models of the iconic narrow-gauge open observation cars that helped define the modern Silverton tourist trains.

Originally 1916 Pullman standard-gauge boxcars, these cars were rebuilt by the Denver & Rio Grande Western in 1953 as pipe gondolas for the San Juan Basin oil boom. In 1963–1967 the railroad converted them into open-air observation cars at its shops (including Burnham), adding passenger trucks, steel roofs, tile floors, and tramway seats. Numbered 400–405, they offered passengers unobstructed views through fully open sides under a protective roof—perfect for the dramatic Animas Canyon scenery.

Transferred to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1981, the cars remain in active excursion service today. Accurate detailing captures the distinctive profile, seating arrangement, and rugged character of these hard-working cars that bridged the freight and tourist eras of Colorado’s last remaining narrow-gauge mainline.

Available in HO and O scales. Ideal for Silverton Branch, D&SNG, or freelanced Colorado narrow-gauge layouts set from the mid-1960s to the present.

This kit requires the following for completion:

• Kadee Couplers
  • HO Scale: #705, #713 or #714
• Trucks:
  • Passenger Trucks (TR08, TR09, or equivalent)
• Brake Details (optional)
• Paint and decals
• Roof supports:
  • HO Scale: 26x 1x16mm to 20mm dowel rods

This 3d printed kit includes the following parts:

10.5mm - HOn3:

• 4x WRC-EC02p3x4-HO - Bench Seats (ABS, 7.7 × 9.7 × 53.7 mm)
• 1x WRC-EC02p1B-HO Body (ABS, 32.7 × 17.8 × 148.4 mm)

1:87 - HO Scale:

• 4x WRC-EC02p3x4-HO - Bench Seats (ABS, 7.7 × 9.7 × 53.7 mm)
• 1x WRC-EC02p2-HO Roof (ABS, 33.3 × 4.3 × 144.8 mm)
• 1x WRC-EC02p1A-HO Body (ABS, 33.3 × 17.9 × 148.4 mm)

1:87 - HO Scale:

• 1x WRC-EC02p1A-HO Body (ABS, 33.3 × 17.9 × 148.4 mm)
• 1x WRC-EC02p2-HO Roof (ABS, 33.3 × 4.3 × 144.8 mm)
• 4x WRC-EC02p3x4-HO - Bench Seats (ABS, 7.7 × 9.7 × 53.7 mm)