K-27 Mikado

2-8-2 'Mudhen'

K-27 2012 Release!

We are pleased to offer a limited run 2012 Release of the K-27 2-8-2 Mikado! We have continuing requests to produce new versions/eras of this enduring Mikado, so we are happy to offer four new configurations and liveries that evoke different eras of the K-27 Mudhen.  Along with these new versions comes the second release of one of the most unique Mudhens to ply the 3-foot rails; the RGS 455 adorned with the “post-wreck” cab, snowplow, and tender as she appeared throughout the late 1940s.  Rounding out this offering is the ever-popular No. 453 in the switcher configuration, complete with its one-of-a-kind doghouse mounted on the tender. This is also the first time that all versions are offered with a weathered option.

Non-Weathered K-27 locomotives will be listed at $475.00, and Weathered K-27 locomotives will be listed at $530.00. Due to the limited nature of this release, all units will be offered only as
sound-equipped models.

Delivery for this production run is expected by spring of 2012.

Road No. P.N. Description
453 B310102-S Flying Grande Herald, Doghouse, Outside Piston Valve
453 B310102W-S Flying Grande Herald, Outside Piston Valve, Weathered
455 B310131-S Rio Grande Southern Herald, Snowplow, Post-Wreck,
Post-Wreck Cylinders
455 B310131W-S Rio Grande Southern Herald, Snowplow, Post-Wreck,
Post-Wreck Cylinders, Weathered
456 B310126-S Flying Grande Herald, Switcher, Inside Piston Valve
456 B310126W-S Flying Grande Herald, Switcher, Inside Piston Valve, Weathered
461 B310127-S Moffat Tunnel Herald, Inside Piston Valve
461 B310127W-S Moffat Tunnel Herald, Inside Piston Valve, Weathered
462 B310109-S Flying Grande Herald, Snowplow, Outside Piston Valve
462 B310109W-S Flying Grande Herald, Snowplow, Outside Piston Valve, Weathered
463 B310110-S Royal Gorge Route Herald, Green Boiler, Outside Piston Valve
463 B310110W-S Royal Gorge Route Herald, Green Boiler, Outside Piston Valve, Weathered

A Little Background
In 1903, the Denver & Rio Grande took delivery of fifteen class 125 2-8-2 narrow gauge locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Eventually re-classified as K-27s and nicknamed ‘Mudhens’ by their operating crews, the new locomotives boasted a tractive effort of over 27,000 lbs. and ushered in a new era of narrow gauge pulling power for the ever expanding railroad. All fifteen K-27s (numbers 450 to 464) were originally equipped with Vauclain compound cylinders but due to high maintenance costs, were soon rebuilt with single expansion cylinders and slide valves. Later, eleven of these engines were upgraded again, this time with modern piston valve cylinders. Today, there are still two surviving and operating K-27s. Blackstone Models is pleased to introduce the K-27 in the modern piston valve configuration. Faithfully reproduced in HOn3 scale, the Blackstone K-27 features die cast construction accented with numerous detail parts. The K-27 is optionally available with state-of-the-art electronics including a SoundTraxx™ Tsunami™ Digital Sound Decoder. The Tsunami-equipped Blackstone K-27 sounds as good as it looks and will operate on both DC and DCC controlled layouts. All at a price that’s less than a third of today’s brass imports!