RGS No. 40 "Rising Sun" Herald

Rio Grande Southern No. 40 was one of two former D&RG Class 70 (1881 group) locomotives that arrived on the Southern late in 1916. Christened in 1881 as the 411, the consolidation saw conversion to standard gauge in the late 1880s and was converted back to narrow gauge in 1898, re-emerging as D&RG 402 until it was purchased by the RGS. It was painted in RGS livery and given the number 40 after a shopping in March of 1918. Serving faithfully for over 25 years, RGS 40 would later become an iconic steam engine to enthusiasts of this long-suffering and beleaguered road. Early in 1941, the 40 was shopped and emerged from her roundhouse respite sporting a rebuilt smokebox and removal of the locomotive mounted main air reservoir that had adorned her right side for many years. The most obvious alteration in the 40’s appearance was the application of a newer herald that would late be nicknamed the RGS "Rising Sun".  The large “40”, once painted on the tender sides, was replaced with smaller numbers on the cab sides.

In August of 1943, northbound RGS 40 and Ten Wheeler number 20 derailed and overturned while approaching Cima Summit, near Hesperus, Colorado. While the 20 would rise from its damaged state to serve for almost another decade, old number 40 was deemed unworthy of rebuilding, and the scrapper’s torched prevailed over her twisted remains.

Following the earlier release of Blackstone Models’ RGS 40 in 1930s livery, popular demand has requested our second offering of this popular locomotive as it appeared in her final years. Newly tooled parts and the relocation of certain appurtenances will bring the 40 to life with a fresh look to please collectors and RGS modelers of the early 1940s!

Blackstone Models RSG 40
P.N. B310212-S
P.N. B310212W-S, Weathered

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