The Blackstone Models HOn3 (HO scale 3-foot gauge) 2-8-0 Consolidation features a SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. We ran the superdetailed steam locomotive on Blackstone’s new ProTraxx HOn3 click track.
Video: Blackstone Models HOn3 2-8-0 Consolidation
By Angela Cotey | December 18, 2013
| Last updated on February 2, 2021
Watch this DCC sound equipped steam locomotive run on Blackstone's new ProTraxx HOn3 click track
I have three versions of the Blackstone consolidations. The weathered versions are particularly nice. I have two of the D&RG C-70 class and one of the C-19s in the Royal Gorge paint scheme. They double-head very well and are amazing pullers. The sounds are amazing. On a CD player I also play the Green Frog background sound CDs while running my trains. When the sounds are balanced between the Blackstone locomotives and the CD player, I feel like I am in the middle of a rail yard.
Blackstone/Soundtraxx have made HOn3 a viable working railroad model. Certainly a far cry from what came before. I do recall the early efforts of the brass importers; nice looking engines but ran almost like a slot car. Very disturbing to someone who wanted to run trains. The same could be said for early N gauge equipment. If I hadn't already shifted to Sn3, I might be tempted.
Blackstone have also produced a fine line of rolling stock, as have Micro-Trains, so the newcomer to narrow gauge railroading has a goodly selection. Not too thrilled with their choice of track on the other hand.
Once again Blackstone/Soundtraxx have hit a home run with this latest run of C-19's and Class 70's. Blackstone has truly revolutionized HOn3 modeling with both their locomotives and their rolling stock. I don't model the era that this particular Class 70, 2-8-0 would have run, but the Russian boiler paint job is fantastic. I can't wait for the K-36's and K-28's to be released to the market. They can't come soon enough!
What a beautiful loco! Almost makes me want to switch from N…almost!
After 25 years out of the hobby I decided to get back in at age 40, and this Blackstone C-19 was the first locomotive I purchased. It runs flawlessly and the detail is phenomenal. It was so good in fact I picked up a K-27 too. The ProTraxx works great, and once the switches come out, I'll be in business.