HARTFORD PRODUCTS, INC.
Quality kits and parts for
#1 (G) Gauge

This kit is a faithful reproduction of cars used on the Quincy and Torch Lake Line in northern Michigan to haul copper ore and coal around the turn of the century. It features operating hopper doors and steel wheels.

This intriguing little 17 foot car was one of several 4-wheel, original equipment cars used by the Denver & Rio Grande. Built by Billmeyer & Smalls of York, Pennsylvania, this design was supplied also to other narrow gauge railroads in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Utah. Ninety of these cars, numbered 1-90, were delivered to the D&RG in 1871. According to Sloan, the D&RG converted at least 31 of the cars to coal-carrying gondolas by adding two, 18" high planks to the sides and ends. Not only are they are an ideal beginner's project, they will go well with light, live steam locomotives and they are ideal for small layouts with sharp radii curves.

A total of 400 of these gondolas were delivered by the American Car and Foundry to the D&RGW in 1903. They were rebuilt by the D&RGW Alamosa yards in 1924 to increase capacity and to add additional strength. The kit is an exact replica of the rebuilt version and includes the classic 7' D&RGW trucks with steel wheels and Kadee® 830 couplers. In addition to mortised frame components, drill jigs are provided to speed up construction time considerably. A super detailing kit, Product ID HP-P046, which includes truck brake levers and clevises, is available separately for static, display models.

Deluxe kit includes: pre-cut wood with mortised & tendon frame, drill patterns, metal detail parts & AccuCraft® knuckle couplers, steel wheels, lettering set. A construction jig, Product ID HP-J021, which greatly simplifies construction and ensures accurate alignment of parts, is available separately.
(Also available with Kadee 835 Couplers as item K021-K)

While photographs of this car are extremely rare, it is believed to have been used to carry ore or coal by the Utah & Northern (a branch of the original D&RG line), the East Broad Top and the Lenora & Mt. Sicker road on Vancouver Island.