So I went directly to my two preffered online retailers; MB Klein/ModelTrainStuff and TrainLife. A quick search of Rio Grande shows all the products both stores have available, and its pretty common with what I have seen previously. A few SD40T-2 options (that is going to explode once ScaleTrain's SD40T-2 enters the market), a few GP variants, HOn3 equipment, a few ALCO's, coal hoppers of different types, and some various streamliner passenger cars. I also remember Walthers announcing plans for a Rio Grande SW1200, and Athearn has some upcoming Rio Grande GP40-2's, gondolas, and metal cabooses in Rio Grande paint.If there is anything lacking, it would be representation of standard gauge Rio Grande steam. I think the only standard gauge Rio Grande steam I have ever seen in ready to run plastic is an ALCO Challenger, and in part because its a paint scheme variant of the ever popular UP Challenger locomotives. I'd also point out some very iconic Rio Grande locomotive types such as a GP30 or any type of F-Unit are lacking on the market right now (not to say those haven't been made in the past, just saying they don't seem to be in current production).
But for the most part, if you are aiming for sort of a mid diesel era Rio Grande, most of the bases are covered right now. If you want narrow gauge stuff Blackstone Models' HOn3 and other brand's On30 stuff has that covered.
Is the current market stuff a complete representation of the line as you want to model it? That's really for you to decide... Keep an eye on the market, what might be retired and out of production right now will likely return to shelves in a few years time. Or bite the bullet and start searching eBay and train shows to buy used models if you don't want to wait for a manufacturer to remake a model you need. Not to mention, but the Rio Grande had a few neighbors in its route; Western Pacific, Southern Pacific and Utah Railway on the west end; Burlington Northern, ATSF, and Rock Island to the east; and Union Pacific butting both ends of the Rio Grande as their main competition. Maybe dabble in a bit of stuff from those other lines to represent run through power or the area competitors. If you pick post-merger eras, you can have large chunks of Southern Pacific and later on Union Pacific power mixing with Rio Grande power; since it wasn't until the mid-2000's that most Rio Grande branded locomotives were repainted or retired; meaning much of the 90's was a rainbow of UP-SP-DRGW colors with a dash of the emerging BNSF.
Try reaching out to the Rio Grande modeling community to... The Rio Grande Modeling and Historic Society has an organized group, a periodical magazine, and a Facebook group that would cover a lot of your needs. Or get on the Utah Rail Modelers group since it seems 90% of railroad modelers in my state are obsessed with the Rio Grande. Get on Flickr and browse the countless photos of the line from various photographers, etc. Just reach out to the right people and they will probably point you the way you need to go.
Makes sense on the upside D&RGW's paint scheme is about as easy as it gets. Found some good decal sheets.
12 Years ago the manufacturer's (actually importers) delivered many more units either cars or locomotives without any pre-ordering. It today's world if you don't pre-order you won't get it. Although you may pickup that model at a train show or on E-bay. Nobody carries stock anymore unless it is in a region where that roadname sells, lets say Denver-Pueblo-Salt Lake City Triangle for the Rio Grande, or a large internet provider and even they have limited inventory anymore.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
I've snapped up quite a few Milwaukee cars over the years, mostly as bargains presented themselves. Just keep looking.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
to the forum
There are a huge number of road names that they could model. I'm sure they must have historical records of what sells better. Maybe Santa Fe sells better than B&O which is better than WM which is better than ACL.
They do a run of a half a dozen road names and I'll bet 4 are top sellers and 2 are the less popular RR's. Then you have the problem of modern vs vintage equipment. Some manufacturers are just doing modern equipment.
GG-1's and heavyweight passagenger cars will be as rare as Civil War rolling stock in my childeren and grandchildren's lifetime.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have looked and didn't see anything elsewhere in the forums. So I will ask. I was wondering if specific road names go in and out of production over time. Specifically I am interested in D&RGW. 12 years ago I started a layout and wanted to model D&RGW and it seemed HO models were fairly readily available. Now that I am finally able to start up again it seems alot of stuff is discontinued. Was just wondering if this would get worse or will there be items coming and going all the time.
Thanks for any info.