2026 HOn3 ANNUAL: Now in its 18th year, the HOn3 Annual returns with 116 pages devoted to narrow gauge modeling and inspiration. Tour John R. Short’s Rio Grande Southern from Durango to Ridgway and explore Johnny Graybeal’s modeling of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina during its golden age At the workbench, follow along as Paul Buhrke reconstructs a brass locomotive, Andrew MacRossie revives a classic C&S B3-C Mogul, and Thomas Engstrand builds a D&RGW-style turret depot. You’ll also find practical projects covering realistic rock scenery, easy drop-in gondola loads, small-space modeling, freight cars, trackside details, and troubleshooting Blackstone C-19s. Plus, explore HOn30 modeling, narrow gauge prototype information, new products, and much more. All this and more in the 2026 HOn3 Annual!
Growing Together
In addition to editing the HOn3, On30, and Garden Train Annuals, Chris Lane is now the new editor of Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette.
Rico Station Kitbash in HO scale
I have been building a module of the town of Rico on the Rio Grande Southern for our Hon3 Free-Mo group for a few years now. I chose the 1900-1910 era for this, as it would (theoretically) allow the Blackstone K-27’s to be on the line, but still have the original wooden engine house. One of the centerpiece structures is the Rico depot with its unique tower.
Switching In/To HOn3
The author builds a detailed HOn3 diorama to help stay active in model railroad construction as his main On30 layout nears completion.
Introduction to HO Scale Narrow Gauge
HOn3 uses HO scale models that operate on 10.5mm gauge track to replicate true three foot gauge. Hobbyists going this route often build their own track, but HOn3 has always enjoyed the largest selection of pre-built turnouts and flextrack.
Blackstone Models D&RGW Long Caboose in HOn3
The new Blackstone Models long caboose is an exceedingly accurate model of the prototype available in a ready to run form that narrow gauge modelers could only dream of a few years ago. The paint options and extra detail parts make it in a class by itself. It is the best rolling stock Blackstone has offered to date and a fine value.
Rio Grande 30′ Refrigerator Car from Blackstone Models
Blackstone has introduced the latest in their line of true-to-prototype HO narrow gauge rolling stock; the Denver & Rio Grande Western 30-foot “Short” reefer. A perennially popular prototype for narrow gauge modelers, this new car provides both variety and a bit of color to freight train consists.
Blackstone Models UTLX narrow gauge tank cars
Blackstone Models has recently released two HOn3 versions of the UTLX narrow gauge tank car. Once used to haul petroleum products on the D&RGW and RGS lines, some of these cars made it as far west as Hawaii and as far north as Alaska and British Columbia. These ready-to-run cars are beautifully detailed and will help you build a tank train fleet for your HOn3 layout.
Explore the world of White River Productions
