Modifying the Lionel "Rico" Station

We'll be very interested in your results.

Actually I think the completed kit looks pretty close to the prototype as is. Maybe with the exception of the tower or whatever that sticks well above the roof.

I kind of wish I had left that off mine.

You will need to add some window glazing, the kit does not come with that.

Nor does it include a raised floor for the freight storage shed on the left end.

Also if you are planning on interior lighting, you will need to tape the inside of all wall and roof joints so the light does not come through.

You should also spray the inside of all wall panels with a dark color to prevent light bleed through.

Rod

I kitbashed a number of Plasticville stations RADICALLY, and, decided to make the

large Lionel Rico station similar to those in size, so flipped the ends and reduced the

whole building down to "Plasticvile" size,....don't ask me why..and then decided to only use O scale buildings.  I don't rtemember if I put those photos on here, or not.  I

THINK I read that the plans that kit came from were out of Model Railroader, and that

the plans had been reversed when printed in the mag.

Modifying the Lionel "Rico" Station

I have the Lionel #6-62709 O scale Rico Station building kit. This kit is based on the original RGS station located in Rico, Colorado. The photo of the re-built prototype does NOT show a "cupola" or tower.  I will not include the tower or the "gingerbread" trim on my model.

Planned modifications:

1. Added interior floors. (Including the raised baggage section)

2. Completely custom painted inside and out.

3. Added customized base.

4. Window glazing.

5. Interior LED lighting.

6. External lighting. 

The attached photo shows the original unpainted Rico kit before modifications.  My model will be completely repainted inside and out. It will include interior floors and a completely new base.

Rico Station - prototype with and without the tower

This allows the Rico station kit to be built as-built or as-rebuilt depending on the time frame of your railroad.

Here's a 1953 photo from RGS narrow gauge views

and Elgin, IL. replica

The Rico station was a standard Rio Grande depot, they built many variations along their route to serve the specific needs of the community. the tower is easily left off but have to deal with a lack of shingles on part of the roof. The kit, along with many other Lionel kits was imported from Pola in Europe. It would be a asset to the hobby if someone else woudl pick up the line.

Rico Station without a tower - I plan to simulate the roofing tiles where the tower was located on the roof.

Where do I go to get a Lionel Rico station kit? I thought they were long out of production.

These kits were once common in shows and on eBay.  I downsized the one, and have

another unbuilt.  I think a lot of people decided that a narrow guage station that

served the Rio Grande Southern was not what they were modeling and chose  to sell

them off.  These are kind of like that square Lionel water tower kit...I found

all I needed to kitbash into round and octagonal stone towered versions anywhere I

wanted a tower, including once glued ones disassembled and stuffed back into a beat up box, cheap.

I have several of these kits released by Lionel over the years (in different packaging and colors).

Modifying the Lionel "Rico" Station

The attached photo shows a view from the baggage section end.

 Notice the location of the chimney in the second photo.

Lionel 6-2797 Rico Station Kit

Here is another Lionel version.

Modifying the Lionel "Rico" Station - Build with original tower

Since I have a second Rico kit I may build this second one as an early version with "gingerbread" and tower. In addition I would make this version very weathered looking.

My "Rico" was too big for my Christmas Layout so I did not add the Freight section. I glued the end piece of that section to the gap in the main station.

I just drove through Rico last week, but it was pouring rain, all the way from Telluride, and I didn't slow down to look at anything.  I did stop at the Delores station, briefly, but it was closed late in the evening, so drove on.  I have not spent the time I should exploring either one of those towns.

Does anyone know what the original Rico station colors were?

It appears to be a light brown or tan color with perhaps darker brown or green trim.

Rod