Re: #453 &#463 on Rio Grande Southern

The #455 engine is a Post Wreck model. I did some more research and there are three pictures of #453 that I can find and two of #463.
#463's photos are in the late 40's, so probable. All I could find is the same info you had on #453 being a shunter in Durango. The few pictures are labeled in the mid 40s and the only actual information I can find appears #453 showed up in the late 20s as part of a four engine swap with the D&RGW.

Of course we are modeling what we want, but I was trying to look for models that fit a certain period. I could only find a post wreck #455. I had originally ordered a pre wreck model, but it was no where to be located when being shipped so I went with the next best thing. I wanted the pre-wreck #455 because it opened several different avenues.

I can always make a plug.... If anyone has an On30 model of #455 pre-wreck, I would consider trading with you.
It almost appears I could try to get away with 1948 or 1949 as a railroad year.

But for now, I'll just try to find more information.
Daryl