The first multi-colour light curve models and period studies for the totally eclipsing W UMa stars TYC 3700-1384-1, V1511 Her and V1179 Her are presented. All three stars are A-subtype W UMa stars of spectral type F. The light curve solutions show that TYC 3700-1384-1 has a moderately low mass ratio of q=0.182+/-0.001 and a degree of overcontact of f=49%. For V1179 Her a mass ratio q=0.153+/-0.001 and a degree of overcontact of f=48% is derived. The solution for V1511 Her is inconclusive, however the mass ratio is expected to be between 0.13<q<0.15. The evolutionary status is compared with zero-age main sequence stars taking into account energy transfer from the primary to the secondary component. The primary component of TYC 3700-1384-1 fits well in the main-sequence, while V1179 Her is more evolved. The period study reveals for all three stars a continuously increasing period at a rate of dP/dt=6.1x10^-7^d/yr, dP/dt=5.0x10^-7^d/yr and dP/dt=9.6x10^-7^d/yr for TYC 3700-1384-1, V1511 Her and V1179 Her respectively. The estimated mass transfer rates derived from these period changes are 1.6x10^-7^M_{sun}/yr for TYC 3700-1384-1 and 1.9x10^-7^M{sun}_/yr for V1179 Her.