Questions from a beginner (beginning again)

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. I am considering getting back into HO model railroad after a long stint away from it. (Once I started getting paid to play trains, playing trains got boring) I have a few questions about somethings before I get too involved.

What do most people think of Bowser loco kits? I am looking more for something to tinker with for awhile, since I really have no place to run trains. Are they impossible to put together or fairly simple? What kind of tools will I need? Could I install DCC in them? Is there someone who makes sound systems to go in them?

Basically I am thinking of building a freelance railroad set in the Southeastern or South-Central part of Kentucky between 1945-1950 and I think Bowser's USRA locos would fit the bill nicely for motive power. Since I have no place to run them now, I am just looking at slowly building up my collection and going from there. I definetly want to have DCC and sound on as many of the locos as I can so, I just want to start off on the right track and have them installed BEFORE I get too big a collection.

Also, does anyone know of a program that lets you design and make your own decals with a PC?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

WELCOME ABOARD!

I'm not a kit guy so this too will be a learning experience.

[IRONROOSTER]

When I was first staring out, I put together a Bowser K4 Pacific. I found that the kit was not hard to put together. I followed the instructions and it came out just fine. There are quite a few parts and you want to make sure the moving parts move after each step. I don't know about dcc or sound for them. The rivet tool came with the kit. Some small screw drivers and files are what I remember using along with a small hammer for the riveting tool.

I liked the result and if i were still in HO scale I would build more.

Enjoy
Paul

[METRO]

The absolute best program for designing decals is and always will be the Adobe Design Package, but if you don't have a need for industrial grade graphics design software and a grand to lay down, try Adobe Photoshop LE (I think it's also called Photoshop Elements depending on what system you run) That'll allow you to scan or download most things and work em into decal size. Also if you want to print your own, get an inkjet or wax based printer as I have found those work best with the decal paper.

Welcome Aboard!

[cacole]

Way, way, back in the mid-1960s I assembled a Bowser Pacific locomotive kit, and it ran the smoothest of anything I owned. I couldn't afford any power tools, so assembly was with hand tools only. I painted it with a small brush and MDC oil-based paint.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jcmark611

What do most people think of Bowser loco kits? I am looking more for something to tinker with for awhile, since I really have no place to run trains. Are they impossible to put together or fairly simple?

They are fun to put together, and will run for every with proper lubrication (a very little bit).

QUOTE:
What kind of tools will I need?

Basic hand tools: x-acto knifes and blades, files, file card (steel wire bru***o clean file), #61-80 drills, #40 -60 drills, pin vice with an assortment of collets, small screw drivers and nut drivers. See:http://www.bowser-trains.com/holocos/usra_mountain/100420.pdf for an example.

QUOTE:
Could I install DCC in them? Is there someone who makes sound systems to go in them?

Yes, make sure that you get the new skew wound motor
http://www.bowser-trains.com/hoother/dcc/dcc.htm
or replace it with one from Alliance
http://www.alliancelink.com/alp/.

For decoders, go with a Digitrax DH123D or DH163D decoder. The 123 can control only two additional functions, like the front and rear lights. The 163 controls up to six functions; front lights, rear lights, cab light, firebox light, and two more.

For sound, Soundtraxx DSX
http://www.dcctrains.com/products/soundtraxx_dsx.htm

You also need speakers:
http://www.dcctrains.com/products/tteexclusive_spkr.htm
go for the biggest that will fit, and make sure to build a seal box around the back side.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

Wow, that really helped...looks like I might be buying a kit soon, any recommendations for which one to start with?