The short answer is to add to our knowledge.
I realise that the Bowser kit is out of production but someone may still have a kit in their drawer and would like to make use of it.
The long answer is that back in 2014 I was looking for a way of obtaining a Hammerhead model for my WM layout. (I think someone had mooted a Hammerhead model, but it didn't make production). I had noticed the Bowser kit on their website and decided that could be an easier way of creating a high hood without the tricky cutting of a complete shell. It is easy to add brass detail parts and create a railroad specific model.
I came across this thread as I was looking for more Bowser kits. (It seems my usual sources of Bowser, Walthers and TTH are now sold out - I live in the UK and it is harder and expensive to find what I need out here).
Bowser is coming out with new RS-3's this summer with road specific features. I suspect that mean they will be far more detailed than their old shells and they will become only found on Ebay now and then.
I think Richard may have realized he was adding to our knowledge on how to put a Bowser shell on a Bachmann chasis.
It is curious how many newbies make their first post in an ancient thread.
Welcome to the forum Richard
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Steven Otte I wonder, what is it about really old threads that attracts new posters so? The OP likely got his answers and did his conversion 7 years ago.
I wonder, what is it about really old threads that attracts new posters so? The OP likely got his answers and did his conversion 7 years ago.
Someone probably did a Google search and the thread popped up. Other times it seems the forum regurgiates old threads, as whales do ambergris.
Gary
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
I have converted three Stewart/Bowser RS3 body kits to fit the Bachmann RS3 chassis. (I actually increased the short hood height to create Hammerhead versions). Do not start by assembling the body kit - you need to carefully measure the Bachmann chassis external dimensions and then calculate how much material to remove from the alignment lugs of the Bowser parts. The Bowser walkway also needs material removing to allow it to sit down on the Bachmann chassis. I chose to remove the soft plastic of the kit rather than the metal parts of the chassis. When you have filed/carved away the plastic parts, clamp the frame on the Bachmann chassis to give you a rigid, flat base to commence assembly. Do a "dry" fit to ensure there is sufficient clearance before glueing the parts together. I used solvent to glue the kit parts together. The new body can be fastened to the chassis by using small bolts, located by the original Bachmann screw fixing holes. The same principle could be used with RS3 chassis from other makers.
There have been several posts on this site, the Atlas Forum & the Bachmann site about adapting the Bowser/Stewart RS-3 shells to the Atlas/Kato mechanisms. It takes fome filing & cutting but it isn't that difficult.
The Atlas/Kato mechanisms and/or engines are regular items on ebay. I have purchased both in the $30-75 range. I also have found the Stewart/Athearn units there for $45-60.
Roger Huber
There is a used Stewart RS3 drive on Ebay right now: http://cgi.ebay.com/Stewart-HO-RS3-Locomotive-Undecorated-Powered-RS-3-Kit-/190521987922?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c5bfed352
There also seem to be several complete Athearn units, also on EBAY.
First off, I'd like to apologize if this has been posted before, I couldn't seem to find it in a search. Anyway, my question is with respect to the rs-3 body kits that bowser advertises on their website. It says they were designed for Athearn/Stewart drives, which have been out of production for some time if I read it correctly. I'd like to know if there are any other drive units that these might fit that can be had for a reasonable price, be it on ebay or at a show or something. Thanks everyone.