Stewart Hobbies Update

[Anonymous]

Bob,

Thanks for the opinion. I also enjoy tinkering, which would be the attraction for going with Bowser. I've built several diesel kits (MDC, Stewart RS-3, Athearn) but have never tried a steam engine. There's something about watching a train go down the track knowing that when I bought it it was only a box of parts.

rrinker

Your point makes sense also and I agree with it. In my case, however, the Bowser is more attractive. I enjoy building things and have become pretty handy with an airbrush. I haven't gone DCC yet (although it is getting SOOOOOO tempting!!) so that's not an issue with me. Of course if I wanted a RTR with DCC and sound, I agree BLI is the way to go vice the Bowser.

Everyone that has posted

This is the way the forum should work. Each person gives an opinion on why the do things a certain way or prefer certain products. No flaming, no bashing (except kitbashing!) etc. Everyone does things a different way. It's choosing which way to go that sometimes is difficult which is why I love reading everyone's posts!

Dave

[Anonymous]

Dkelly:

What is your enjoyment in the hobby? I have probably 3/4's of all the Silver Streak and Huff-N-Puff series. One half of them are built and running. I have one or two of every Central Valley car on my layout. I own several BLI's, Proto 2K's, Stewarts, and a lot of brass but I enjoy building and tweekin'. I get a satisfaction from the Bowser that I don't get from the RTR. And as Kbfcsme stated "Ahh, but in 20 years, your Bowser will still be running. I can't say I feel the same about BLI." When I sit down to build an engine I'm not in a hurry, It might take me a month or two because I'm having fun. There is, to me, more fun in the building then in the operation. Don't get me wrong, I like operation but I like building more.

My Bowsers don't look as good as the RTR and I wouldn't put them in a picture to be picked apart by those darn "rivit counters" but when my club has an open house, more people follow the Bowsers around more then any other engine except "Thomas". I just took a vacation and I didn't take any of my Bowsers to show but I did take a BLI, two Protos, and a Spectrum.

I also have four 0-6-0T's by Mantua. These are the old ones with the brass bearings for the drive wheels and they'll probably be running when I'm six feet under. I've got two of them decodered but no sound.

I do buy RTR if something strikes my fancy like Yesteryears WP with the big feather, it looks a lot better that my old Varney and Globe kits. I have several Kadee Rutland box cars because of the pretty paint, but don't tell me about the identical numbers because I LIKE IT AS IT IS.

The RTR is nice if you want immediate gradification and fast operation. I think that every modeler should try a loco kit just for the satisification of being able to say "I BUILT THAT AND IT RUNS". But reality has come back to me and I know that a lot of people won't even try a craftsman car kit because "they can't" and they never even tried.

John Allen's first car kit was probably a disaster but look at what he went on to do, and the same for George Selois (SP).

Well, let me get off this soap box
Ya'll have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[rrinker]

I don't know, no one ever accused Tyco of being extra high quality, yet I have 30+ tyear old Tyco stuff that still runs. Even old Life-Like, BP (Before Proto) still runs. I keep it around for sentimental reasons, even though none of it matches my preferred prototype and that stuff only has a slight attempt at what you might call 'detailing'.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrinker

Well, I'm not Bob, but in my view, if you add up the price of all the extra details you have to buy, plus the cost of a good paint job, and then the cost of a DCC sound system, no way would I EVER pick a Bowser over a Broadway when it comes to models they've both done, like the T1 and M1.

Before Broadway, when the choice was $200 invested in a Bowser vs. $800 for brass, I'd probably pick the Bowser. Bowser rolling stock though, is pretty much state of the art. The loco kits are essentially the same Penn Line kits from WAY back.

--Randy

Ahh, but in 20 years, your Bowser will still be running. I cant say I feel the same about BLI.

[darth9x9]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TEFFY

I'm sorry, but I can't imagaine the English family selling Bowser. [snip]

Remember: EVERY company is for sale if the price is right. It is all part of capitalism.

[rrinker]

Well, I'm not Bob, but in my view, if you add up the price of all the extra details you have to buy, plus the cost of a good paint job, and then the cost of a DCC sound system, no way would I EVER pick a Bowser over a Broadway when it comes to models they've both done, like the T1 and M1.

Before Broadway, when the choice was $200 invested in a Bowser vs. $800 for brass, I'd probably pick the Bowser. Bowser rolling stock though, is pretty much state of the art. The loco kits are essentially the same Penn Line kits from WAY back.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Bob,

How do the Bowser steamers compare with the P2K and BLI? I'm not looking for a head to head comparison, but rather a bang for your buck comparison. Given their price points I would assume that they are somewhat less detailed and probably not as good runners - but for their price how do you rate them? For example - given the price I think the Athearn blue box diesels are tops. How does Bowser compare?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

O.K!



How about: "STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"?

Cheers!

www.bowser-trains.com

[BRAKIE]

Randy,Not to be a doom and gloom sayer but,I deeply fear we have not seen the last of the buyouts of manufacturers by distributors.[:(] I hope I am dead wrong but....

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, but I can't imagaine the English family selling Bowser. They've been a steady growth company and making acquasitions (SP) as available and money would permit. I've been a Bowser builder for better then 55 years, long before they went into the English family group, the English's up-graded every line that they've ever bought - look at Penn-line. If you need anything I feel as though they can't get it to you fast enough. I'm a happy camper right now about this marriage.

Even though I used primarly (SP) Santa Fe locos for my private road I still own at least one of every Bowser loco and three of the challengers.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrbernier

Well, at least it was not Horizon!

Jim Bernier

[bow][bow][bow][bow] I DO have to agree with you on that one Jim!!!!!!!! I cant wait for Trainfest to get here in Milwaukee,WI,on November 13&14. With all their stupidity that they have done lately,they are definately gonna hear words from me.what the sam juan is it with these plastic handrails on locomotives?![banghead][:(!]

[lupo]

the fact Bowser is available through Walthers as a new supplier in their 2005 catalogue
is a big improvement for their availability

[Anonymous]

Randy,

I concur with you 150% I would like Bowser and Stewart in their new marriage to remain independent. Both provide great value for the money. Hopefully we'll see Bowser and Stewart become the Athearn and MDC of today and tomorrow.

Perhaps with the additional benefits of the merger we'll see Stewart do what Bowswer has done. Produce unlimited production models. That would be soooooo cool. I get in the long run it will keep prices in line. Just do periodic updates on a couple models a year and have the production run for several. Continuous incremental improvement in the line will keep prices down and customers loyal.

Yup, I'm looking for a bunch of the RS-3's also!! Got the shells, just need the chassis etc. Doing mine as CNJ!

Bowser/Stewart - Bring back the RS3!!!

[rrinker]

Stewart has been GREAT to deal with for me. I bought an F-7 AB set on eBay, still sealed in the original package. When I opened it up there was a step broken off the B-unit shell. I called up Stewart and explained this, they sent me a replacement decorated B-unit shell no charge. My only gripe is that most of the power I need from them is out of production. I try to buy what I can when it shows up on ebay, but I really need a bunch of the RS-3's in Reading.

I REALLY hope this doesn't go another step with either Walthers or Horizon aquiring Bowser. I see NO good from either one. I've talked to enough dealers at shows to know I do not like Walthers' practices, and Horizon, well, I just don't think it's a good idea for a distributor to suck up the manufacturers, this is too much liek a monopoly for my tastes.

--Randy

[areibel]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

O.K!
Hopefully the name of Stewart will still be included.
How about: "STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"?

Naaah, How about Bowser-Stewart? BS, LTD!? BS Locomotive Works? BS Hobbies??
Seriously I think it will help both companies in the long run. Two small good quality manufacturers would be easier prey for the big boys, now it might be more secure.

[Anonymous]

Stewart is/was great to deal with. I purchased a second hand F unit of thiers and the retaining clip for the coupler broke. Called them to see about ordering another one. They are listed in the parts catalog for $0.75 plus shipping. They replaced it at no cost to me whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

Ray,

That is good to know that Bowser is still a customer focussed company. Although I never dealt directly with Stewart, everything I"ve seen says the same about them.

I've been trying not to order directly from Bowser. It seems there are several places that sell Bowser steam engines and cars for less than MSRP, just wi***hey would do the same with the trolleys lol

Might just have to break down and order direct.

Thanks!

Dave

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dkelly

Well that's good news. Stewart and Bowser make a good combination. Steam on the one hand, diesels on the other and both make great freight cars. Hopefully getting together with Stewart will increase the distribution of Bowser products - ever try to find a Bowser PCC trolley?

All you've got to do is head over to the Bowser website and order one. Most LHS' don't carry Bowser's product line because of slow turnaround (who would actually want to MODEL anything these days?), but their stuff is always available. Bowser is absolutely fantastic to work with: order 27 individual detail parts on Monday, have them in hand on Friday.

[orsonroy]

Jerry Britton of Keystone Crossing is saying that Stewart has officially been bought by Bowser. Good news all around: Bowser's great to deal with, and now has an extensive and modern diesel selection. All in all, a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Well that's good news. Stewart and Bowser make a good combination. Steam on the one hand, diesels on the other and both make great freight cars. Hopefully getting together with Stewart will increase the distribution of Bowser products - ever try to find a Bowser PCC trolley?

[AntonioFP45]

Well, it's still good news!

Hopefully they'll be upgrading the diesel locomotive shells with "Genesis" style detailing.

Cheers!

[jspinner]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jspinner

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

O.K!

Not bad since Bowser has been around a long time. Bowser was the alternative for many modelers that couldn't affort to buy brass Steam locomotives. Hopefully the name of Stewart will still be included.

How about: "STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"?

Cheers!

According to Steve the name will stay the same ' Stewart Hobbies'.
John

[jspinner]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

O.K!

Not bad since Bowser has been around a long time. Bowser was the alternative for many modelers that couldn't affort to buy brass Steam locomotives. Hopefully the name of Stewart will still be included.

How about: "STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"?

Cheers!

According to Steve the name will stay the same ' Stewart Hobbies'.
John

[AntonioFP45]

O.K!

Not bad since Bowser has been around a long time. Bowser was the alternative for many modelers that couldn't affort to buy brass Steam locomotives. Hopefully the name of Stewart will still be included.

How about: "STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS"?

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jspinner

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

Per Steve Stewart, 9:15 AM eastern time.
"The company was sold yesterday, Monday.
The name of the new buyer will be announced at 10:00 AM today".

Just spoke to Steve, The company (Stewart) was sold to Bowser.

John

This is good news since Stewart makes one of the best drive systems for the F units.

I prefer their drive over any others on the market now.

[BRAKIE]

And the worm turns..As far as the buy out of Athearn by Horizon I think its going to be a good thing in the months to come as we are seeing new products from Athearn..Now the real question what distributor will buyout Bowser in the coming months? Walthers perhaps?

[jrbernier]

Well, at least it was not Horizon!

Jim Bernier

[jspinner]

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

Per Steve Stewart, 9:15 AM eastern time.
"The company was sold yesterday, Monday.
The name of the new buyer will be announced at 10:00 AM today".

Just spoke to Steve, The company (Stewart) was sold to Bowser.

John

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by locomotive3

Per Steve Stewart, 9:15 AM eastern time.
"The company was sold yesterday, Monday.
The name of the new buyer will be announced at 10:00 AM today".

I wonder who the buyer is???????

Is it a large distributor?????

Could it be Bowser???

We will know today!!!!

Stand by for News!!!