My one & only Bowser is an Executive Line DS 4-4-1000 W LOK Sound, I paid $189.00 + shipping from Trainworld in Brooklyn, pre orderd it over 3 years ago and waited over a year for it to arrive (pre-covid), Great Runner.
Bayway Terminal NJ
Gee... I'm only 36, yet I need another loco like I need a hole in the head.
Of course, if the right deal, or the right unit comes along....
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
John-NYBWYou and I are in the same boat. I turn 70 at the end of this month and I don't really need any more locos. I have more on my roster than I can use during an operating session.
Hmmm. I am not even 55 yet, and I already have more locomotives than I need!
I went on a buying-spree from 2017-2020 to fill out my roster, and that is done now. However, I keep looking for goodies.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
BigDaddy I just ran across my VO-1000 the box said $299 marked down to $229 by Modeltrainstuff, with a Loksound decoder, I love it. I was looking for my voltmeter which is still MIA. John-NYBW Announced release date is December 17 but if they are like most companies, they won't hit that target, Actually the projected date was 2-3 years ago. Trainworld was and still is taking preorders. I canceled my preorder for a WM RS-3 at least 2 years ago , why? Because at my age I can't see pouring hundreds dollars more into a hobby where I have plenty of engines and RS-3's. Bowser Mfg Facebook page has posted a couple pics of pre-productions samples. Here is one. The Pennsy version has the Pennsy roof antenna, and it isn't exactly straight, but it's pre-production Trainworld's current estimate is 12/31/2021
I just ran across my VO-1000 the box said $299 marked down to $229 by Modeltrainstuff, with a Loksound decoder, I love it. I was looking for my voltmeter which is still MIA.
John-NYBW Announced release date is December 17 but if they are like most companies, they won't hit that target,
Actually the projected date was 2-3 years ago. Trainworld was and still is taking preorders. I canceled my preorder for a WM RS-3 at least 2 years ago , why? Because at my age I can't see pouring hundreds dollars more into a hobby where I have plenty of engines and RS-3's.
Bowser Mfg Facebook page has posted a couple pics of pre-productions samples. Here is one.
The Pennsy version has the Pennsy roof antenna, and it isn't exactly straight, but it's pre-production
Trainworld's current estimate is 12/31/2021
You and I are in the same boat. I turn 70 at the end of this month and I don't really need any more locos. I have more on my roster than I can use during an operating session. It's not a case of need. I want this one. I just replaced the roof on my house and it didn't cost me as much as I feared so I'm feeling a little rich right now and might make this a Christmas present to myself.
I didn't know this had been announced several years ago. That indicates it's like so many other new products in this hobby. Manufacturers announce a new product years before they are actually ready to deliver it. I don't know why they do this but I find it very irritating. The fact that this was on a pop up ad might be an indication they are close to a real delivery date. We'll see. I'm going to order one and find out. It can't hurt. If they take more than a few more months to deliver, I can always cancel it and forget I ever saw it.
John-NYBW I had an Atlas RS-3 and an FL9. Both were the smoothest runners on my roster. I regret getting rid of them when I started my current DCC layout. Both would have been worth the effort to upgrade with decoders although at the time, I don't think I could have fit a sound decoder and speakers in the RS-3.
I had an Atlas RS-3 and an FL9. Both were the smoothest runners on my roster. I regret getting rid of them when I started my current DCC layout. Both would have been worth the effort to upgrade with decoders although at the time, I don't think I could have fit a sound decoder and speakers in the RS-3.
In many Atlas RS3s, I milled out the fuel tank and installed the speaker there facing down then a DCC sound decoder (I don't remember who's brand) up on the top of the frame.
Back on track with the Bowsers. Very nice runners and lookers.
One Red (Redbirds) and two White (Snowbird) LV ALCO C628 and two READING ALCO C630
I could be in the market for a WM RS3, If it looks better then my Atlas RS3.
The C&NW re-engined a ton of its Baldwin switchers with EMD engines, and that picture upstream is clearly one of them.See the "Diesel Spotter's Guide" for more info, or look for prototype photos online.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Got my first two Bowser SD40-2 locomotives yes they are great locos but like my Scale Trains better,Bowser and Scale Trains are the only SD40-2's I will buy.
Russell
John-NYBWAnnounced release date is December 17 but if they are like most companies, they won't hit that target,
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
SeeYou190The amazing thing about both of these locomotives is they simply do not derail. Any problem track areas I had, these would run through them without problems.
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
I have an Atlas RS1 and an RS3, both still undecorated. I believe both have Kato drives. The amazing thing about both of these locomotives is they simply do not derail.
Any problem track areas I had, these would run through them without problems.
richhotrain crossthedog At the time of my preorder the RS-3 was my favorite thing in the world apart from Batdorf & Bronson Decaf, but over the years my affections have moved to the RS-1, which I adore above all other Alcos. No attempt at sultry curves, just an industrial workhorse whose cab roof looks like someone hauled a slab of sheet metal out of their workshop and bent it over the top of the engine to keep the rain off. I have three Atlas Classic RS-1 switchers, a Santa Fe and two C&WI. They were the workhorses at Dearborn Station in Chicago, shuttling passenger car consists back and forth between the station and the coach yard. Love those RS-1s! Rich
crossthedog At the time of my preorder the RS-3 was my favorite thing in the world apart from Batdorf & Bronson Decaf, but over the years my affections have moved to the RS-1, which I adore above all other Alcos. No attempt at sultry curves, just an industrial workhorse whose cab roof looks like someone hauled a slab of sheet metal out of their workshop and bent it over the top of the engine to keep the rain off.
At the time of my preorder the RS-3 was my favorite thing in the world apart from Batdorf & Bronson Decaf, but over the years my affections have moved to the RS-1, which I adore above all other Alcos. No attempt at sultry curves, just an industrial workhorse whose cab roof looks like someone hauled a slab of sheet metal out of their workshop and bent it over the top of the engine to keep the rain off.
I have three Atlas Classic RS-1 switchers, a Santa Fe and two C&WI. They were the workhorses at Dearborn Station in Chicago, shuttling passenger car consists back and forth between the station and the coach yard. Love those RS-1s!
Rich
Agreed. I have two Atlas RS-1s and two Athearn RS-3s, all repainted for my fictional railroad. The Atlas are by far the smoother runners. When I was still running DC, I had an Atlas RS-3 and an FL9. Both were the smoothest runners on my roster. I regret getting rid of them when I started my current DCC layout. Both would have been worth the effort to upgrade with decoders although at the time, I don't think I could have fit a sound decoder and speakers in the RS-3.
Alton Junction
richhotrainSelf-correction is good, Matt, and always appreciated by members of the forum.
At the time of my preorder the RS-3 was my favorite thing in the world apart from Batdorf & Bronson Decaf, but over the years my affections have moved to the RS-1, which I adore above all other Alcos. No attempt at sultry curves, just an industrial workhorse whose cab roof looks like someone hauled a slab of sheet metal out of their workshop and bent it over the top of the engine to keep the rain off. If Bowser ever manages to put out an SP&S RS-1 in the dark oxide red, dark green/black, and yellow tiger stripe, I'll be camped out at their doorstep waiting for it.
-Matt
I found a page with a phone order line:
crossthedog I stand corrected. I just looked and sure enough, the page is updated and they're saying December now. If I had read carefully through the entire thread before spouting off I would have seen Rick J's comment. When will I learn that my opinions and a sawbuck will get me a cup of coffee? -Matt
I stand corrected. I just looked and sure enough, the page is updated and they're saying December now. If I had read carefully through the entire thread before spouting off I would have seen Rick J's comment. When will I learn that my opinions and a sawbuck will get me a cup of coffee?
crossthedogNothing on the website has changed since then.
John-NYBWThe MSRP for the Sound/DCC version is $300 which in today's market seems like an excellent price.
I preordered the RS-3 in SP&S livery (Executive Line) years ago, back in late 2018 (product release was due in Spring of 2019, I think). Nothing on the website has changed since then. I emailed once in 2019 or 2020 to ask if my preorder was still on the books and got a short reply that they were still working on the product (and I don't recall whether my question about my preorder was answered). Issues were referenced: Partners. Suppliers. Covid. Whatever.
I moved on. Found an SP&S DCC RS-3 on eBay, which I love. I decided DCC is not my jam, though, and I found a DC-only Atlas Kato RS-3 for $20 at a swap meet in custom SP&S broadstripe.
I'm sure the Bowser loco will be a fine and exquisitely detailed product someday, but I doubt that my "preorder" is even extant anymore.
Overmod richhotrain The actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences. A much more obvious difference, I think, is the EMD-style radiator and headlight. This would be like complaining that an as-built model of Rock Island DL-109 621 has detail differences from your picture of Christine...
richhotrain The actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences.
A much more obvious difference, I think, is the EMD-style radiator and headlight.
This would be like complaining that an as-built model of Rock Island DL-109 621 has detail differences from your picture of Christine...
As far as "complaining", my comments were simply my observations about my own model. The second sentence of your reply is ludicrous on its face. It has no bearing or relevance on my comments to the OP.
richhotrainThe actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences.
I have one Stewart version, on hand 5 Executive models, one on pre-order.
All I have are very smooth, powerful runners with great performance. The new executive models are extremely well detailed, and the newest are even prototype roadname and roadnumber specific.
You will love how well these are built.
The best part? Bowser actually stocks parts you might need. (Like if you pull the goofup I did and damage a cab.... Or something similar.) Lee and his team are all top notch guys, and make a great model.
richhotrain John-NYBW I went to the Bowser website to pre-order but as far as I can tell, they aren't taking the pre-orders. Nice to see someone do something the old fashioned way and only take orders for what they have in stock. They have a lot of other locos listed that I'm guesing are out of production because they aren't taking orders for those either. Maybe I'm wrong about the pre-order but I didn't see any such option on their website. When I click on the website, it does say that pre-orders are being accepted. On the RS-3 Progress Report, it states to "stake your claim quickly". But, in my quick glance, I did not come across a pre-order form. Rich
John-NYBW I went to the Bowser website to pre-order but as far as I can tell, they aren't taking the pre-orders. Nice to see someone do something the old fashioned way and only take orders for what they have in stock. They have a lot of other locos listed that I'm guesing are out of production because they aren't taking orders for those either. Maybe I'm wrong about the pre-order but I didn't see any such option on their website.
I went to the Bowser website to pre-order but as far as I can tell, they aren't taking the pre-orders. Nice to see someone do something the old fashioned way and only take orders for what they have in stock. They have a lot of other locos listed that I'm guesing are out of production because they aren't taking orders for those either. Maybe I'm wrong about the pre-order but I didn't see any such option on their website.
When I click on the website, it does say that pre-orders are being accepted. On the RS-3 Progress Report, it states to "stake your claim quickly". But, in my quick glance, I did not come across a pre-order form.
What they mean is that pre-orders are being accepted from retailers like Lombards or M B Klein. Bowser is manufactuer and retail to them is a sidelime, retailers with pre-orders will receive the first units before Bowser sells any to customers directly. Also note the expected delivery date, which may change is December 17th. I have four coming that I ordered in 2017.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
John-NYBW I am a freelancer so prototype fidelity is not a big issue with me. My fictional railroad interchanges with the Pennsy and I already have several Pennsy locos on the roster. I try not to gather too much knowledge so minor inaccuracies won't bother me.
I am a freelancer so prototype fidelity is not a big issue with me. My fictional railroad interchanges with the Pennsy and I already have several Pennsy locos on the roster. I try not to gather too much knowledge so minor inaccuracies won't bother me.
John-NYBW The consensus seems to be that Bowsers are excellent runners so I am sorely tempted to add this one. I really don't need another Pennsy loco but I have a fondness for the little ALCOs and might add this one. You can never have too many locos.
The consensus seems to be that Bowsers are excellent runners so I am sorely tempted to add this one. I really don't need another Pennsy loco but I have a fondness for the little ALCOs and might add this one. You can never have too many locos.
tstage Rich, does the box for your C&NW VO-1000 say it was modeled in a particular phase? Tom
Rich, does the box for your C&NW VO-1000 say it was modeled in a particular phase?
Tom
n012944 richhotrain I don't know what the final Bowser RS-3 will look like, but I can say that my VO-1000 is not identical to the prototype, if that is important to you. Here is a photo of the actual CNW #1040 which can be compared to my CNW #1039. The actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences. Rich I am pretty sure that picture was taken after the unit was repowered with an EMD engine. From what I can tell, the C&NW started repowering them in the late 50's. Here is a picture of one before repowering. No side handrails present, however it does look like it only has one stack.
richhotrain I don't know what the final Bowser RS-3 will look like, but I can say that my VO-1000 is not identical to the prototype, if that is important to you. Here is a photo of the actual CNW #1040 which can be compared to my CNW #1039. The actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences. Rich
I don't know what the final Bowser RS-3 will look like, but I can say that my VO-1000 is not identical to the prototype, if that is important to you.
Here is a photo of the actual CNW #1040 which can be compared to my CNW #1039. The actual loco had two smokestacks, compared to four smokestacks on my model. The actual loco had side handrails, whereas my model has no side handrails. Those are the two most obvious differences in addition to several lesser differences.
I am pretty sure that picture was taken after the unit was repowered with an EMD engine. From what I can tell, the C&NW started repowering them in the late 50's.
Here is a picture of one before repowering. No side handrails present, however it does look like it only has one stack.
I've keeping an eye out for a good DCC+sound RS3 for months, but darn, where's the CN version! Or any Canadian name, for that matter
As for the OP's question, I have several 6 axle Alco Centuries from Bowser, and am quite happy with them. I also have 3 RS3's on order.
An "expensive model collector"
That's what I liked about the Stewart versions. They included sprues of additional parts (e.g. stacks) & instruction sheets with the box for outfitting your locomotive to the preferred "phase" of your prototype. My Stewart FTs came with 3 different roof hatches for both the A & B-units: Non-dynamic hatch, Phase I/II dynamic hatch, and Phase III dynamic hatch. IIRC, my VO-660 & VO-1000 switchers had several stack arrangements to choose from.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.