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New Haven:  Don't let these guys throw you.  It just ain't that hard, but apparently some people think that you must be a master mechanic to assemble what used to be regarded as an entry level kit.  My friends and I routinely put these together as teenage beginner Model Railroaders, and if we could do it, you can too!  There are differences in the Bowser kits.  The ex-varney kits are about as close as you can come to a shake the box steam engine kit.  The ex-Penn Line (Pennsy) and original Bowser kits (pacific, mountain, challanger, etc.) are a bit more complex, but not difficult.  The folks at Bowser are aware that some folks have fear of valve gear, and offer these pre assembled if you want to go that route.  If you decide to put your own valve gear together, order a few extrta rivets.  Should you make an error, simply drill the bad rivet out and replace/  Having extras on hand will save waiting on spare parts.  The rivet tool Bowser offers is also probably a good idea.  In the unlikely event you seriously mess anything else up, Bowser offers replacement parts at reasonable prices for anything in the kits.  The folks at Bowser are knowlegable, helpful, and stand behind their stuff.  If you run into anything that gives you a problem, call them and they'll help you out.  Afterall they want you to enjoy the kit so you'll be a repeat customer.  Apparently they're doing something right as they are one of the few old line manufactuers still in business.  If there are some older modelers in your area, chances are that they'll be pretty skilled in assembling steam locomotive kits.  They'd probably be happy to give you the benefit of their experience.  Also if you can run down some basic model railroading books from the 60's on back such as Linn Westcott's HO Primer, you'll find that steam loco kit assembly is well covered.  There's nothing quite like putting together your own loco.  With a little bit of paitence you'll have an engine you're really proud of.JBB
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