Bowser Big Boy work session

[dinwitty]

No pics, BUT anyways maybe later, just done tonite... The Bowser Big Boy I have owned for many years is going into finishing stages, it runs fine now. This session I went over it and put together the details for it, and actually i one evenings work the details go together fairly quick. Just careful small work I got the pilot deck together, I am not using the Bowser headlight, but a Precision Scale one with a lit number board. The Bowser headlight was designed for a Jewel, I will be installing a bright LED. Handrails were quickish, filing the wire into a point like to help threading it thru the teeny holes. The fun part was the bell. The little package the bell assembly, the parts wer... Bell, Clapper, wire, hanger, screw. These are all very small, and threading the wire has to be done to hold the bell in place and it can move, and you have to get the clapper in also. uhm, well, trying to hold 3 teeny things was imnpoassible and trying to thread at the same time. Eventually the clapper popped out of holding and landed on the floor permanntly missing in action on a carpeted floor, so the bell is clapperless, I don't think you will really miss it, maybe I will fenagle a substitute. So now its looking about all together now, I just found the steam pipe is broken on one side so I have to order a replacemet so its limping on one steam pipe for now, I have a big order to make to bowser for detail parts I will add to the engine. The kit has been a metamorphose of progress, parts breaking and replacing, side rod stuff changed to brass replacements... The tender I was going to use the plastic one from the Display Big Boy and Bowser's adapt kit, but I found a Brass Centipede tender at a Swap meet (looks like a Kemtron or Precision scale kit). Looks like I am about ready to DCC it and get it lit up and sounded, then paint it. Then I have the challenger to finish. yay.

[Darth Santa Fe]

Sounds like you're making good progress! I hope we can see some pictures later.

[georgev]

dinwitty

...snip...  Eventually the clapper popped out of holding and landed on the floor permanntly missing in action on a carpeted floor... snip... 

I was thinking of using a clapper or two in HO scale.  But I just couldn't figure out animate the arms of the people so they could make enough noise to activate the thing.  I finally just used a switch to turn the lights on and off..  

What?  Oh, that kind of clapper.   Never mind... 

George V. (who is out of his mind on Monday morning) 

[dinwitty]

Headlight is the Precision Scale, eventually will light up and put lit number bugboards on it I am ordering some numberboards for the top, they might be able to be lit up as well with some work.

[cudaken]

  Now we are talking, I love pictures of Big Boys. Looking forward to seeing some more pictures after you are done. I wonder how many cars that monster will pull when done?

              Cuda Ken

[dinwitty]

It runs now, I'll give it a shot when I re-put together my modules.

[0-6-0]

Hello nice job. Looks like you are off to a fine start. Are you going to add the supper detail kit? I have one my dad started I been working on it for a year now. I am missing some parts. I made a list and calling Bowser this week to see if they still have any. If you have time could you take a pic of the bottom of the cab by the draw bar. I not sure how the trailing track beam mounts this is one of the parts I need. But I cant find a good shot of it.to see how it fits. Thanks Frank