Bowser Loco Kits

[nkp_174]

I'm afraid "model railroading" is rapidly moving to "layout construction" with r-t-r equipment rather than model building.

If that happens, ouch! Perhaps the thing to do is purchase any parts which you might need...and if they aren't available...make your own duplicates for personal use. I don't like the idea at all with anything currently (or to be) in production, but I think it is a little different when something is no longer available (and you are not making money off of it...the big issue with copyrights).

I interpreted their emails as meaning that Cal-scale was fine...the super detailing parts are safe...but the steam kit specific parts...frames, drivers, boilers, tenders were being dropped.

In other news, I've learned that BTS is coming out with a new HO kit! They are planning for an assembled frame/running gear/motor made in the USA...plus pewter parts from New Zealand. Unfortunately, the first set of masters for the boiler, cab, and such were lost by the postal service His cost will be $300...so it won't be cheap. The kit is supposed to be a Civil War era locomotive...IIRC, the outside frame General. I think I saw it on the Early Rail group...

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I would hate to see the HO world become little more than dollhouse building with stock RTR trains running through it... Building trains is my favorite part. If I was a free-lance HO modeler, I'd have built a number of the Bowser locomotives already...as I wouldn't care as much about it having the correct valve gear and such...since correct would be whatever type my road's shop prefers (and I could have a plausible reason for)!

Michael