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Post by upcsx on Mar 13, 2021 9:18:06 GMT -8
I just ordered my first FURX Bowser SD40-2 like too know if I will be happy with it will it be as good as the Scale Trains one.
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Post by drolsen on Mar 13, 2021 10:44:53 GMT -8
I don't own a ScaleTrains SD40-2 yet, but I just bought my fourth Bowser (a -2F). The Bowsers are one of my all-time favorite diesel models. The detail level is excellent, the handrails look great, I've never heard a complaint about any of the paint colors (which I think they nailed), and they run smoothly and sound great. I would love to have a FURX unit, because I think the paint scheme really looks good, but I've sworn off buying models out of my mid-'90s modeling era. I'm sure you'll love it.
Dave
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Post by upcsx on Mar 13, 2021 10:49:17 GMT -8
Thinks drolsen I think I will like it too.
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Post by cemr5396 on Mar 13, 2021 11:37:32 GMT -8
You will like it, Bowser's SD40-2 is IMO one of the best HO diesels done in recent years. I need another SD40-2 like I need another hole in my head, but I am seriously considering getting one of the CP SD40-3 hump units when they arrive.
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Post by oldmuley on Mar 13, 2021 16:18:54 GMT -8
I've got a couple of the Algoma Central SD40-2's and they are beautiful engines. Those FURX units look sharp and shouldn't disappoint.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Mar 13, 2021 16:20:08 GMT -8
What does everyone think about the accuracy of their ACR version?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 20:31:00 GMT -8
Disclaimer: I am not on any manufacturer's payroll and it has actually been 29 years since I did work for the Bowser factory, their retail store, and Toy Train Heaven. Over the past 30 years I have only owned a few Bowser units, often just having been in the market for other things they did not make, or brass locos.
The SD40-2 is now my favorite prototype engine. I miss seeing them all the time, as I used to take them very much for granted.
I currently own 5 Bowser SD40-2's, 3 of which have sound, from 3 different product runs, and two are plain dc. I operate both plain dc and dcc with sound (toggle switch between power supplies). I just today pre-ordered 2 more SD40-2's from the next run due soon, and I had a 3rd also on pre-order. Plus they just showed me today photos of more CP SD40-2 units they will announce soon, because I was asking about units assigned to the former D&H and the Buffalo Line here in Pennsylvania.
I own the Bowser FURX SD40-2, number 3052, without the sound. It is simply beautiful and I had to get it when I visited Bowser's store a couple weeks ago. The drawing does not do that engine justice. My friend, an O-gauge fan, even loves it and had to photograph it today (we went up again today). The silver color does pop, the green paint and the striping is particularly well done. I mean the painting and finishing is as close to a perfect 10 as any engine I've ever seen and I am absolutely as picky as they come, having many times traded away locos that I didn't think met my appearance and performance requirements. The models run very quietly in this latest run, with less motor noise than ever before.
This engine was designed by Bowser back in 2013 brand new from the ground up. I dare say it is their best engine. The handrails, while slightly thicker than Scale Trains' photos seem to indicate, tend to also be straighter. Bowser is using ABS plastic so that, if broken, they can be glued and painted better then the Delrin handrails of the past. They also have some give and flex to them such that normal respectful handling in one's basement is not going to break them. I would not drag these models out to clubs for club use, but that said, Bowser tries as best they can to make engines that can take some handling.
The fan screens on the roof may not be as finely detailed as ST fans, or as the most current Athearn Genesis GP38-2 (I have a new one of those) BUT they still look pretty good and the model can be handled for routine lubrication of the axle bearing plates, etc. without any worries of too delicate roof fan screens collapsing (as I have personally experienced on Genesis SD45-2 units).
This is now my motive power of choice.
I may also order the just announced Scale Trains NdeM unit, as well.
I would take BOTH the ST and Bowser SD40-2 units over any EVER made by Overland Models in brass because there are things Overland/Ajin Precision could not render correctly in brass (though they tried and yes I did own them), and these current plastic models have clearly surpassed the brass units. The Bowser model is loaded with metal detail parts that are road-number specific for the time period(s) the models represent. I assume ST model is similar in nature (just all out American EMD instead of Canadian GMD version).
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Post by csxt8400 on Mar 13, 2021 20:59:57 GMT -8
What does everyone think about the accuracy of their ACR version? I have the 187 from the first run. I have never compared it nuts to bolts, but I've been happy with it the few times I've had it out of the box. They did a good job with the color. It will get a WC shield and number in the future for my ops. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 21:21:02 GMT -8
The people at Bowser working under Lee include several actual model railroaders. They go to great lengths to photo verify the unit road numbers, paint schemes, road specific details applicable to those units, etc. I would assume the ACR versions to be correct to prototype photos that they have. Where possible they obtain actual prototype paint chips to verify colors.
Honestly I just sold a bunch of Genesis GP7 units specifically because I learned after owning them that the paint color was considered by many to be way off--not even close.
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Post by packer on Mar 14, 2021 6:18:34 GMT -8
I’m curious if anyone can do a side-by-side of one and a Scaletrains unit?
I know they’re different (EMD & GMD), but BN had some GMDs
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Post by cp6027 on Mar 14, 2021 7:13:38 GMT -8
...Plus they just showed me today photos of more CP SD40-2 units they will announce soon... That's exciting to hear! I have a bunch of these from the first two runs (plus the full-cowl "red barn" version) but this third run didn't have anything that really fit my needs/wants. Will be interesting to see what they have planned for the next run. Shame the GMD SD40 never worked out... hopefully someday! Also, in reply to another post, yes BN had EMDs manufactured in London but they lack most GMD spotting features present on the Bowser units (just as the CP GMD units manufactured in La Grange still have the GMD look and not plain EMD features). |
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Post by wmcbride on Mar 14, 2021 7:47:29 GMT -8
I have a Bowser SD40-2F and an SD40-2 (first run). Both are incredibly well-done. I was just looking at the shell on the SD40-2F yesterday and thinking how well-executed the tooling was. It's really nice!
I have no hesitation ordering any Bowser engine.
Bill McBride
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Post by nsc39d8 on Mar 14, 2021 7:53:58 GMT -8
I have a Bowser SD40-2 and Scaletrains version as well. Both are well done models. Having just looked at the FURX numbers I now have my excuse. 3050 shows up in several NS photos.
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Post by canrailfan on Mar 14, 2021 11:21:55 GMT -8
With a large number of Bowser GMD SD40-2 and SD40-2F locos already on the layout I have to say they are the best models I have. Bowser certainly has done a beautiful job on these in every respect. I never intended to end up with so many SD40-2s but Bowser continues to come out with more paint and detail variations to continually tempt my wallet. The most recent were the CM&Q SD40-2Fs including the BAR heritage unit.
Hopefully Bowser will restart the GMD SD40 project in the near future.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2021 12:23:43 GMT -8
With a large number of Bowser GMD SD40-2 and SD40-2F locos already on the layout I have to say they are the best models I have. Bowser certainly has done a beautiful job on these in every respect. I never intended to end up with so many SD40-2s but Bowser continues to come out with more paint and detail variations to continually tempt my wallet. The most recent were the CM&Q SD40-2Fs including the BAR heritage unit. Hopefully Bowser will restart the GMD SD40 project in the near future. Several weeks back I picked up one of these (The St Lawrence and Hudson/CP subsidiary #5690) on a whim from an Ebay seller...and kinda got hooked. So there will be another container of these this year, with several CP versions in it and other shortlines (the item numbers show on the website, with the colored drawings). They also say the whole process with the factory is speeding up now, and the engines that have not yet been announced might actually also arrive sooner than they have been. |
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Post by ChessieFan1978 on Mar 14, 2021 20:38:58 GMT -8
I have a CP Rail SD40-2 from Bowser, awesome locomotive that is well detailed and runs great.
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Post by thelastspike on Mar 15, 2021 1:31:27 GMT -8
By far my favourite locomotives. I have upgraded them with Sound Scale Systems speakers which made a substantial differences. Now that the V5 ESU decoder is out the addition of ground lights would be nice but that would be about it as they totally nailed these.
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Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 15, 2021 9:19:21 GMT -8
I have FURX #3052 and it is an excellent model...I used to see the FURX SD 40-2 locos paired with HLCX dark blue and maroon units on mixed freight trains through Dayton, Ohio.
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Post by dstark on Mar 16, 2021 11:26:55 GMT -8
Also, in reply to another post, yes BN had EMDs manufactured in London but they lack most GMD spotting features present on the Bowser units (just as the CP GMD units manufactured in La Grange still have the GMD look and not plain EMD features). Three subtle GMD features I know of that crept into the London-built BN Sd40-2s: - blower bulge on conductor's side long hood lacked the two horizontal stiffeners found on EMD production, GMD used heavier gauge metal instead of stiffening - Dofasco rather than EMD casting marks on truck sideframes - EMD used single-piece cab roofs on spartan cabs; GMD used two pieces with an offset lap joint down the centreline. Zooming in on this image you can see the seam on the cab roof: www.trainpix.com/BN/EMDORIG/SD40-2/8086.HTMBowser's cab has what looks more like a weld bead than a thin flat strip, but the effect is similar. The blower bulge and Dofasco casting marks are less reliable spotting features since those components got swapped around with EMD built units, but here's the GMD blower bulge without stiffeners: www.trainpix.com/BN/EMDORIG/SD40-2/7175.HTMOne thing I've never confirmed is whether the BN GMD-built units had rectangular grate cab steps as preferred by Canadian roads rather than perforated metal on U.S. production; I doubt it though as that is a more a design option than local fabrication difference. Doug Stark |
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Post by upcsx on Mar 18, 2021 12:14:34 GMT -8
Well I just got it runs great like the paint nice lights the only thing is to get it out of the box you have too take screws out I don't like that but it is all together a winner.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2021 16:37:09 GMT -8
Many engines are like that now, not just Bowser's. They have been known to throw the boxed models on the concrete shop floor from a flight of steps to test the packaging.
The way these are coming now is literally the best they can do after lots of testing.
They have to package them to survive US Mail or UPS shipping of individual units. In the cases as they arrive from China, they get to the importer ok. From importer to dealer to you is when most damage occurs.
I have had another manufacturer's locos destroyed during shipping, during fall of 2020. It did not matter if it was USPS or UPS. The clamshell pushed through the nose of the diesels in both instances.
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 19, 2021 11:10:42 GMT -8
As I discovered with the Bowser C628s this packaging isn't perfect either, it allows the engine to pivot from the bottom enough that cab side details will hit the outer sleeve.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2021 20:43:52 GMT -8
I just noticed that Bowser has now updated their website: Containers are arriving during May and June of 2021. They tell you what SD40-2's are in each container. It says that they are still accepting pre-orders, though some items might actually be in short supply as far as any extras not already spoken for. If you have to have something, it would be wise to either find a dealer who still has some slots remaining for sure, or to contact Bowser directly to see if they can still help you out.
For anyone looking for other items, I'm sure there will be containers of other Bowser products later in the year; the trend lately is they update the website when they know something is coming for sure (that won't account for any customs delays). |
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Post by sd40dash2 on Mar 27, 2021 17:27:09 GMT -8
  I've done some preliminary analysis of this QNSL version and it seems these are as accurate as practical. -the grey version has front above-deck ditch lights (only appeared after the orange rebuilds) -handrail stanchions should be grey, not black -remove most of the rerail frogs from the sideframes (check specific prototype photos/your era to confirm) -rusty ore-coloured weathering is a must for these These units spent most of their lives in captive, remote service, so there may not be many modellers looking for them. The HLCX version that appeared on CP, CN et al during the power shortages of the mid-1990s might be more popular. Anyone else have a different opinion of the detail accuracy of the QNSL version? |
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Post by 690 on Mar 27, 2021 18:01:29 GMT -8
I do like that they did the radiator screens that were unique to the QNSL engines. I'm surprised Bowser hasn't done the five former QNSL units that went to Pan Am, they'd probably sell fairly well.
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Post by runs2waynoka on Mar 27, 2021 18:19:55 GMT -8
I’ve thought about picking one of those QNSL units up. I still have fond memories of working on the NREX versions that were leased to BNSF back in the day.. I don’t remember the NREX ones having that air dryer on the long hood end like that but that might have been changed by the time NRE got them.
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Post by chuckc on Mar 27, 2021 20:26:35 GMT -8
I've done some preliminary analysis of this QNSL version and it seems these are as accurate as practical. -the grey version has front above-deck ditch lights (only appeared after the orange rebuilds) -handrail stanchions should be grey, not black -remove most of the rerail frogs from the sideframes (check specific prototype photos/your era to confirm) -rusty ore-coloured weathering is a must for these These units spent most of their lives in captive, remote service, so there may not be many modellers looking for them. The HLCX version that appeared on CP, CN et al during the power shortages of the mid-1990s might be more popular. Anyone else have a different opinion of the detail accuracy of the QNSL version? I bought #251.
I too, removed those rerailers on the truck side frames. I've not seem them on any of these prototypes. And yes, I believe the above-deck ditch lights also do not appear on the prototype from what I can tell. I will try to remove them and replace them with shorter mu receptacles.
I was curious about the blob that appears on the rear end of the long hood. I have no idea what it is, I've not seem them on any QNSL GMD SD40-2's. I believe the QNSL SD40's had them. I wonder how much they are glued on.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Mar 28, 2021 0:45:59 GMT -8
^ Thanks for the post. The "blob on the rear" is an air dryer, probably for the aftercooler piping around the radiator fans. Definitely accurate for the orange rebuilds plus some of the grey SD40s but it seems to vary by unit and era. I have so far been unable to locate any photos of grey SD40-2s with this feature. www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/photos/qnsl/two.htm |
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Post by drolsen on Mar 28, 2021 7:06:43 GMT -8
Shame the GMD SD40 never worked out... hopefully someday! I talked to a Bowser rep at their table at the Great Scale Model Train Show in Timonium last year (I think - it's been a long year!). He told me that they still hope to do the SD40, but they've been so swamped with their other projects that they had to put it on the back burner. I definitely hope we'll see it within the next couple years. I've done some preliminary analysis of this QNSL version and it seems these are as accurate as practical. Thanks for sharing your assessment. That's a shame about the grey stanchions. They've normally gotten all those details right on the SD40-2 series, from what I've seen and the prototype photos I've looked at definitely seem to show grey stanchions. Maybe an oversight by the factory, but everyone makes mistakes once in a while, so probably an artwork issue. They certainly went all out with this series, so it's understandable that some details may slip through. Here's 261 with tall ditchlights while still in this scheme, so maybe this was one of the reference photos they used and just applied the same details to both numbers: QNSL 261, August 11, 2000I haven't found any other grey units with them so far. It does seem like it would have made more sense to leave them off for the as-delivered scheme. I do like that they did the radiator screens that were unique to the QNSL engines. I'm surprised Bowser hasn't done the five former QNSL units that went to Pan Am, they'd probably sell fairly well. It's really great to see how much effort they put into this SD40-2 series with details like those radiators. I'm sure they'll get to Pan Am eventually, and maybe the grey patched HLCX version too. Dave |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2021 10:16:05 GMT -8
First photo of #261 I reviewed on rrpicturearchives.net seems to indicate mostly black stanchions on the side, with grey stanchions in front of the cab: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=562692With the weathering, it's difficult to tell if the side ones are black or grey? There's a later photo there from '06, where 261 is between 2 of the orange and grey units, and it's a long angle, but does appears to have black stanchions on the side? |
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