|
|
Post by unittrain on Jul 6, 2021 17:28:50 GMT -8
Just picked up a Bowser PC C636 just was wondering about the large openings around the trucks anybody fill these in maybe with styrene I beam just curious it's a nice unit but the gaps are large.
|
|
|
|
Post by nsc39d8 on Jul 6, 2021 17:37:02 GMT -8
You might heck with Bowser to see which run you unit was in. The first run had issues with the fuel tank height from the rail and truck issues that made the loco sit high.
Bowser provided replacement parts for these, new lower riding trucks and correct sized fuel tank.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigblow69 on Jul 7, 2021 11:12:42 GMT -8
I know the openings you are speaking of. I thought styrene strip would fill it in. The reason it is that way is for the models equipped with Dafasco trucks to pivot.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2021 11:21:32 GMT -8
No C-636's ever rode on Dofasco trucks so that is not the reason for the issue. There was an oversight during design of the Alco C-636, regarding height off the rail and also regarding the size of the fuel tanks, that affected the first run only. Bowser promptly offered replacement bolsters, couplers, fuel tanks, etc. as a parts set. If you happen to have acquired a first run unit, they most likely still have the parts to make the correction in height off the rail. The lowest item numbers of any version would be the first run units. The item numbers are searchable on the Bowser website, if you search for all previous C-636 models produced. There should be a tab for that on the C-636 page.
The first run models run ok without the replacement parts, but they will appear a scale 3" or so too high off the rail and the fuel tank as delivered was the older version used on C-630's, which is too small for a C-636.
Should you find that you have indeed acquired a first run unit, contact Bowser directly and they will graciously help you out. The replacement parts even come with an instruction diagram to make it as easy as possible. The fatter fuel tank is held on by just one single screw, and for many people might be the most noticeable change. |
|
|
|
Post by bigblow69 on Jul 7, 2021 12:11:38 GMT -8
No C-636's ever rode on Dofasco trucks so that is not the reason for the issue. There was an oversight during design of the Alco C-636, regarding height off the rail and also regarding the size of the fuel tanks, that affected the first run only. Bowser promptly offered replacement bolsters, couplers, fuel tanks, etc. as a parts set. If you happen to have acquired a first run unit, they most likely still have the parts to make the correction in height off the rail. The lowest item numbers of any version would be the first run units. The item numbers are searchable on the Bowser website, if you search for all previous C-636 models produced. There should be a tab for that on the C-636 page.
The first run models run ok without the replacement parts, but they will appear a scale 3" or so too high off the rail and the fuel tank as delivered was the older version used on C-630's, which is too small for a C-636.
Should you find that you have indeed acquired a first run unit, contact Bowser directly and they will graciously help you out. The replacement parts even come with an instruction diagram to make it as easy as possible. The fatter fuel tank is held on by just one single screw, and for many people might be the most noticeable change. No kidding, tell that to the frame that bowser uses. They used it for the models equipped with Dafasco trucks like the C630M which according to info had the same frame as the C628/C630/C636 I know this because I had one of their C630M's and if not for the notches in the frame. No way would the Dafasco trucks would work. |
|
|
|
Post by unittrain on Jul 7, 2021 13:16:55 GMT -8
Thanks for the insight I'll check it out I got PC road number 2339 I'll check the box for the item number.
|
|
|
|
Post by unittrain on Jul 7, 2021 13:25:35 GMT -8
Yeah its one of the first release 23583 the Bowser site says 23579 to 23584 needs the new trucks and fuel tank I emailed them hopefully they still have the parts.
|
|
|
|
Post by markfj on Jul 7, 2021 17:20:06 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by ford86 on Jul 7, 2021 20:02:25 GMT -8
I'd also recommend installing a replacement motor. I installed updated motors from Bowser when they became available and they run much better than just replacing the trucks alone.
The motors from the first run are extremely weak and will stall with the slightest downward pressure on the engine. Not to mention the gears in the trucks had flashing issues if I recall.
|
|
|
|
Post by es80ac on Jul 7, 2021 21:41:37 GMT -8
Do Bowser send free replacement upgrades for those weak motors as well?
|
|
|
|
Post by ford86 on Jul 8, 2021 3:23:27 GMT -8
Do Bowser send free replacement upgrades for those weak motors as well? They did not at the time I replaced mine. I purchased them direct. |
|
|
|
Post by markfj on Jul 8, 2021 4:11:53 GMT -8
More photos for reference.     Interesting to note how much open space is below the radiator and how "see-thru" the side grills are on the prototype. Thanks, Mark |
|
|
|
Post by nsc39d8 on Jul 8, 2021 6:38:16 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by markfj on Jul 8, 2021 9:29:32 GMT -8
Is that a recent photo of 3642? Did it hit something or were the lower steps and front plate removed to work on the coupler box? I heard rumors that the DL was thinking of retiring 3642. Can anyone confirm that? Here is a nice low angle view of CR 6786 in case anyone wants to model the Conrail version without the footsteps.  |
|
|
|
Post by 690 on Jul 8, 2021 11:15:21 GMT -8
Is that a recent photo of 3642? Did it hit something or were the lower steps and front plate removed to work on the coupler box? I heard rumors that the DL was thinking of retiring 3642. Can anyone confirm that? Here is a nice low angle view of CR 6786 in case anyone wants to model the Conrail version without the footsteps. They cut off the pilot to pull the truck out and replace a traction motor. AFAIK they’re not planning on retiring it. |
|
randy
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by randy on Jul 9, 2021 8:55:31 GMT -8
Bowser SKU's 23567 to 23606 encompass the first production run.
|
|
|
|
Post by nsc39d8 on Jul 9, 2021 20:14:43 GMT -8
Those pics are from 2014 of DL 3642 and 3000. I do not remember why the front plate and steps were removed at the time.
|
|
