Bowser RS3 Review

[@charleskimball2494]

I found this review to be very informative. I appreciate the time taken to point out the details and features on the RS-3 units.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

You are most welcome. I now have a total of 7 of these, and they continue to be a delight to run. No further issues! I have one more unit reserved, and anticipate a follow up long term report when the final unit is in service a while.

[@iscariom]

I remember the train room at your house in Tampa. Going to the Happy Hobo shop with my dad every Friday was one of the better things about my childhood. Thanks for doing this Don. I've always been impressed by your work.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

It's always great to hear from old friends! Thank you for your comments!

[@maquetedoalto]

Amazing.I love old style locomotive.

[@sammym.belfastchild]

Thanks for taking the time , very informative, been thinking of getting a pair of these myself, but honestly was unfamiliar with Bowser , so you helped seal the deal the paint looks beautiful an a smooth runner too. Cheers .

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Yes, aside from the motor issues I mentioned, they have been a delight. I actually have a pair of Maine Central on pre-order, and a Canadian Pacific as well, which I am looking forward to, but It's a good thing they don't all come at once! I may do a follow-up long term review after the Maine Central units arrive, to confirm that the quality is still high.

[@jurgenf.7330]

I am absolutely delighted with your model system. Many small details, lovingly designed. Well done.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Glad you like it!

[@dennisbriggs1819]

These locomotives look great and are truly fun to operate. Thanks for your review Don.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Thanks for watching, Dennis!

[@ACLTony]

Very well made video Don! A+ on your detailed review.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Thank you! I felt that Bowser's efforts should be acknowledged, as this is a very nice job. I didn't mention: separately applied door handles!

[@larryboyer]

Great review and a very nice-looking layout

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Many thanks!

[@tomryan943]

Really nice locos! I wish Bowser would produce some in the New York Central paintscheme.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Keep checking with Bowser. They are announcing new paint schemes all the time, and I bet they will do NYC!

[@davidedwards1855]

Nice Elephant Head, Don!

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Thanks for noticing!

[@billblakey9401]

Hi, Nice review. It is great to see all the specific detailing. I bought a pair of Bowser Baldwin VO-1000s a few years ago and found the handrails were very brittle and fragile, due to the type of plastic used. I snapped handrails on both fairly quickly even with gentle handling. Have Bowser remedied this with their RS-3s? i.e. do the handrails have any flexibility? Thanks, Bill.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Handrails are pretty flexible. It's tough to make something this fine that isn't a bit fragile, but I must say that I haven't had an issue with the 5 units I have owned . The B&M units are over a year old now, and no damage so far! The CV and GT units are still good, but not a year old yet. I really don't think they will be a problem.

[@billblakey9401]

@@HappyHoboTrains Thanks, I will pre-order the 2 CofG units. Best Regards, Bill.

[@ralley145]

Very nice locos. They seem to be to B&M specs. Did you buy them with dcc or upgrade? Also, Would be so kind to say where you bought these?

[@HappyHoboTrains]

All the units were bought with DCC and sound except the CV unit. I had a Loksound 21 pin decoder from an older unit that I loaded the Also 244 sound into, and plugged it in. Very easy, though speed matching to the factory equipped units was a bit of a challenge. I don't recall which ones were bought where, but they came from different sources, including Tony's Trains, Train World, and Factory Direct Hobbies. I see Bowser is doing another run of B&M, this time without the train lighting equipment.

[@tvtoms]

Great review and really awesome examples of this model. I purchased the Erie Lackawanna version and it's a very nice running and looking loco. I think it could do with a bit of weight added but my layout is very small and steep so these things show up.

[@HappyHoboTrains]

There may be room for some additional weight, but even as is, probably above average puller.

[@mysticrailroad]

very fine locos! :)

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Yes they are!

[@maritimeus]

It’s hard to beat the old tyme B&M!

[@wayneslayton5561]

The little box is a train control box

[@HappyHoboTrains]

Thank you for that information!