How to Build an Intermediate HO Scale Steam Engine Kit: Part 1 - Main Chassis Assembly

[@johnmajane3731]

I built that kit 20 years ago, still runs well. Sad that bowser no longer makes or supports these kits.

[@2nd66tube2]

Bowser does still offer many but not all parts ,it is best to know the part number needed by either using the original paperwork from the kit or from the HO SEEKER website

[@centeroftheearthmining4095]

Working on a bowser decapod. Good timing on this video!

[@maciekkra539]

Awesome series, i've been watching some of your videos for a while. I've put one of those newer M1 kits together in early 2000s. And BTW i think real Pennsy M1 is one of the best looking mountains ever built. It was a very good designed kit and turned to be a smooth runner as long as you follow basic directions. With the super detail kit i do agree, the model challenges any brass model.

[@Twilight-ww6ub]

Looking forward to watching this build. Have a few Bowser kits waiting in the wings to get to myself. Might be getting into a K4 soon, if I can’t come across a MTH Tuscan red K4.

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

Yessss. I've been waiting for another vid!

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Wow nice video you put together.Hope to see more.

[@Uptownloki47]

Just finished building a Bowser 2-10-2 kit. Tomorrow, it's onto painting.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Nice! You think we'll be getting a video? :)

[@Uptownloki47]

@@DarthSantaFe Hopefully. I have some shorting issues when I put the boiler on the chassis. Once those are resolved and the coupler is mounted on the Mantua tender I'm using I'll put one out.

[@canyonpast]

Truly cool, you inspire me to build a bowser.

[@aircat8535]

You're like the Bob Ross of model trains

[@claytons8263]

With my challengers and big boys Bowser recommends to carefully tap the bearings into place with a small piece of wood so you don't damage the bearings.That way there's no chance of cracking the frames

[@DarthSantaFe]

I also built the Challenger about 15 years back, and the manual was changed by then to say it should be held in your hand while tapping the bearings. I still ended up having to place it on a block though, because like with this one, the bearings just weren't getting seated well enough. The block is fine to use as long as you're careful, but you really do have to be careful!

[@claytons8263]

@@DarthSantaFe I'll have to try it the way you did

[@christopherlaflam6383]

Got one of these with the long haul tender ready to be built. Ive built a T1, I1, and am finishing up a E6. Ive got all the other Bowser steam kits and detail kits in storage waiting to build. Yup, every one but the 4-8-4. Oh, and all the Arbour kits too. Ever put together any of those "module" kits by The Locomotive Co."? Enjoy your videos!

[@DarthSantaFe]

I have one of those TLC kits waiting to be started! It will be an interesting build from the look of it.

[@Thishandleisunavailable493]

I purchased a second hand bowser L1 2-8-2 a couple weeks ago. The original owner converted it to DCC and I’m assuming it’s can motor isn’t original either. I dont have a DCC controller (I didn’t know it was DCC when I bought it) so I haven’t been able to use it yet but I’m really excited to clean it up and get it running

[@DarthSantaFe]

The L1 did only include a DC-71 type motor, so the can motor is something that was added later. I built one of those and did a motor upgrade (you can see the finished model in one of my early videos), and it's still a great runner!

[@Thishandleisunavailable493]

@@DarthSantaFe your video is what sold me on buying it!

[@andyd_9]

Nice video...I watched your other Bowser build series. I picked up a bowser kit recently and was wondering if you have put DCC in any of these older kits and if so, can you do a series on that? Thanks, keep the videos coming!

[@DarthSantaFe]

Thanks! I haven't done DCC installations, but it's not hard to do that on Bowser kits. Older DC-71 motors have to have the right side brush isolated, and I might show how to do that once I get to the motor portion of the kit.

[@andyd_9]

@@DarthSantaFe Thanks, that would be awesome. I appreciate it!

[@thelittletug9321]

You should do a video about your tyco general locomotive like a tune up

[@DarthSantaFe]

It's still running great for now, but when a tune-up is needed, I'll probably make a video. The General is an easy one to maintain.

[@robjohnson1138]

I enjoyed your last steam build. I wish there were still decent kits available.

[@danielbackley9301]

2 suggestions for the deburring work you're doing .1. get a machinist's scraper it will help you get things done faster and safer as you won't have to worry about damaging the parts as much. Also as far as the drilled holes when I worked in machine shops 30 years ago we would use a drill bit with a shop made wooden handle to deburr the holes by hand much easier then filing as well as if the hole is threaded you won't damage the threads.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Thanks! I’m already done with about all of the filing at this point, but I’ll look into that for future projects.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Any idea where I can find a hobby size scraper that works for metal? The decent quality carbide ones I'm finding are all too big, and the fine ones from Micro-Mark are only good for soft materials.

[@danielbackley9301]

@@DarthSantaFe You can find them at a machine shop suppliers like msc or mcmaster carr under machinist scraper or triangular scraper but you would probably prefer the one I use which I bought from Blicks art supply .I think I payed like 10 or 11 dollars for it they also carry the swivel one as well.

[@trr94001]

I’m sad that all of these craftsman kits seem to be out of production. Does anyone make US prototype kits like this any more? I know a few UK kit makers are still holding on.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I wish they did. If they ever do again, you'll know where to find some build videos about them!

[@dastumer]

Not the same, but I’ve found 3D printing models or detailing/kitbashing undecorated diesels makes for a good facsimile of a kit.

[@TKS60163]

Where do you find these kits? I've looked everywhere and I can't find one that's complete.

[@DarthSantaFe]

They come up on eBay now and then, and I’ve also found complete kits at train shows.

[@TKS60163]

@@DarthSantaFe thank you.

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

Hey do you re-quarter drivers for ho locomotives for people? I got a mantua pacific and one part of the running gear rotates freely when it shouldn't, I'd pay and it would give you a chance to teach people how to work on mantua Pacific's because that's more of a common problem with them... I've never been taught how to requater drivers so it's best learn from sombody who thinks likewise and strives for perfection when rebuilding/building a model

[@DarthSantaFe]

Yes, I can do that for you. If you can contact me directly at [e-mail], we can get something worked out.

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

@@DarthSantaFe sounds good man

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

@@DarthSantaFe I have rebuilt/repaired hundreds of models but have never been taught how to fix the mantua running gear problem...

[@DarthSantaFe]

@@hamiltonsullivan6563 It's not too hard as long as you have the tools. I may film a quick video while I'm at it.

[@smithbf36832]

PRR steam had a left-hand lead... the model looks like it has a right hand lead.

[@NacGT4]

Please, please, please clean off your files!! If a fine stiff wire brush doesn't do it then a small piece of sheet brass run along the line of the teeth should do the job! Otherwise, nice job.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Yup, I'll do that! I usually try to clean off the file when it gets buildup, but forgot to do that this time around.

[@brianberthold3118]

who makes steam engine kits now in days??? hell who makes any kits cuz i know of no one

[@DarthSantaFe]

Hobbytown still makes diesel kits, but I don’t know if any others in the US right now. There are still plenty of kits for European models, and there are a lot of unbuilt kits around from old stock and collections.

[@amitkumar-qg2ow]

Can I get this in india?

[@DarthSantaFe]

Yes, if you can find one from a seller that ships to India. These are out of production, so they’re usually old stock from a collection being sold off on a website like eBay.