Not as Good as you would Think! The Penn Line / Bowser T-1 4-4-4-4 Kit.

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

The music you used during the instuction building reminded me of an old Bugs Bunny Cartoon 🤣🤣🤣

[@classicmodeltrains]

I did that on purpose. couldn't believe I actually found that soundtrack

[@silvertrain7945]

The drive to the bar was the icing on the cake. I understand your frustration and sometimes you just need to get away. Great video. I like the guard command you used with your dog.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-). I just wished she would GUARD. She loves everything and everybody

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

The music, THAT music... Makes me rub my tearing eyes, with all those tiny parts that make up a great puzzle for the mind..

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@KenSeguin-ur9zb]

Wow! Amazing example of trouble shooting. High end $$$ engine. A box full of problems😶 but your patience and intellect saved the day. Miller Time!

[@classicmodeltrains]

MMMmmmmm........BBeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrr!

[@spencercorby4571]

Oh cool, SMT Mainline did one of these a year ago, I've been waiting for you to do one as well.

[@ColdSteelRails]

I’m still waiting for them to colab together

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope you liked it Spencer

[@majortomtogc]

I just saw that one this past weekend.

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@ColdSteelRails We talked on the phone about it. I have a idea in the works

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

@@classicmodeltrains Cool.

[@scottsackett7551]

I am glad you stuck with the model and at least got it running. This is a fun hobby, but it can be an incredibly frustrating hobby as well. I have had times where I was tempted to throw a loco against a wall as well. But you did it right - it is important to know when to step away, take some time off - and hopefully come back at it with a clear calm mind. Great channel - always enjoy watching you work!!! You have a great attitude that you certainly bring to the hobby! 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Scott for your kind words

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

Dude .... I have mad respect for you .... I would have opened my front door and threw that thing yelling ($#@#@%$%&&*&^%$%$$) and my neighbors would have all came out wondering what the hell is going on!!!!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@johnbanicki7232]

Ron good to see that you stuck with it until the end. The train is running! Hope that the streak of issues stops now. Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It's gunna need a couple more tweeks to make it reliable

[@thomasmoroney4993]

Things to watch in the middle night…well worth staying up for…great video…

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Thomas

[@mypugsdad5366]

As a 3 rail O gauge guy I am so glad shorting out it is not a problem for us because we only have to worry about the center pick up! Plus our trains are a lot bigger and easier to work with. Ron LOVE your videos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you and yes that 3 rail looking better and better to me all the time

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

Ouch, Thank You for reminding little olde me of my aging eyes..! Was thinking, selling off the my last remaining HO gear and using the proceeds to go off to the O scale two track world myself. Think me eyes would think that best.

[@jamesfitch6431]

I was a automotive technician and I have built many model locomotive kits. I have even built the kit you have for a friend. He was my snap on dealer. I can say that I have had my fair share of troubles with the shorting out. Gotta do what you did and take a break from it till you can think straight again. I gotta say I thank the powers that be I had a great electrical teacher which help me become a proficient diagnostic tech. Love how your pups adore you and listen to you. You'll get there just try to enjoy even the hurdles you encounter. Thank you for sharing and maybe better luck next time.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I took a lot for granted on this loco. Like assuming the parts would be engineered to not be shorting out. DC electrical flow is so simple. The engineers and higher ups at the company that spawned this turd onto the human race should be ashamed of themselves

[@jamesfitch6431]

@classicmodeltrains especially when you got the kit in several different kits, and I totally get what your saying. It is different when I had the kit unopened and new.......ish... thanks for sharing. I always appreciate your time and effort. You are inspiring me to put a dcc and sound decoder in my brass Pacific. AND I still love my Tycos...

[@fresnojason]

Working on any of the all metal loco's can be super frustrating. You have to insulate EVERYTHING! But in the end it can be super rewarding when they just finally work. I learned all these lessons when I got and worked on my first brass loco. But it taught me TONS that made each subsequent loco easier to work on and troubleshoot. Love your videos of these old models. Keep up the good work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree, I learned a lot and they will get easier. Thanks for your kind words

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

Hey Ron, your a bright spot in the week! With everything going on, you pulled through AND she runs! 🔨Plenty of "Soooperlooobe!" will see it right. ⛽The "Ghost Poo" comment was a classic! 👻

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Darren.

[@jeffstarcher7960]

Ron, I enjoy channel, definitely one of my favorites… I felt really bad watching you this episode, you are very relatable as we have all those days/weeks! Hang in there sir! Thanks for the quality work you put on here.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeff :-)

[@SantaFeBob]

You got it running eventually and that is a win! Good for you for not giving up. Sorry that you had that damage to your area. I’m glad no one was hurt.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I see your making your way thru a lot of video's today. Thank you for all your support and taking time to comment on them all!!

[@SantaFeBob]

@ Yes Sir! Worth every minute.

[@johniacono3725]

RON YOU ARE THE BEST AY SOLVING THE PROBLEMS. GREAT PATIENCE.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you John!

[@casstelles]

I can tell you that from experience experiencing Bowser steam locomotive kits from my former model railroad club, Bowser steam locomotive kits are an art that you have to know all the tricks and tips on building them. They are not for the faint of heart, but they can run well if you know how to work out all of the kinks and quirks. I would say the old Mantua steam kits go together a lot easier than the Bowser steam locomotive kits when building steam locomotives.

[@czwij]

bowsers are hard at first, then they get easier. good machines, when you work the kinks out.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the input. I agree. I just need to know the secret tips and tricks

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

Wow Sir you are a Genius and a Scholar! It's running! We will call it a day! Lol Great Work!! I knew you wouldn't give up till you got her going!! Well Done!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Eric!

[@MachGo66]

Excellent job, Ron! You have much more patience (and skill) than me. So sorry to hear about your power trouble but glad your back is on the mend. Hang tough, my friend.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@rickestabrook4987]

Talk about perseverance!!! WELL DONE RON. Whether or not it all came out perfectly, the journey was great fun, great learning. Thanks as always.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Rick 👍

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

You are FAR more patient than I would have been with this. I think at some point this would have just got a half pound of tannerite and blasted this, and move on to the next project.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thoughts like that cross my mind but I didnt want this thing to win over me.

[@BrockRuby]

RON!!! This is one of your best vids!! Not kidding. Love the bar break!! Seemed you needed it. Like the " protect" with your dog!! Do a follow up on this . Keep it up buddy!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!!

[@garykellerup3470]

I knew you were heading down to the local cantina. LOL. Great video Ron. Only you would tackle such a job like that Bowser. You did great and I also learn a few things from you. Thanks, G

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks 👍

[@ecidaho]

When it runs it’s fun to watch. Sorry Ron. Sorry about the storm!!!! Glad your back is better!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Erick, Thanks :-)

[@paulburns3788]

Hello Ron how are you feeling today buddy....that model looks nice if I had one just like it I would not have the patience to put it together..but if I had the money I would buy a Broadway limited brand with sound

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Paul, Yes I would drop good money on a BLI version for sure!

[@jebbohanan2626]

Hey Ron! This is by far my most favorite video you’ve made! And ya made some good’ns! I’m glad ta hear ya back is getting better. Sad ta hear ya had to be without power for so long. We folks down here in the swamps of Florida have to deal with power outages all the time…the wind blows and trees fall…sometimes the wind brings a tree or a car or somethin in ta land on the power lines…one time we had an alligator knock the power out…go figure how that happened. Anyway, if I could paint I’d volunteer to paint it up for ya…but, the only thing I can paint is my fingers when I finger paint with my grandkids! LOL!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear Swamp People know had to do absolutely anything with absolutely nothing, forever. :-)

[@jebbohanan2626]

@@classicmodeltrains We also know how ta do a whole lotta nothin’ with everything. lol

[@paulatherton985]

Good video. Shows the true frustration we all go through at one time or another when working with these locos. On the bright side at least you were not board and putting it together in auto mode. Good luck on getting it to run on a regular basis.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Paul :-)

[@ironwolfusa]

Whew, I was about to call it quits too! You certainly have drive and determination. I TOTALLY enjoy your channel, keep up the great work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much!

[@abbush2921]

I love Bowser kits , there nothing wrong with them , only that instant gratification happened .

[@classicmodeltrains]

Maybe you can share a couple secrets on them to a new guy?

[@czwij]

i have several. the weight and brute force make them the best pullers. they can be tuned to crawl.

[@czwij]

@@classicmodeltrains they just need to be assembled about 8 times over 4 months and then bang! the run well (and you are an alkoholic) lots if fiddling with the moving parts.

[@regisbraga3833]

Amazing work Ron!!! I wish I have 1/10 of your patience… the T-1 is really a beautiful locomotive. This one deserves new magnets on her motors ( I would say new motors, but I know that your goal is preserving her originality). Congratulations my friend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Many thanks Regis!

[@mfight]

those dar n metal brakes, always shorting out. thanks for the video! could not stop watching.

[@mfight]

"I like intermittent things" LOLOL, "maybe it needs a good breaking-in". I thought you were going to throw it

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! Yes this one was a bit of a challenge.

[@jimorlando5700]

It took me 4 days to watch it including an internet outage. Great video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

This one was a bit on the long side

[@eanferrell]

Ron, I understand your frustration. I've had projects put up a nasty fight with me, but it's always man over machine. Glad you got this monster moving. Give Dumpster scratchies from me, and keep up the excellent work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Ean

[@MozanaRN]

Thank you for this excellent video Ron. It illustrates those times when we encounter the beast. And your project definitely was the beast. When I complete my time machine project I am coming to get you and we are going back in time to the designers desk at Bowser to rip them a new one for making something so beautiful and yet so completely screwed up. Carry on and keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

OOhhh Time Machine! Sounds like a plan !!

[@leedooley502]

You make me laugh! I have dealt with those brush springs, and I felt the frustration along with you. Great job!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Lee :-)

[@elleryparsons2433]

Ron I Still ❤️ Your Train Shelf👍👍👍👍.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@Zikuissigma67]

I felt the frustration, thanks for showing us how to stick with it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks for watching

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

Ron, Ill give you an A++ for effort on this one.. I would have worked on it and put it back on the shelf many times if it were me but I do not give up ... glad you don't either....

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Tim

[@n4pwx]

I made it through the whole video. Your welcome Ron. lol 🤠

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Dennis! Glad I kept ya awake with this one ;-)

[@DavidJeggo]

You may have to engage Dumpster as the intern…in addition to Guard…great video Ron…I stayed to the end…glad you’re safe from the summer storms…patience of Job my friend, well done…stay safe…cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 🍁

[@classicmodeltrains]

I'm Hoping no more powerful summer storms

[@VikingRagnar-cp7ql]

Good job brother for not giving up and that’s one Beautiful steam engine 🚂 💪❤️

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! it was a bear to get going

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

I built one in '87. I was published in Aug '87 Modelrailroader ask paint shop as to what color. Brunswick Green. Mine still runs good.

[@classicmodeltrains]

any secrets to get this one running more reliably?

[@russcrooker2223]

Great Job! Just remember to say - I love model trains!! 🤣

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, Still easier than doing a clutch job in a Semi Truck

[@mattomon1045]

Ron you need to use some KaDee fiber washers on the on the insulated wheels on the tender

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that tip Matt!

[@alaskarailroad3996]

Great video. Sorry for the terrible built Loco. God bless Ron.😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks AK RR

[@dannyjones3840]

Hey Ron it's great to see you back up and running despite how you got beat up with the storms. And if you need it painted I can do that and decal it!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! Do you have a KZbin channel?

[@richardp6178]

I'm building one at the moment from a NOS kit that was never assembled. That was a very generous gift as they still command a hefty premium on Ebay!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I noticed that! Crazy high prices. Better off with a BLI one.

[@joediberardino4419]

Ron u did a great job on it I feel your frustration but as always u the man

[@classicmodeltrains]

Looks like your doing some bing watching there Joe! Thanks for your support

[@joediberardino4419]

@classicmodeltrains yes I am learning a lot from your videos it great being retired just keep them coming Ron

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you too

[@czwij]

This was a good one! I evilbayed one of these about a month ago and it was a basket case. Got it running well but you really have to be quite meticulous with assembly. the screws on the running gear have to be clipped and acc'ed so they don't unscrew, or they will bind. My tender was the dogs breakfast. It runs all wonky with stripped screws....but it runs and actually quite well. Weight and 2x caveman motors make it a brute for pulling long trains up steep grades. don't give up, it looks majestic once you get it going right both slow and fast. it's worth the time...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its still slated for completion for sure. Thanks for the tips and tricks

[@johnlottes7440]

Ron, I'm glad you're back, dings and all. I have that exact model, given (cursed) to me by my dad when was a youngun. It's in a box (coffin?) until I have the time, patience, and tooling to get it to work. It is NOT a beginner or intermediate modeler's kit. I think, when I get back to it, I will probably create and install threaded brass or Delrin bushings in those stripped out holes.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A small machine shop would be really handy to really whoop these into shape

[@briandonovan9560]

True determination, your patience and skills are impressive. That locomotive is really cool, but now I understand why I don't see them for sale on the used market...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@jimanastasio192]

I think the T1 is pretty cool. I think that given a bit more time Ron would find the issues and fix them. It takes time to build and tune something as complex as that kit. It's not something you whip together in a couple of days. I think I'd like to give something like that a try. I'd probably go half-crazy trying to figure it all out, but I'll bet it would be worth it.

[@czwij]

it is. start with the pennsy e6 atlantic. it's a good starter loco and works brilliantly once you get the hang of it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sure a few more days of tinkering yes. Some old timers telling me a few secrets would be a good thing as well :-)

[@joeb6162]

You deserve high praise for getting yours to run for the few moments it did. I do think this is the worst kit that Penn Line/Bowser came out with. I have had every problem you encountered with my experience with the T-1, enough parts to build 3 engines, but not enough to get one running. It is the only kit I have completely given up on after 40 years in the hobby.

[@classicmodeltrains]

40 years of trying? HOLY MOLY!! Well Joe Im hoping this might have gave you a little kick and gets you to finish it perhaps? It would make a great story :-)

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Ron. Wow that was a killer train from beyond. It just wanted to fight you all the way. You did a great job hanging in there, good thing you took a little walk away for a bit. With all the storm troubles you had and your back, Im surprised we didn't see a flying train. Good to hear you back is coming around, does take time. Good to see you, get better and have another stop at the local tavern. Cheers from here.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Such poor engineering. Imagine spending that kind of money for this kit and having all them problems. Just Pathetic. Bowser should be ashamed in my book.

[@williamsantangelo]

Nice show Ron thanks

[@classicmodeltrains]

You bet

[@garycooper9574]

Ron My brother can feel your pain. He has has a bowser challenger kit and tried to put a Dcc decoder in it. He fryed two decoders because of of the shorts

[@bnsfrailfan_productions]

I could tear mine apart to see how mine got done, my bowser challenger has dcc

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup. Have to get them running good on DC before ya switch em over :-)

[@Railfan-uf9mw]

Hello Ron don’t worry I know it’s hard that’s what we all train fans deal with your not the only one feeling that why but In the end I know everything will work out ❤

[@classicmodeltrains]

This model is cursed!

[@Railfan-uf9mw]

@@classicmodeltrains hey but at least you were able to get it running again! That’s the best part!!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Ron & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Ron & Friends Randy

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hi Randy!

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

Hi Ron, you jumped in the deep end, didn't you? These kits are for those that are not married and don't have that constant frustration living with them and it is just what they want. It could take up to a month to get the tolerances correct to make it around the track. You need to check the wheel gap, so the front and rear truck wheels don't short out to side frames and the screw in the bottom of the rear truck was shorting out to the switch rails and needs to be less pronounced. These are just a few of the problems with all metal locomotives and cars. I have had brass locomotives that ran fine for years and then one day shorts. At my age I now sell them on to younger people with eyesight and a steady hand. I can relate to your frustration and commend you on coming to the correct decision much quicker than I did. Nice segway to the bar by the by. Great video, Jersey Bill

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jersey Bill. I agree some more time in the trenches building these metal kits and I'll know all the secrets to look for

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

@@classicmodeltrains Don't do it we like you with a sense of humor, lol.

[@williammitchem8274]

Hang in there Ron!

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@timothyrose4052]

Wow. Thanks for saving the rest of us from obtaining one of these kits on accident. They look cool when done, but OMG, the guts of that thing would drive you to drink. (Too late...) Glad you kept your sense of humor through it though. Your comments had me rolling. :) Oh, and thanks for bringing back the model. I had correctly guessed Brigette Bardot. I'm old...LOL

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Tim. Perhaps the resale price on these kits will come down now :-)

[@michaeldewitt5198]

Loved this one. I've been there -- working on all metal kit locos. They always seem to need a whole lot of customization and tuning. I don't think it's important to always be able to wrap up a repair/build in a single video. It's not a failure if you don't succeed, it's a multi-part series. I am glad you tackled something as tricky as this. I encourage you to keep at it and put those brakes back on. I know you could have come up with a few ways to insulate those brakes if you weren't under a production deadline.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes the production deadline always breathing down your neck. Ive tried doing a part 2 and they just dont hit as well as the part 1 does. This was not a failure. It does run. That tender body sits so low over the wheels you cannot tell if the brakes are in there or not. Thats why I was not concerned about removing them. If a lot of Fellers DO notice the lack of brakes I figured I would glue some plastic ones in there. Ive found a painter to do the shells so it's still getting worked on. perhaps it will get a mention in a future vid :-)

[@RobertDaSilva-ss8zx]

I love it Profanity almost made it into the video ❤❤🎉🎉😅😅

[@classicmodeltrains]

I was in there, I just had to edit the heck out of it :-D

[@vferrante6436]

Postwar Lionel for me.. I admire your toughness most would have sold it as is..hang with the dog,no stress,thank you for another cool video😎😎😎

[@classicmodeltrains]

Many thanks

[@louisbabyCT]

I was rolling on the floor laughing, so sorry dude but you made my day with this one.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@zaboha]

⛔

[@classicmodeltrains]

You noticed that huh? To funny :-)

[@jonpowell-ov3yh]

@@classicmodeltrains Yeah, but I've been trying to decipher what was written in blue ink on your left palm in a couple of scenes??? Or do I really want to know?!? 😹

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@jonpowell-ov3yh the number of a Lionel whistling tender I needed to see if Dave had in his collection of parts.

[@jonpowell-ov3yh]

Okee-dokee. Thought maybe it was secret code for "I'm being held by aliens and forced to fix their trains". Of course the last laugh would be making them take the Bowser unit....

[@elleryparsons2433]

That’s What I Love About Model Railroading people Are There To Help one Way Or Another.

[@classicmodeltrains]

this is true

[@peperonikiller]

I'd love to see this get painted on another channel! I hope someone takes you up on that offer.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I do as well. Time will tell hopefully!

[@davecrosson5018]

Sorry about the many set backs! Still, we are completely entertained!

[@classicmodeltrains]

This one had a steep learning curve

[@CollinBlack-j1y]

Just like the real one, high maintenance. Put it in the roundhouse on the layout and leave it there. Plus I just subscribed to all notifications.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the new Sub!! Glad you like my channel

[@4everdc302]

Accurate to scale. The T1s were somewhat a hassle for the Pennsylvania to. Great effort, Ron👨‍🔧🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@davidcrothers4075]

Been there, done that but I keep my beer in the fridge in the club layout room 😅

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@cmdrflake]

Well, the Bowser kits are pretty difficult aren’t they? Well, you tried and got as far as you could!

[@johnd8892]

The Arbour Models kits may be even more difficult due to lots of design and quality issues I have seen demonstrated on the tube.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Many comments on how the Bowsers are at a "expert" level of modeler to complete.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Dang it Ron ! My guess for the classic model was going to be Jackie Gleason ? I missed again ! Thank you for your efforts to make such great videos .

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

FYI Ron, about shipping...Package up the item ready to go, then enter online for sale when you are ready to send it !........all you have to do is put the shipping label on the item, right? saves you and everyone else time. OH and have a photo on the package so you will remember which box has the item you are sending. Just a thought, Personally I think you are so knowledgeable when it comes to trains, cars, Grease, etc, making it run.🤟🤟🤟

[@classicmodeltrains]

That would be a good idea except you cannot combine shipping of items if there all packed up individually.

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

@@classicmodeltrains Sure, I see unless you put them together in one larger box, I'M sure you will figure any problems out.

[@jimorlando5700]

Great video! Love your videos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Jim!

[@stephendollahan425]

This is probably the most beautiful, but at the same time, the most problematic, and cantankerous kit English models, and then Bowser ever put out. I've built several of their other kits over the years, and found them on the middle range of difficult, but good reliable runners with normal maintenance. I would like to try a T-1, but only if it was an unopened kit to start from. Great video, and sorry to hear about the storms.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was cantankerous for sure. More practice and I will get her running reliable

[@MygrandpasTrain]

I really feel your frustration, Bowser, what's the deal? I had a Bowser that was nothing but trouble. Often brass engines are trouble too, but I found a little 440 from United Models, made in Japan. Had the tiniest screws, but she runs like a clock. Great video again!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks!

[@mylennyuym]

Informative and interesting vid, Ron. BTW on Amazon they sell low temp aluminum brazing rods and Flux you could use to fix the screw holes. Thanx, Sam P.S. The correct pronunciation of Mantua is ' man away 'Love your channel

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that cool tip! Love your user name! Never heard Mantua pronounced like that. Now there's 3 different ways people say it. :-)

[@ifindmetal]

It’s.. Groundhog Train !! Don’t forget your multimeter cause it’s short outside !!!😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Too Funny!

[@hessxpress3016]

some models were meant to be a shelf queen you gave it a good Go time for a cold snack!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Dang shelf queens, always multiplying

[@pastorjohnmswanson5365]

Hey Ron I hear you. Oh the pain and frustration when you take the effort to go through a unit. I have one right now. It’s a 0 gauge switcher Union Pacific. It ran when I got it but it needed to be spruced up so I took it apart, painted frame, cleaned the armature which was black. Replaced raggedy wires. Then put it all back together. Thought everything was good. Thought wrong. It won’t run. I have checked everything but nope so far. Uuuuuuuuggg.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hope you find out what happened with that U.P. I'm gunna say wiring and / or e-unit

[@pastorjohnmswanson5365]

@@classicmodeltrains I redid all the wiring and yes It usually is the E unit. The E unit is cycling on his one and not like most E units but may have stumbled on to the problem. The Greenberg manual shows a washer and a this bearing. I order 6 with washers and now waiting. On mine it’s missing.

[@pastorjohnmswanson5365]

Sure enjoy watching you. Very amusing and educational.

[@varus5596]

I’ve got an original 4-6-6-4 white metal kit …. I hope it doesn’t have similar problems …. Your experience on the 4-4-4-4 may be useful. I’m glad you are there Ron, to sacrifice yourself for the rest of us …)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thats my goal...to make useful video's for years to come :-)

[@MattKonsol]

Really nice bowser prr silver t1 you have!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Be even better if it ran consistently ;-)

[@MattKonsol]

@@classicmodeltrains yeah I agree with you on it!

[@Railfan-uf9mw]

I definitely love the silver chrome of the T1

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Oh gosh, what a trial after the other trials you and your family and neighbours have had. Just watching the video made me frustrated, I would have hit it with a hammer 😄. I suppose the lesson learnt is never to attempt one of those things ever again. PS, I also have limited data on my phone because I am old and cheap! 😊👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was a good learning experience

[@jasonmarkum171]

Props to you for sticking this one out Ron! That thing woulda got put back in the box to never see the light of day again! 😂😂😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jason

[@andrewpotash4551]

One of the thing I have learned over the years is that these old American wheelsets may look uniform but in fact, maybe slightly off. Sometimes, trying different wheels from the same manufacturer may make a difference. Isolating all the side frames electrically and using wiper pickups on the wheels can make a difference. It may require using isolating paint on the side frames themselves. The tolerances on bowser kits are very finicky and can take a lot of tuning to get right.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Andy, A few Fellers have mentioned tips and tricks just like you mentioned here

[@matthewcounterman9200]

I messaged your fan page on fb about the extra parts

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup Yup!

[@majortomtogc]

Endeavor to persevere

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@tmscheum]

OJW………..great movie!

[@xxxx-hw5we]

RON!! I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! For the longest time, (about 8 or so years) I too he had the exact same experience attempting to build a Bowser Big-Boy. I purchased the model and then found out about the dress up kit (which was a must have kit). Then I started constructing the model and consistently ran into issues. Example, I could not even get the drivers fully assembled because of quartering issues. Like you, I could not keep up with or lost certain parts which caused a setback. Over and over I either failed or I progressed only to have to tear apart the thing again due to some other issue which caused even more frustration. Did I mention that my model did not come with the correct tender? Oh no, Bowser in it's glory could not be burdened so much to provide the right tender . They sent some Vanderbilt to provide water and coal for a Freaking Big Boy!! Then they made it clear that if you wanted the right tender, you had to go searching for a monogram models Big-Boy a yank that tender. I must stop talking about this now because I feel another mental breakdown is on the way to affect my mental stability. now I know it was not just me, but you made more progress than I did. Perhaps after a few months rest, you can return to try again to get it running. Perhaps it truly takes a specialized man that knows all the little tricks that exist to build one of these locomotives. Good Luck Brother, you deserve it..

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your story. It made me feel like I'm not the only one who has suffered from a Bowser kit :-)

[@Godzilla1148]

I just picked up a Bowser T-1 and I'm currently in the struggle of finding all the spare parts that mine is missing lol. Wish I had a parts loco to take parts from.

[@classicmodeltrains]

send me a email. I might be able too help. [e-mail]

[@105C09]

The company name should be "Bow-wowser"! What a dog.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Agree

[@erer270]

As a Pennsylvania RR Transitional Era modeler, this is my dream locomotive.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Its a pretty one for sure. Too bad they didnt save a single one.

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

​@@classicmodeltrainsThere's a non-profit group that is in the process of building a new T1 from the ground up. Google the T1 Trust.

[@thomaspalladino831]

Have 7 of them no problems

[@classicmodeltrains]

cool

[@dalerobertson9394]

Wild. Better you than me. 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@johniacono3725]

I TRIED AND TRIED A BOWSER CHALLENGER KIT. I FINALLY SENT IT OUT TO A PROFESSIONAL TO FINISH IT. IT RUNS BUT NOT TOO WELL . ALSO SOUNDS LIKE A COFFE GRINDER.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Expensive and poor runners. Amazing they even sell these things

[@greg0063]

High end kit? I built the PRR K4 Pacific. It was a rough kit, very difficult by my humble standards. It came out nice looking but never ran great. You give me incentive to try it again.

[@classicmodeltrains]

High end... Should have said way too expensive back in its day and still now for the pile that it actually is. ;-)

[@klemenradoman2052]

Wow! Gloves like O.J. Simpson!

[@classicmodeltrains]

If the glove dosn't fit you must acquit!