Bowser Locomotives Built by Eddystone

Bowser has long been the quality leader in domestic all metal steam locomotive model manufacturing. Pennsylvania Railroad is the major prototype focused on. Although many of their steamers were first introduced about 50 years ago, all have been modernized to keep abreast with current demands for detailing and operation. They are all enduring classics. PRR remains the most popular of the ten most often modeled railroads in HO. Many of the early Bowser models are still running strong today. They are beautiful, rugged, and have very impressive hauling abilities. When it comes to steam power, robustness matters.

Bowser also offers a line of steam mechanism kits, and the world's most complete line of American prototype mechanical parts and supplies. Their Bowser, Cary and Cal Scale lines of metal detail parts is extensive; many items are PRR- and other railroads-specific; a must for accurate modeling. Their parts are the foundation of a great many custom built locomotives, reflecting a wide range of prototypes.

EDDYSTONE will build Bowser locomotives and mechanisms for you if you don't have the time, or steam locomotive work is not your area of expertise. We can also repower old, economy style Bachmann steamers for you, using English's Model Railroad Supply (a Division of Bowser) repower kits. We offer stock Bowser DC 71, skew wound, DCC compatible motors when building Bowser road locomotives. Optional drive available: Eddystone AS28, AS36, GD28, GD36. Bowser switchers are built with their can motor which is DCC compatible. EDDYSTONE can also install DCC/ sound systems, lights, and smoke units in your Bowser models for great realism

EDDYSTONE can also custom finish your Bowser models with:

1) Some choice of tenders,

2) coal tools and brakeman's lanterns, crew, window glazing, weathering, etc. to give your model the distinct look of a real locomotive at work. It doesn't get any better than that.

PENNSYLVANIA RR PROTOTYPES FROM BOWSER: These locomotives are available in basic and highly detailed versions. Highly detailed models feature the use of many brass and pewter add-on detail parts. The use of numerous add-on details was common to only Bowser, my own, and other custom models, and brass imports until the recent plastic steam revolution began. See our Products section for Bowser Locomotives for photos and additional information.

The following locomotives are offered:

A 5 0-4-0 Built from 1916 for use in tight places, such as industrial properties and locomotive facilities, these locomotives represent a high level of development for the 0-4-0 type. They run on 15" radius curves. They are especially good for switching and industrial layouts.

B 6 0-6-0 Similar to the A5 as to period, and purpose. These are medium switchers, and were used more widely, as in more freight yards. Two were used after the end of PRR steam on a short line in New Jersey, into the 1960's. They are ideal for use on almost any layout. Minimum radius 18".

H 9 2-8-0 Built from 1913, in large numbers as a general-purpose locomotive. Consolidations tended to be the largest class on most railroads. Their numbers, flexibility and lighter weight caused many to last till the end of steam, after newer types had perished. They were used for main line and way freight, mixed trains, switching, transfer runs, mine runs, pushing and work trains, system wide. Minimum radius, 18". They are ideal for small and larger layouts alike.

L 1 2-8-2 First built in 1913, these Mikados were a major PRR medium freight hauler used system wide. They existed in large numbers, and some were eventually sold to other roads. Minimum radius: 18"; ideal for small to large layouts.

I 1 2-10-0 First built in 1916 these were the PRR's standard heavy freight locomotive, especially for mountainous areas in the east. A number served till the end of PRR steam. Minimum radius: 18"; ideal for all but small layouts.

N 2 2-10-2 built in 1918 to USRA specifications, they were concentrated in heavy coal and iron ore service where speed wasn't the priority. In time they acquired more of the standard PRR features. They can also be complimented by USRA light Mikados, modeled as PRR class L 2 to help demonstrate PRR variety. Minimum radius 22". Great for medium and large layouts especially those including the coal, iron ore or steel industries.

E 6 4-4-2 Production series began in 1916; the E 6s were, over all, America's greatest Atlantics. They had unbeatable steaming capacity, and were able to run well over 100 mph-besting most aircraft of the 1920s. They were concentrated in the northeast corridor, some remaining in use till the end of steam. They ran up the Delaware River as far north as Stroudsburg, and so mix well with Anthracite railroads. Minimum radius 18". Great for passenger service on small to large layouts.

G 5 4-6-0 Built from 1923, when ten wheelers were becoming obsolete, the G5s were heavy, modern, high output examples of their type. They were used on Long Island, and in other commuter services, etc, where medium power with good speeds potential was needed. Minimum radius 18". Good on any but switching and industrial layouts.

K 4 4-6-2 Built from 1914 the K4s were for years the backbone of PRR's medium and heavy passenger service. They were used system-wide, some lasting till the end of steam. They were double headed for the heaviest passenger assignments, and a number finished up doing commuter runs in New Jersey. One is currently being rebuilt after severe mistreatment, proving that you can abuse them, but you can't kill them. Having worked on it I can assure you that everybody should have at least one of them! Minimum radius 18". Ideal on all non- industrial/switching layouts.

M 1 / M 1 A 4-8-2 Built from 1930 these 4-8-2s were widely used in both passenger and freight work. They could out perform a K4 tonnage wise, and out pace a Mikado or a 2-10-0 in freight service, so they drew a lot of choice assignments. Minimum radius 22". Same range of use as K 4s.

OTHER RAILROAD'S STEAM POWER

Ca. 1910 2-8-0 "OLD LADY" These are generic models, recalling the Harriman standard designs, who's overall appearance was found across America. Such locomotives were often sold second hand to smaller lines. They are appropriate for freight, mixed, light passenger, switching, and modern tourist line operation.

They are an ideal specimen for customizing and weathering work. Minimum radius, 18" Excellent for smaller layouts on up.

Ca. 1910 4-6-0 "Casey Jones" These are generic models, with the same overall appearance as the Old Lady above. They would be used in the same ways too, and to build a diverse roster, they are a perfect companion for the Old Lady. They are competitive in output with the best of small modern plastic steamers. Minimum radius 18". Excellent for smaller to large layouts.

New York Central K 11 4-6-2 While NYC machines, these Pacifics have a classic ALCO look and can be developed for modeling many railroads' medium passenger power. Useful in passenger, mixed train, milk train and fast freight service. Their weight and motor power make them more able haulers than other medium and heavy Pacifics in the market. They are easily transformed by different pilots, trailer trucks, and tenders. Minimum radius 18"

Ca. 1920s USRA Copies are easily built from the Bowser USRA light Pacific, USRA Mountain, USRA light Mikado and USRA light Santa Fe models. The popularity of USRA designs led in the 1920s to more "copies" being built than the original, orthodox USRA machines. Free of Governmental control, the "copies" sported tenders, cabs, pilots, valve gear and appliance variations more to individual lines' whims.

The Bowser USRAs can not only be built stock, but also can be customized to model a great variety of actual prototypes. Generally such "copies" are not modeled accurately, if at all by other model manufacturers, so why not have it built right, from the ground up, and get the value of a metal locomotive at the same time? Minimum radius, 4-6-2 and 2-8-2 18", 4-8-2 and 2-10-2, 22".

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