How are Stewart locomotives as compared to the running abilities of the latest Atlas and Athearn Genesis offerings? I'm considering purchasing a pair, but I've never seen Stewarts in operation. Thanks
I like em . I have a 630 in C&NW colours and runs beautiful. Atlas P2K and stewart I equate the same then Genesis a very close second . Hope this helps. Les
Earlier Stewart locomotives used Athearn drives. The later models have Kato drives. They are great runners. JDLX Elko, NV
When Stewart was Stewart, their locos were guaranteed for life. Under the new owner, don't know policy.
Thanks all for the info. Stewart appears to have the only RS-12 on the market (non-brass) for HO. I'm looking at that and possibly an F unit.
I have several of the Stewarts and they are excellent runners. I am not sure that the first units were Athearn drives. I believe they were Kato. I purchased some Stewart F units in the mid-1980's and they had the Kato drives. The newer units have Stewart drives with Buehler motor. They are even nicer than the Kato drives. David
I have an RS2M that I modified from an earlier (mid-1980s) Stewart RS3, and it does indeed have an Athearn drive, sans the flywheels. Not sure when Stewart switched to Kato drives or from Kato drives.
Before they got bought up by Bowser you could buy them with either power, the Athearn drives being cheaper. I haven't looked lately at their web site to see what they offer now!
"The Stewart F3 through F9 line were made for Stewart by Kato. The FT is manufactured by Stewart itself with the Buehler", per MR's Nov 1996 review of the FT.
I have three Stewarts: One F7 and two Baldwin AS616's. The engines run beautifully at slow speeds and respond really well to my Digitrak System. The only problem I have had with them, is they each will jump the track going through turnouts. No other engine I have does this and it makes me crazy. I have checked the gauge, alignment, play, everything I could think of... I am sure it is something simple and bet once I solve one, I get all three put into "revenue" runs. For now, they are boxed up over my workbench.
Kitbash, Could the engines be riding too low or the trucks too tight? It's interesting that two different types of locomotives derail.
Interesting and perceptive comment. That was exactly my thought when I boxed them up. If so, how does one "loosen" them up? I guess I could pull the shells off and see if something is making them bind.
StickyMonk: Beautiful F units!! I have an ABBBA set of Stewart Black Widow F's but I haven't detailed them like yours, yet. Hope I can do as well. They are excellent engines and smooth, smooth, smooth!
I forgot to mention- my Stewart RS3 was a lightweight, so when I converted it to an RS2M, I glued weights in the GP9 long hood for more weight. Lack of flywheels is a problem, so I may put new flywheels in. That aside, it will pull quite a few cars.....
I have to agree with most of the responses you have received. We own many Stewart locos dating back to the late '80s - Fs as well as newer AS-616s and C-630s. All have been excellent performers for us. Hope this helps. Randy_S
Check the gear box cover on the trucks. Sometimes they hang low and can hit the points or a high frog.. I have had them hang up on kadee ramps.
