Stewart Engine Kits HO

mr.dean Aug 31, 2013

  1. mr.dean

    mr.dean TrainBoard Member

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    I have found a Steward Engine Kit (an FT A/B unit) that I am thinking about buying. The B unit is a dummy and the A unit is powered and has a DCC quick plug. What can any of you tell me about this manufacturer. I didn't realize they were an HO manufacturer. I thought they were O scale only. Are the kits complicated? What all is entailed? What kind of details are on their engines? What about performance? Any issues I should be aware of? :question: So many questions!

    Thanks in advance!

    Dean
     
  2. cajon

    cajon TrainBoard Member

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    It's been a few years but don't remember having any problems w/ their FTs. They are part of Bowser now so unless your loco is really old, you should be able to find parts: http://www.bowser-trains.com/Main HO.htm
    And yes some RRs did drawbar them until all the As & Bs were set up for MU.
     
  3. StickyMonk

    StickyMonk TrainBoard Member

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    I have had a pair of Stewart F7's for years and I love these locos. They pull good and are nice and smooth. In all the years I have had them I have not had a single issue.

    uploadfromtaptalk1377962933156.jpg

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  4. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I can testify to the good looks and smooth running of Matt's F7's. Lovely models.
     
  5. mr.dean

    mr.dean TrainBoard Member

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    Well, keep your fingers crossed then! You've convinced me to give 'em a try. Got to win the bid first, but will let y'all know how they are once received. Thanks for the help.
     
  6. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Here is my two cents worth: Back in the day (pre DCC, mid-'80s) Stewart engines were one of the best running and well detailed engines around. They commanded a hefty price too. I wanted, but could never afford them. After DCC came into use, Stewart kind of dissapeard. Although I never owned one, the people I have talked with over the years never had anything bad to say about them.
     
  7. mr.dean

    mr.dean TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the tips. I forgot to post the results. I did get the A/B set I was looking at. Really nice engines with a lot of variety in detail options. I had a choice of three different phases on equipment to add. It is DCC plug equipped. My understanding is that they are now owned by Bowser, as stated in a post above. Ironically, since they have come in I have barely had time to look at them. Just need to finish the assembly and get a decoder (thought I had an extra but didn't) so I can run them. But, so far, not disappointed with the product I received at all!

    Dean
     
  8. mr.dean

    mr.dean TrainBoard Member

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    Finally got the Stewart FTs built. I have tested them in DC mode and they run very quietly and very smoothly. I'm impressed. Just need to get a drop in decoder... haven't had time to pick one up so I can run them in DCC. Glad I got 'em and thanks for the help!

    Dean
     
  9. StickyMonk

    StickyMonk TrainBoard Member

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    I knew you would not be disappointed :)

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  10. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    I have a Stewart C630 and it's beautiful in detail and in running. Nice to see that you haven't been disappointed.
     
  11. Mr. SP

    Mr. SP Passed away August 5, 2016 In Memoriam

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    Stewart is now owned by Bowser and in the early times the Stewart locos had a Athearn style drive in them. The present day locos use a different drive that resembles a Kato or Athearn Genesis drive.
    Check out the Bowser site here on the net. The "B" units can be powered by buying a chassis drive.
     
  12. mr.dean

    mr.dean TrainBoard Member

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    Anyone know what drive assembly to get for the "B" unit, or where to get it? Unless I missed it, I didn't see it on the Bowser site. When the shell is off, the bracket is there for the motor to be put in. Not sure how old my units are, but the boxes were white with red squares with white centers on one side. No mention of Bowser on the box, just Stewart Hobbies located out of PA. The Back of the box lists some of their products and gives a stock # of 5999 for a FTB Powered Chassis and I found this on the Bowser site for $95. (Powered w/DCC and sound... $200!) No mention of just the drive unit. May be easier to just get another chassis? My units are stock # 5021 if that helps. Thanks!

    Dean
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 7, 2013
  13. NYandLB_Fan

    NYandLB_Fan TrainBoard Member

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    Mr. Dean,
    This Bowser powered "B" chassis is ready to run on dc. It does not include a body.
    Google search: Bowser HO 5199 F3B/F7B/F9B powered chassis (It should be the first website listed), where you can check out the discounted price offered by this vendor. I cannot post a direct link. Please read user reviews for compatibility with your "B" body.
    Hope this helps.
     

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