Bowser engine kit questions

I bought two bowser engine kits at a train show over the weekend (PRR k4 Pacific and PRR M-1 mountain). Looking forward to building as this is something I have always wanted to do. Now for the questions for you experienced builders.

1. Are there any special tools I should have on hand?
2. Bowser no longer makes these kits and the super detail kit is unavailable now. Is there another place that I can get some of the same parts or does someone have them lying around? If you do have them lying around and would like to sell, please contact me.
3. It will be a while until i will be ready for paint but when the time comes, what brand paint do you recommend?
4. Does anyone have any tips, advice, warnings, suggestions, or comments that will be helpful to me?

I think this will be a fun project for the winter. It will give me something to do when I am not working on my N layout. ( construction has begun - TrainBoard.com )

Any help is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

Hello!

1.Are there any special tools I should have on hand?



The only special tools you nee are enclosed in the kits. There is a rivet tool for riveting valve gear an a little wrench for hex nuts and bolts.

1. Bowser no longer makes these kits and the super detail kit is unavailable now. Is there another place that I can get some of the same parts or does someone have them lying around? If you do have them lying around and would like to sell, please contact me.

My suggestion: Create your own detail set. On the Bowser homepage you can click on the super detailing instuctions for your locos.
http://bowser-trains.com/holocos/k4/K-4refman.pdf
All parts numbers are also listed.

It is now possible to order the parts you will need.

1. It will be a while until i will be ready for paint but when the time comes, what brand paint do you recommend?

I painted mine with Revell "dye" bot i will not recommend this.

1. Does anyone have any tips, advice, warnings, suggestions, or comments that will be helpful to me?

Mark the insulated side of the drivers, as the insulated wheels will be hardly visible with bare eyes.

Greetings Lutz

 

Thanks...I will see what parts I want to order...anyone else wanna chime in???

 

I wood suggest getting a Precision Scale Products catalog. They have a lot of super detail parts for steam locomotives. I have their HO/HOn3 catalog. Easier to look at the catalog than trying to use Walther's search page.

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The below site "might" have some stuff. I have bought from both companies.

http://yardbirdtrains.com/index.htm

lex

 

thanks lex...i will check it out

 

MORE QUESTIONS ON FINISHING A BOWSER.

The boiler casting has small crevaces in the casting. I am afraid that if I continue sanding I will create cupped surfaces. What to do? I am thinking about trying some squadron green putty but I thought I would ask the experts first.

 

Mark1965!

In Germany there is a primer named "Füllergrund". That is a grey primer with a added mixture of filler compoments. It is used for smootening out little pits on automobile surfaces and usually sold in spraycans.
I am sure the exact same product is avialable in the US, but, sorry, i don't know the correct english term for it.

But aware! Don't spray it on your model, it will be a "murdering of details".
Spray some of this "filler-primer" into the cap and apply it with a small brush on the portions of your model you want.
Let dry an sand it.
If there are still pittings, crevaces and crackles, repeat until you are satisfied.

Greetings Lutz