When I ordered it, I also ordered the super detailing kit that Bowser assured me would be available in 6-8 wks. Now, 8 wks later, I’m told there’s not enough interest to make them. They will be available “early” next year. “Early” probably encompasses Jan 1 to May 31 and beyond.
So, I’m thinking of looking at individual components and fabricating others. But, I’m not really sure where to start. I’m willing to do the research and leg work, but sure could use some pointers to what I should be looking for and who makes it. I’ve got 6 prototype photographs of the locomotive I’m working towards.
BTW: the locomotive runs amazingly well and is the best puller I’ve got by long shot. I’m using a Tsunmai steam decoder which is quite a piece of electronics in itself. Fortunately, I’ve got Decoder Pro to help me unlock its capabilities.
Are you modeling a specific road prototype for your 4-8-2? Or more of an ‘as is’ USRA version? Either way, I’d hunt up some photos of the prototype locomotive, both right and left-hand views, and start from there. Both Cal-Scale and PSC make some excellent brass detail parts. I’d get the photos of the style of 4-8-2 you want, then invest in catalogues from both detail part makers and then mix and match as you need.
If I’m not mistaken, the Bowser ‘super-detail’ kit is made up of Cal-Scale castings.
I’m no expert, but I see a compressor, lifitng injector, power reverse, etc.
What is your prototype? If you can identify parts from your pictures, you might find what you need at the hobby shop. Depending on what your prototype used, you might find the correct compressor, generator, injector, power reverse, sand valve from Precision scale, Cal-Scale or Details west.
I just did the English Yardbird. I used all the Bowser parts I could find, many of which fit. I also found yardbirdtrains.com to be helpful. They knew where stuff was and one fellow actually had a part that saved my day. I also found a few parts on ebay. It took a lot of looking, but the people at yardbirdtrains were the most helpful. I also downloaded a bunch of pictures from some websights and found a great deal of variation betwen prototypes. I also found a lot of detail I could add that were not in the Bowser kit any way. The project took me a few months, but I now have something out of the ordinary. Good luck.
Bowser owns Cal-Scale and Cary. Precision Scale has the masters from Kemtron and currently produces those parts.
At one time Cary made what they called a USRA detail kit, that had a bell, compressor, power reverse, headlight and bracket, marker lights, pop valves and whistle.
These at the least, would be a good starting point. I would add injectors, check valves, pipe hangers, and a steam turret, at the minimum.
Hello Alreadyinuse, As a suggestion on how to mount the boiler front so that it’s removable (assuming you haven’t solved this problem). Epoxy or use CAA to glue a couple of track spikes or small brads to the backside of the boiler front heads to the backside of the boiler cover. Then glue or epoxy two small pieces of plastic just inside of the boiler on each side of the boiler in a corresponding postion to where the nails or brads fit inside the boiler, leaving a gap between the receiving blocks to hold the nail/boilercover in place with a friction fit.Trim the nails/brads short enough to avoid interferring with the wiring or anything else internally in the boiler.
My biggest hurdle is my own lack of knowledge of what the parts are called and what use they fill. I need to get from “big, black, with a thingie on the end” to “power reverse”. I now have some diagrams and schematics of 2-8-4’s to start from. Once I’ve identified the parts I need, I can refer to my prototype photos for the most appropriate items.
The Model Railroader Cyclopedia vol1 Steam Locomotives has a very useful introductory section on steam locomotive appliances and what they do. It is a pricey book but you might be surprised to learn that your public library has a copy.