This review is on Bowser’s HO scale A-5 0-4-0 switcher kit with the Super-Detail kit installed. The one reviewed is the newer version with a can motor instead of the old open-frame motor.
The A-5’s instructions are very easy to follow, with very simple steps for each thing and drawings to help show what to do. A hex screwdriver and riveting tool are included in the kit, so the only tools you need are a couple small flatblade screwdrivers, a small file, a few small drill bits and a small hammer for riveting. (I used a large metal wrench instead because I don’t have a small hammer, but it works just as well [:D]) Without the Super-Detail kit, the engine looks a little plain. The details took some work to install because the boiler isn’t pre-drilled, and is also made of metal. Once the details are installed, the engine is very detailed and looks very close to pictures of the real engine.[:D] I ended up leaving a couple grab irons off because my drill bit broke.[:(] All the detail parts are soft lost-wax brass castings, except for the handrail wire, which is hard brass. The detail kit instructions include drawings and a few diagrams for bending wire. The decals are very thin and look very good when they’re put on, except they’re also very shiny. I suggest practicing with decals that you won’t be using before actually trying to put them onto the engine. I learned the hard way, and ended up ruining the large “Pennsylvania” decal for the right side of the tender, so now only one side says “Pennsylvania”.[:(] After the decals were dry, I put a little decal setting solution from Walthers on to make sure they didn’t come off. The crew comes pre-painted and looks good. The couplers included in the kit are horn-hooks, but can be very