I noticed in some old issues of MR they used to sell a repower kit for the 1980’s era Bachmann Daylight steam locos. Does anyone know if those kits still exist? Does anyone have any experiance with the “split axle” design they used to use? Seems like my split axles have split for good.
-B in B
Telephone Bowser, they probably have the parts to make one up for you.
It was Bachmann, not Bowser that used the split axle design. The only reason Bowser offered the chassis kits was because of Bachmann’s failures, and the locomotives had really good detail for thier day.
Yes, they still exist, but you will probably have to find one on eBay or from a well-stocked hobby shop. Bowser stopped producing their steam locomotive kits earlier this year, and that includes the Bachmann repower kits. The kits are still shown on the Bowser web site, but they cannot be ordered.
check walthers I saw they had it in stock and I bought mine from them, dunno if I sold it out or not, but you will have to scrounge around, go ahead and contact Bowser however.
-edit-
sold out, blame me… 8-D
the word is …scrounge…
Traction and Models magazine had in its dealer directory in the blank unused panels the word “Scrounge”. Thats been the tradition of the less popular modeling medium, to find what you look for, its “scrounge” dig search, look look look.
Grand Central Ltd Hobby Shop in Lincoln, NE has 2 kits in stock.
Toy Train Heaven still has them listed
does anyone have any experiance with these repower kits? Are they worth the trouble and the money? What’s it take to install one?
-B in B
I haven’t built a Bachmann repower kit, but I have built plenty of regular Bowser kits. If you take the time to get it right, they are definitly worth it.[:D] You’ll get smoother running, more power, and better reliability.
It’ll take some filing, metalwork, painting, and time. If you don’t rush it, it’s not that hard, and the metalwork is minimal.
Someone from another forum I frequent told me he picked up a Bachmann Northern with a Bowser drive at a train show a few weeks ago for only $20! I attended the same show, but got there too late. [sigh]
Yes, I’ve built one of the bowser repower kits for a 4-8-4 and yes if you want to keep your Bachmann loco they are well worth it. They are very heavy and have a very powerfull five pole open frame motor. They also provide extra electrical pick up from the tender wheels. If you take your time building it and getting the axles very free rolling this kit will pull your Chevy up your driveway. Only one thing, they are a little noisier than a modern can motor but then they are a hundred times better that the old Bachmann sandwich motor.
Buy one and have fun.
Jim.