I just ran across the news item on Bowser’s home page indicating that the F7’s will be released this fall under the Exective Line this fall. The new models will be available with sound as well. I assume this is more or less a re-release of the Stewart bodies with updated details to compete with the Proto and Genesis lines.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/New_Products/New%2002_01_08/New%20F7%20Locos%2002_01_08.htm
Cool! There gonna have Lok Sound in them too. Wonder what that’s gonna cost?
I look forward to seeing that B&O when it comes out.
A friend of mine bought a couple of the cahssis with the Lok Sound, and said they are excellent. It looks like the Highliner shells should fit right on there without any mods.
I wonder if they’ll add see-through side ventilation, like most other quality F-units have now?
I think the Highliner shells were designed for the Stewart or Athearn BB chassis, so they should be a perfect fit.[:D]
I have a Stewart New York Central F7 that I purchased back in the 90s. Incredibly quiet and smooth running. If these new units are “even better” than I’m certainly looking forward to seeing them (I wish they would produce a version in either the ACL or SCL “Bumble Bee” black and yellow scheme[;)] ).
It’s so ironic that a year or two back I remember reading posts where modelers complained that the market is already saturated with “F units”. But, apparently these venerable old EMD Bulldogs remain incredibly popular.
A thumbs up to Bowser [8D][tup]
Lemme see if I understand this correctly. All the pieces/parts are made in the USA, but the bodies are then shipped to China for assembly and painting then returned here?
I understand it’s relatively early in the morning, but if you’ll excuse me, I need to get into my stash of single malt scotch. Some things require the downing of considerable amounts of hooch before they make any sense.
Andre
I saw that a couple days ago, and didn’t realize they haven’t been re-leased new yet. They are doing the C628’s as well…
I am excited because they are going to make a Alaska Railroad F7 set. Those engines are so neat with the big plow, big winterization hatch, and the cool paint scheme. I want the pair…
Phil
ac:
They probably could be assembled here for the same price or less (I’ll almost bet you a bottle of that Scotch on it, with the price of shipping), if three conditions were found:
-a shop that specialized in assembly of such products (toys, small mechanisms, etc)
-that wasn’t part of a company and therefore captive (i.e. it would need to be a job shop)
-and wasn’t busier than they could handle putting together military instruments or something like that
I think it could be done, but finding any place to make things is really tough. I would guess that Lee English or whoever tried to assemble them in-house, couldn’t do it efficiently, then some MR manufacturer buddy mentioned that he had some shop in Hong Kong doing assembly, and that’s how it went there. I’ve known that to happen with other things.
Assembly is the kind of thing a shop has to specialize in to do quickly and efficiently. That’s why I like kits. I don’t have to make rate, so I can take my time and make sure everything is hunky-dory.
So how’s next to make F-units?
I have yet to see one in BN paint come out in a while. crosses fingers