does anybody out there know where I can get the IHC docksider with the full valve gear? I have been looking and so far have had no luck. I would like to find one prefferably in the b&o road name. also, is this a good runner? I have had experience with the life like model and it ran horribly. any feedback would be appreciated.
A quick Google search using the search phrase HO IHC Dockside turns up several possible dealers who advertise it for sale. Whether they actually have any left in stock is anyone’s guess because IHC went out of business last summer.
My preferred Docksider model is the Varney/Bowser one. It used to be available in both kit and RTR form. There was a separate full valve gear kit available for it, which was already installed in the Super-Detailed RTR version. The flanges are more reasonable in comparison to the IHC model, and the Varney/Bowser weighs more for more tractive effort. You’d have to contact Bowser to see what they still have available.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Wow, what a coincidence, I’m reading an old article on Upgrading a Varney Dockside in MR Feb 81 issue.
Right now, mine’s in the shop getting the valve gear fixed, I hope. Just waiting on parts.
A quick check on eBay came up with nothing except a bunch of life-like & 1 AHM with the generic valve gear.
Another quick check on Bowser’s website & I found out that the dockside is no longer in production.
Gordon
Correct. Bowser has stopped production of its steam models. They will continue to sell what stock they have until stock runs out. Hence my advice to call Bowser and ask if they still have any versions of the Docksider. Keeping a web site current and accurate is not an easy task for small model railroad businesses, so it often pays to call and ask rather than just assume what the web site states. I have often scored out-of-production items I have been seeking by calling the manufacturer and several deep stocking hobby shops. Sooner or later, somebody tends to have one, regardless of what their web site states. If all my calls come up empty, eBay is the next likely source.
Since I am on a very limited budget, I try to stash one locomotive’s worth in a hobby savings account, so I can quickly pounce when the desired model becomes available.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
thank you for the feedback. I was not aware that the bowser model could come with a valve gear, as the models I have seen from them have the generic one. Is the bowser model the closest to the origional varney model? also, have any of you had any experience with this model that could tell me how well it runs?
I have the Bowser A-5 0-4-0 switcher. It runs on the same chassis as the Dockside, and is driven by a can motor and gearbox. It is one of the very smoothest steam engine drives I’ve ever dealt with, and it’s very quiet.[:D] If you can locate a Bowser Dockside, and get the additional valve-gear (460) and super-detail (461) kits with it, I think you’ll be very happy with your purchase.[:D] If you can’t find the detail kit, Bowser should still sell the separate parts under the Cal Scale name.
EDIT: As for the IHC Dockside, I think your best bet is to keep searching train shows and eBay. I know I’ve seen some before.
I’m pretty sure the one I have is a Varney, I can say that the Rivarossi/AHM is pretty close as I have one one of those as well. The body’s are close, just the drivetrain is different.
The Bowser one doesn’t appear to be too far off though.
Gordon
Bowser bought Varney’s steam locomotive tooling when Varney when out of business. Bowser continued to produce the former Varney Docksider, Old Lady (2-8-0), and Casey Jones (4-6-0) for quite a few years. Most were sold as kits, however you could buy them from Bowser in RTR form starting in the 1990s (IIRC). I’m not sure if the valve gear kit was a part of the super-detail kit, but I’m pretty sure both were included in the super-detailed RTR model. The reality of the RTR - it was a kit assembled by Bowser employees.
I just pulled out my Docksider - it was a gift from my father. The box has the basic assembled Docksider (lettered for PRR) with separate super-detail (specific Cal-Scale castings and details) and valve gear kits (with new cross-heads and guides, valve gear links, screws, and rivets) included. The boiler and saddle tank are cast metal. According to the included literature, the Docksider was available in undecorated, PRR, UP, B&O, and Santa Fe. Of course, only the B&O ever had the prototype. Some of my dad’s other Bowser models were purchased RTR with the super-detail kit already installed. Bowser used to do a lot of custom casting work, too.
In any case, I recommend the phone call and see what Bowser still has available, and what assembly services they can/will provide if you don’t want to do it yourself.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
+1
Unfortunately Bowser has gotten out of the model train kit business. They may be all sold out. 
I’ve been looking for a good B&O docksider with working valve gear FOR YEARS.
Rivarossi made a B&O Dockside with the full valve gear for a long time. I see them at train shows and on eBay sometimes. I have one with their ball-bearing motor, and except for some noise and a pretty high speed at 12 volts, it’s a very nice little steam engine.[:D]