I am thinking about getting a Stewart Hobbies (I believe they’re now Bowser) S12 Locomotive. Can anyone give me any feedback on this manufacturer and model?
Ray
Runs great! Quiet and smooth.
I own about 20 of the Stewart F units - they run silky smooth like KATO’s - doh, the chassis were made by KATO!
The Bowser Mechanism is second to none. It is unbelieveable!!! I think it’s the best running locomotive I have. I own a Milwaukee Road U25B and I am very impressed. Recommended highly.[tup]
James
Thanks for the input, guys. You’ve helped me to make up my mind.
Ray
Ray,
Stewart mechanisms (either Cannon or Buehler) are top notch. I have both an FT A-B and VO-660 switcher. The FT crawls unbelievably. The VO-660 is a close second. I highly recommend them.
Tom
I just gotta ask…
Is the Baldwin S12 the same as the DS4-4-1000?
Not quite, they both have the same wheelbase but the DS4-4-1000 has a thin combination frame, large turbocharger bulge, and a longer battery box. The S-12 has a thick fabricated frame, smaller turbocharger bulge and a shorter battery box and a fuel filler notch in the frame.
You can see this information on the Stewart Locomotive area on the Bower Web Site,
http://www.bowser-trains.com/Stewart/Stewart%20Switcher%20Chart.htm
Rick
I only have the VO-1000 but it is one quiet smooth running machine. Had to paint it myself in the orange and black , black isn’t hard.
I have a DS4-4-1000, and it is my absolute best running loco bar none. Canon can motor and I believe the whole thing was built by brass maker Ajin, so the detailling is awesome. This loco draws maybe 25ma when running free. Do not hesitate to buy one of these. The S12 has the same drive, just the detailling is different per the model differences listed above.
–Randy
Not sure about the S12 but the two Stewart locos I have I am extremely pleased with.
I have a Stewart drive C628 & an Athearn Drive F3
Great locos
Gordon
I have a trio of C&NW C-628s that run really well. I’m not sure what brand of motor is in them but they run quiet. I also have a VO-1000 with a Canon motor in it, and it runs as noisy as an Athearn blue box loco.
Next time I should look first and ask questions later. Wait a minute, that still wouldn’t work. Anyway, I found the S12 at a hobby shop a couple of days ago and was able to test it (one of the great advantages of a LHS over mail-order/e-bay). It does run great as everyone said. It’s now on lay-a-way. Again, thanks for the input.
Ray