Per Steve Stewart, 9:15 AM eastern time.
“The company was sold yesterday, Monday.
The name of the new buyer will be announced at 10:00 AM today”.
I wonder who the buyer is???
Is it a large distributor???
Could it be Bowser???
We will know today!!!
Stand by for News!!!
Just spoke to Steve, The company (Stewart) was sold to Bowser.
John
Well, at least it was not Horizon!
Jim Bernier
And the worm turns…As far as the buy out of Athearn by Horizon I think its going to be a good thing in the months to come as we are seeing new products from Athearn…Now the real question what distributor will buyout Bowser in the coming months? Walthers perhaps?
This is good news since Stewart makes one of the best drive systems for the F units.
I prefer their drive over any others on the market now.
O.K!
Not bad since Bowser has been around a long time. Bowser was the alternative for many modelers that couldn’t affort to buy brass Steam locomotives. Hopefully the name of Stewart will still be included.
How about: “STEWART-BOWSER LOCOMOTIVE WORKS”?
Cheers!
According to Steve the name will stay the same ’ Stewart Hobbies’.
John
Well, it’s still good news!
Hopefully they’ll be upgrading the diesel locomotive shells with “Genesis” style detailing.
Cheers!
Well that’s good news. Stewart and Bowser make a good combination. Steam on the one hand, diesels on the other and both make great freight cars. Hopefully getting together with Stewart will increase the distribution of Bowser products - ever try to find a Bowser PCC trolley?
Jerry Britton of Keystone Crossing is saying that Stewart has officially been bought by Bowser. Good news all around: Bowser’s great to deal with, and now has an extensive and modern diesel selection. All in all, a good fit.
All you’ve got to do is head over to the Bowser website and order one. Most LHS’ don’t carry Bowser’s product line because of slow turnaround (who would actually want to MODEL anything these days?), but their stuff is always available. Bowser is absolutely fantastic to work with: order 27 individual detail parts on Monday, have them in hand on Friday.
Ray,
That is good to know that Bowser is still a customer focussed company. Although I never dealt directly with Stewart, everything I"ve seen says the same about them.
I’ve been trying not to order directly from Bowser. It seems there are several places that sell Bowser steam engines and cars for less than MSRP, just wi***hey would do the same with the trolleys lol
Might just have to break down and order direct.
Thanks!
Dave
Stewart is/was great to deal with. I purchased a second hand F unit of thiers and the retaining clip for the coupler broke. Called them to see about ordering another one. They are listed in the parts catalog for $0.75 plus shipping. They replaced it at no cost to me whatsoever.
Naaah, How about Bowser-Stewart? BS, LTD!? BS Locomotive Works? BS Hobbies??
Seriously I think it will help both companies in the long run. Two small good quality manufacturers would be easier prey for the big boys, now it might be more secure.
Stewart has been GREAT to deal with for me. I bought an F-7 AB set on eBay, still sealed in the original package. When I opened it up there was a step broken off the B-unit shell. I called up Stewart and explained this, they sent me a replacement decorated B-unit shell no charge. My only gripe is that most of the power I need from them is out of production. I try to buy what I can when it shows up on ebay, but I really need a bunch of the RS-3’s in Reading.
I REALLY hope this doesn’t go another step with either Walthers or Horizon aquiring Bowser. I see NO good from either one. I’ve talked to enough dealers at shows to know I do not like Walthers’ practices, and Horizon, well, I just don’t think it’s a good idea for a distributor to suck up the manufacturers, this is too much liek a monopoly for my tastes.
–Randy
Randy,
I concur with you 150% I would like Bowser and Stewart in their new marriage to remain independent. Both provide great value for the money. Hopefully we’ll see Bowser and Stewart become the Athearn and MDC of today and tomorrow.
Perhaps with the additional benefits of the merger we’ll see Stewart do what Bowswer has done. Produce unlimited production models. That would be soooooo cool. I get in the long run it will keep prices in line. Just do periodic updates on a couple models a year and have the production run for several. Continuous incremental improvement in the line will keep prices down and customers loyal.
Yup, I’m looking for a bunch of the RS-3’s also!! Got the shells, just need the chassis etc. Doing mine as CNJ!
Bowser/Stewart - Bring back the RS3!!!
the fact Bowser is available through Walthers as a new supplier in their 2005 catalogue
is a big improvement for their availability
[bow][bow][bow][bow] I DO have to agree with you on that one Jim!!! I cant wait for Trainfest to get here in Milwaukee,WI,on November 13&14. With all their stupidity that they have done lately,they are definately gonna hear words from me.what the sam juan is it with these plastic handrails on locomotives?![banghead][:(!]