Re: restoring old Bowser

The metal is zamac which was used on a lot of stuff back then. Paint strippers can be used on the metal (not plastic) without any problems. The old Bowser locos tended to be very smooth runners that would be able to pull a lot of cars without troubles due to the Pitmann motors, good weight and gearing. when you get the loco running, you will soon find the desire to superdetail the loco so that the detail level matches the quality of operation. At one time, CalScale had a kit that provided most of the parts to detail that loco.

-- Bob May Losing weight is easy! If you ever want to lose weight, eat and drink less. Works evevery time it is tried!

Reply to
Bob May
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One of the nice things with a metal model is that you can uses some pretty harsh chemicals to strip paint from it. Most any of the non-caustic paint strippers can be used. Just be sure you have *ALL* the plastic parts removed before placing the model in the solvent. remember that plastic can 'hide' in many places as an electrical insulator ... like in the wheels or axles, and various bushings, etc. Take the model COMPLETELY apart, remove anything with plastic parts, and then strip it.

And, whenever working with strong volatile chemicals use adequate, or better, ventilation. Wear chemical/solvent proof gloves, and keep fire or electrical sparks AWAY!

Good luck.

Dan Mitchell ==========

The O-Family wrote:

Reply to
Daniel A. Mitchell

There was a article in Model Railroader years ago on detailing the Bowser Challenger. I think the Cal-Scale detailing kit was based on this article.

From what I have found in MR web site index I think article arreared in December, 1958 issue of Model Railroader and was by Bob Darin.

I no longer have any MR's so this is from memory only. I thought this article was spread over 2 or 3 issues, but I may be wrong.

I don't recall if level of detailing is equal to current standards, especially brass, but I recall it as being pretty complete.

I don't know where you can find this issue but maybe someone can help (I didn't see issue on eBay except as part of a multi volumn set of bounds issues for $40.00 opening bid).

Cal-Scale is now part of Bowser. Perhaps these parts (or detailing kit) are still available) See:

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The price list & parts pictures are in PDF format and are accessible from above URL.

The Bowser Challenger has seen about 50+ years of production and I am fairly sure kit has seen some modification over the years. I had a fairly early Challenger and it had a Bowser motor. I think later kits went to a Pittman motor. Also, I think engine had one piece and mult-piece siderods at different times.

The Challenger was a pretty delux engine kit when it came out and sold for (as I recall) $49.95; a lot of money in 1950's.

Reply to
Charles Seyferlich

Dear Family O, I have no experience with Bowsers, but I always use brake fluid to take off paint; used fluid, drained from the car when I bleed its brakes. It's kind of black but takes paint off well, and I don't know how to dispose of it anyway, so I just keep it in a jug. It works for the nuclear plants. I usually use naphtha on plastics and motors. I have been told not to soak any Oilite bronze bearings in solvent. I think the Challenger has those in its motor and its little spherical bearing posts. Just use a brush and a clean rag. I would also clean the wheels this way; soaking them might swell the paper that insulates one side of them. Cordially yours, Gerard P.

Reply to
Gerard Pawlowski

Bowser also offers a superdetail kits that has more parts in it than you may use. Also, instructions on where things go and how to get them there.

Homer

Reply to
Whithomer

I'll note here that there was a set of articles in MR in '61 that showed a superdetailed Big Boy built from scratch that even had the centering mechanism on the front engine just like the prototype. That sort of stuff really isn't done even today.

-- Bob May Losing weight is easy! If you ever want to lose weight, eat and drink less. Works evevery time it is tried!

Reply to
Bob May

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