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Examples of Bowser Projects

During the early years of the HO thrust, Bill Bowser arrived on the scene with Bowser Manufacturing Co.  He brought the hobby some high quality products that were definitely  state-of-the-art by the standard of the day.

One of Bowser's first well known locos was the brass 4-8-2 Mountain complete with USRA-style boiler.  It boasted the unique Bowser "super motor" with axle driven drive train that delivered smooth operation with plenty of power.  The matching brass tender was later included in the kit, and offered the first complete cast brass HO unit on the market.

The famous K-11 4-6-2 Pacific was another of Bowser's models and was a very accurate portrayal of the famous NYC prototype.  It also had the super motor and mechanism and had the same smooth results as the Mountain.

Bowser purchased the Penn Line company molds and continued its line of famed Pennsylvania RR locomotives.  Although they have updated the components throughout the years, they are still very similar to the early models of the Penn Line Co. 

Today, Bowser has several lines included in their company and offer a complete roster of steam locomotives, mechanical parts, and detailing components for the avid HO modeler.  Although their kits are a bit challenging, they reflect the quality of today's standards while offering modelers the kit-building experience of days past.

At Yardbird, we offer custom kit-building of these quality Bowser models, as well as refurbishing, detailing, and painting of older versions.  We have restored dozens of the older Bowsers for collectors around the world. 

We also carry several of the obsolete parts to fit some of the early models.  Check with us for availability. 

Yardbird Classic Trains

Vintage Bowser HO Restoration and Repairs

Bowser Brass Mountain

Custom Bowser Decapod

Bowser K-11 Pacific