The Bowser HO scale Alco C-630 diesel is equipped with a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. Watch this HO scale diesel run on the Model Railroader club layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Video: Bowser HO scale Alco C-630 diesel
By Angela Cotey | October 7, 2011
| Last updated on February 2, 2021
Watch this Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped HO scale Bowser Alco C-630 run on the Model Railroader train layout
I just got my second replacement Alco and while it looks great I'm sending this one back to Bowser. Major gear noise in both loco's very poor pulling power, really disappointed. I was really exited about these models but Bowser falls far short on this project. Buyer beware would be my advise.
I hope this gets posted as my last one didn't. Does MR just post glowing reviews, if so what's the point.
Disappointed in Manitoba, Canada
Ian
They look great but run poorly. I've seen three run and none run to what today's loco's should run like. I sent mine back and hopefully the new one will run better but I have my doubts from what I have seen. Great looking but fall far short on performance, motor hum, gear noise, levels equal to sound unit.
once again glad to see it in the illinois central orange and white. hope to see it in the black paint scheme soon. something to think about. M.R. still the best there is.
Sound is good.(??????.)
Hi Terry,
The model does come in a DC version for $169.95. You can find a link to the full review in the related articles box under the video.
Thanks for watching.
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Model Railroader magazine
Not too bad a model, but there seems to be way too much space between the fuel tank and the railhead. Looks kinda funny.
just starting in hobby looks nice sound nice
Actually the Monon model is a C-628. My bad.
Only complaint is the monon engine has a paint job thats more of a silver color rather than the gold that monon used.
Great looking engine…wish the Alco sounds were louder (although I know that's more due to the nature of the video)—but I REALLY miss that thick black Alco smoke! (Guess that wouldn't be very spouse-friendly!)
Good looking locomotive. Sound is good too.
hi there dana ! what is price of this locomotive, is it standard dc
compatiable, and does it come painted for SOUTHERN RR?
im a huge southern fan!!
Diesel engine sounds good. What about braking and air hose sounds?
Curiosity question…at 1.50 (just before horn sounds), the rear truck looks like it's going downhill at a faster rate than the loco. Optical illusion on my part?
Since I model the Chessie roads, this will be a fine addition to my fleet.
Hi Dana! The locomotive sounds great with Alco chugging sound.
Can I get a track diagram for this layout please?
hope they make more diesels this one sounds an looks like it runs real good ,perhaps a sd80 i think there is a good market for that one or u.p three unit turbins.
Hia Dana, may I control this engine with my ESU ECoS station?
Nice looking model but doesn't it sound like a steam loco…:( and YES I do know what a real Alco sounds like..;-)
Great sounding unit……
Sounds great! Not being from Vancouver (but from Ontario) but still into Canadian Railways, I too pre-ordered a BC rail engine; mine was in the red, white, and blue. Can't wait to take delivery!
great looking/sounding loco do they have a c-628
cant wait to get a couple of action red cp rail beasts. how about an 636 ! or that 640?
Hi Dana, sounds great. I'm glad I pre-ordered my units. being from Vancouver BC, of course I had to get an old favorite.. two tone green BC Rail.