REVIEW: Bowser Executive Line CP GMDD SD40-2 w/ESU LokSound

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• published: 23 Feb 2016
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Video Details Wow, my first locomotive review in a very long time! Actually, this was a first in many different areas, like first edited review, first review using a DCC-powered layout, even first review of a locomotive equipped with ESU LokSound! Anyway, what a great locomotive!! Bowser nailed it, and ESU did what they are best known for, giving this beast crisp, high quality sound with loads of features! **FROM THE BOX** The Bowser model is nicely packaged, almost similarly to Athearn's Genesis packing and quite similar to Intermountain's locomotive boxes. However, once all the sleeves are removed, you will need to get a large Phillips screwdriver to remove two screws under the bottom cradle to free the locomotive. Watch for any details that may be damaged… this looks to be a common case due to shipment, possibly from a flaw in the packing method. Don't quote me on this, as I'm just guessing from my view. --DETAIL OVERVIEW-- If the pictures in the video didn't do enough justice for you, then you'll have to see these models in person. Every SD40-2 released by Bowser has version specific details, and they made sure that they did not skimp out on some of those often overlooked features. This version I have and shown in the review, was no exception. Detail all in all is crisp, well defined, and proper. There are also no unnecessary "extras" applied to the model, but there is a small baggy supplied that contains various details like truck wheel bearings, radio antennas, spare knuckle holders, and brooms. The only detail that I have caught as being off, and this more in regards to paint, is the rear headlight which should've been a single colour (either black on the black/white stripes, or red on the red/white stripes). This minor error is so minuscule however, that it has no effect on the rest of the detail plus can be easily fixed. Basic separately applied details like grab irons and whatnot. --DCC SOUND-- As stated, the DCC/Sound models are equipped with a ESU LokSound Select (Direct 21-pin) decoder. DC models have a 21-pin "dummy plug", essentially DCC Ready and can be easily made DCC by swapping the DC plug with either the LokSound Select chip, or the non-sound LokPilot Standard 21MTC (53614) decoder. The LokSound decoder is equipped with a wide variety of sounds to enjoy, like 20 sound effects, 16 separate horns, 2 bells, 2 brakesqueals and 2 prime movers. Here's a list of the sounds and their function. F1 - Bell F2 - Horn F3 - Coupler F4 - Dynamic Brake F8 - Startup/Shutdown (Sound on/off) F9 - Manual Notch Up F10 - Manual Notch Down F11 - Radiator Fans F13 - Slow Spitter F14 - Hand Brake Wheel F15 - Hand Brake Ratchet F16 - Spitter on shutdown off F17 - Brake Set/Release F18 - Sanding Valve F19 - Air Let Off F20 - Compressor F21 - Fast Spitter --LIGHTING-- One of the main reasons I went and ordered this locomotive when they were first announced, was because they featured the Canadian triple-style classlights as operational lighting features. Other than the classlights, the lighting is all fairly basic. I should note that the numberboards should light with the headlight function. The lighting is bright, especially the ditchlights. No complaints! --OPERATION-- The drive that these models feature is outstanding! Can go at a very low speed, and does so as smooth as silk. There is usually jerkiness fresh out of the box as the model needs to be broken in. Not only do these locomotives run well alone, they also can pull with little trouble. One unit can pull around 20 cars no problem on a layout with some fairly steep grades. These are heavy models, and their weight is a big contribution to pull/push power. They also feature a switching (or shunting) mode that can be initiated by F7, where the locomotive's speed is reduced by 50%. --VERDICT-- If I were to rate this model, I'd give it a 100% rating. First impressions were the greatest I've had, with Bowser's dedication to producing a top quality model suitable for even the most discriminating Canadian modellers! And then the extra oomph that ESU packed in with their LokSound Select decoder, allowing the locomotive operate and function with sheer perfection. Me being a big detail buff, where I like to make sure the locomotive has all the prototypical details, Bowser pleased me with the specific details sharp and present! All thumbs up from me for the Bowser SD40-2! Layout owned and operated by the Southern Alberta Model Railway Club of Lethbridge. Detailed photos taken with Canon PowerShot SX510HS Copyright ©2016 CPR43 Productions