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Full Throttle
  • Congress enacted the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and we must now note that these ARE NOT TOYS, AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN UNDER AGE OF 14. These products are Model Railroad Equipment and Accessories intended for use by adults.
Six great facts about these Bowser Bucklers
+ sure close coupling.
+ no "slinky effect".
+ lowered bolster plate.
+ correct wheelbase. 		+ detailed, prototype appearance.
+ blackened, insulated,
+ self-centering, metal wheels .
Roller Bearing Trucks with Metal Wheels and Knuckle Couplers
Released December 2010
#FT-200-4 Roller Bearing Bowser Bucklers 4-Pair
w/ Metal Wheels & Knuckle Couplers
Retrofit 4 pieces of rolling stock - (This one 4-pack = 4-Pair)
$26.00 retail ea. - ZSM $26.00
#FT-200-24 Roller Bearing Bowser Bucklers 24-Pair
w/ Metal Wheels & Knuckle Couplers
Retrofit 24 pieces of rolling stock - (These six 4-packs = 24-Pair)
$156.00 retail ea. - ZSM $144.00
#FT-200-48 Roller Bearing Bowser Bucklers 48-Pair
w/ Metal Wheels & Knuckle Couplers
Retrofit 48 pieces of rolling stock - (These twelve 4-packs = 48-Pair)
$312.00 retail ea. - ZSM $264.00
#FT-200-96 Roller Bearing Bowser Bucklers 96-Pair
w/ Metal Wheels & Knuckle Couplers
Retrofit 96 pieces of rolling stock - (These twenty four 4-packs = 96-Pair)
Buy the 96-pack and save the most!
$624.00 retail ea. - ZSM $499.00
Full Throttle's Trucks
There are many desireable aspects of the "Bowser Bucklers." The knuckle head is very prototypical, and when two are "clicked" together, they really do hold, like the prototype, and assure that there won't be any unexpected uncouplings over the line. The coupler "heads" are compatible with MTL and AZL, but while using them in conjunction, they will not uncouple automatically over a magnet! There is a straight shaft with nothing protruding from the sides. The coupler box is quite a bit smaller than any other Z Talgo Coupler on the market. This means that closer coupling, more real to life, is afforded, and the appearance of a coupler close to the body of the car is very appealing.

Also the "Bucklers" do not use a spring, but rather, there are ears on the shaft that is inside the box. This means that there is no "slinky effect" when hauling long consists. And thus unwanted "surprise" uncoupling on a grade is a thing of the past as well.

The appearance of the truck has also been enhanced by these "Bucklers." Bowser has modeled the trucks in a very prototypical fashion. That is, the bolster plate is not flush with the top of the truck but is below the top, just like on the real unit. Also, the wheelbase is correctly in proportion, and the trucks don't look too small beneath the car! The detailing of the trucks is certainly very well done for Z Scale. Altogether, these attributes give Z Scale Railcars a very convincing impression.

Perhaps the most apparent feature of the new "Bowser Bucklers" are the metal wheels. As expected, there is less dirty build-up on metal wheels and the sound is very "trainlike" as they transverse the track. These wheelsets are insulated of course, and there are some nifty additions to them that aren't so obvious. They have a slightly fatter and smaller flange than other Z wheelsets. Less long and knife-shaped. There is a filet between the rim and the flange. This is a feature that helps to keep the wheelset centered on the track as it revolves. The wheels are slightly blackened to give a prototype appearance. They glide readily in their trucks and so much so, that you may expect to haul much longer trains when using them in consist. And finally, these talgo truck/couplers are shot and assembled here, in the USA, by one person, by hand, one by one, in an effort to keep excellent quality control.

sales@zscalemonster.com