I see you are trying out those chalks I sent you. Very good. Sometimes, you have to go crazy too. Don't be afraid ! When are you going to make a layout? No fun running all those locos on 30cm of track !
Jeff, I've a test track with 8 meters now! This is good for 60+ Stackcars. I'm working on some "Minimodules" and also on a Intermodal Diorama. I'll soon update my website with the progrees. Thanks again for the weathering stuff, as you can see I'll try.
way to go jurg. subtle but nice touch to the trucks and couplers especially. it's hard to do, at first, dirtying up a nice new locomotive! go for it! dave f.
When you go to Olso. look for some cheap scrap rolling stock or loco shells. Often get them here at the shows for $0.50 each (CHF 0.60)
If these GP7s show the same problems as previous AZL releases, like the wonderful SD70s, it appears the wheels have insufficient lateral clearance. That means they are not properly gauged regarding MTL track and turnouts (indeed wheels on one axle are too close to each other, thus leading to problems when running on MTL turnouts). So trucks are "floating" when on MTL track, and have no trend to be straightened when the loco gets back on straight track. I regauged my SD70s using a MTL gauge, and since then they have been working properly when running on MTL or Wright turnouts. And the trucks follow carefully the tracks...When the loco is getting on straight track trucks are straight also. So maybe the problem on the GP7 is the same, and the solution beeing regauging the axles with a MTL gauge.... Just my two cents, Dom
Well my GP7 arrived today but I have yet to run it...need to go to the basement and assemble a quick layout.... In any event, at the next Tri-State Z Scaler's meeting (NY, NJ, CT) in April, I'll run it and see how it goes. If it needs gauging, I will do it then. Best, Michael
Hmmm-I thought I had posted some follow-up...well anyway: I pulled 36 cars with the GP7 this past Saturday. I had a mix of MTL, FR & Marklin rolling stock...the front nearly met the rear! Pulled well. Michael
Aaaargh! I seem to have gotten a dud. My UP GP7 sputters on a Microtrains oval and stops intermittently. The lights flicker as well, so it is a pick-up problem. I broke it in for 30 minutes and it still does this at slow speed. At higher speeds, the momentum keeps it going. Guess I've got to send it back for repair :-(
Definitely send it back. You can remove the shell (gently) and loosen the chassis. I actually had to adjust the power pickups on the truck and now everything runs well. I probably need to add some lube from when I removed the trucks. I understand the pickups may change for final production. Best, Michael
Been a while since I heard anything about the GP7's. Are they still in pre-production? When will the full production start?
A lot is happening right now with AZL. Here is the latest GP7 update. We have received samples of the regular production version. We are evaluating. If the quality and operations meet the goals, we will give the green light to start up production. It is looking good at the moment. Rob
