Hi @Joe D'Amato, I've been rather saddened when MTL gave up producing its stunning modern Z scale loco line (GP9 and 35, SD40). I understand it was due to issues with chinese contractor. However, it has been now years since we don't have any news about these products' status. So I've a question today and I would appreciate a very straight reply, as I've read here and there that finally MTL does no more consider Z scale as a niche market: Are there any plans to revive those products? Or will have us to rely for ever on good old but out of time F7s with their 1980s technology? Thank you for any reply, best wishes, Dom.
While the venerable F7 produced in-house, it was literally handed to them by Nelson Gray. It took them a lot of pain to travel, frequently, to China to get the GP35 and later locos made. Even their N scale locos are made by Life-Like. I would assume they have the ability (motors can be ordered anywhere and gears aren't that difficult), I just don't think it is logistical for them. The payback would be difficult, compared to N.
In addition to the Chinese manufacturing plug being pulled, I have also heard that the Maxon motors price jumped making the units too expensive. Here is an interesting article on Maxon's website talking about MTL: https://maxonmotorusa.wordpress.com/tag/micro-trains/ Looking at the Maxon website, the RE8 motor is in the $70 price range. Ouch.
Thanks you guys for your input... Hope @shamoo737 is wrong. Hopefully Joe could have good news for Z scale... Dom
I have noticed that MTL has listed ther their monthly updates a few days earlier than AZL. I wonder also if AZL is cutting into MTL"s pie. I would hate to see MTL give up on Z. My luck with MTL locos has not been good, but I have learned to tweak things to get running, so I would try once again, but I doubt that is gonna happen. Trey
I remember the GP35 golden sample running for hours pulling 50 cars on our modules. That was it as far as Z scale locos go. Great price point and reliability. In my opinion, that was the game changer Z locomotive. I modded them into GP 30's, GP 39E's and I still have them in running condition. Thanks MTL for producing them. Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Well, Joe hasn't answered the question and the best we can do is speculate. Let's give Joe a chance to answer the OP's question.
We really, really need the SD40-2 back NOW! I've got all sort of plans for BR class 66s (Etched and 3D printed) which need the chassis as do some of my mates over here in the U.K I do tend to think if Rokuhan do a U.S loco it could be a real game changer. I also realise by saying this it will prompt a flood of 'I Think they should a (insert wishlist here) in (insert colour scheme here) ' replies.
Still hope that mtl does not give up on their magnematic knuckle couplers for Z. Anybody eventually releases a Z scale switcher, it should have or possible to convert to magnematic couplers. /Frank
Yeah, I'm here LOL Listen, since 2007-8 the dynamics of the market changed and Z scale was not immune. Our costs almost tippled with the motors and China Manufacturing costs following suite, if you can even get someone to produce your stuff anymore. We've gotten stiff competition from a consortium of Japanese Manufactures who pooled their capitol and pretty much assumed dominance in the world of road bed track. From the outside we hear, "you guys need to keep up" but in a shrinking market that's difficult to sell management and me. All one has to do is look at the activity on the forums back then and now, in Z scale to see the fall off of participation. Z couplers will always be there, they are as popular as ever despite clones and knockoffs floating around. Doing the next engine is on my R&D task list and we have been actively pursuing several options going forward. I think unless we can find motors that don't cost more than the finished product it will be difficult to bring back the GP's and SD. I think we have a handle on what will be next for us in the Loco department so don't get to worried...we aren't going anywhere. Joe
Thanks for the update @Joe D'Amato. It would sure be nice to see the market expanding and see more products, not less.
The one question that seems to be a good business barometer. How much Z scale train equipment is still sitting on hobby shop shelves. If you don't find any does that mean it's been purchased or did the owner of the store find the bottom side of a trash can.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Joe personally dating back to 2004. He is just down the road a ways from my 20. When I visit MTL to pick up product I have access to Joe almost any time I want as long as he is not busy somewhere in the dark recesses of MTL. We used to eat a lot of ice cream and pie at the first, but graduated to full meals eventually. Along with those bowls of ice cream and other culinary delights, we had many a discussion on the state of Z and where it might be going. Joe has always dreamed big when it comes to Z scale. It is sad that MTL got shafted by China long ago when the GPs and SDs were flying off the shelves. I know for a fact that Joe wanted more than anything to see Z scale grow by leaps and bounds and for a time, the future did look rosy, but what happened happened. Many factors contribute to the success or failure of any endeavor. As Joe has stated, he always has hopes and aspirations for the growth of Z. Only time will tell, but what Joe has stated is the truth and there isn't much he can do about the state of affairs. I'm not trying to stroke Joe or build him up, but he is our champion at MTL. Maybe things will change for the good, but Joe's hands are tied.
There is still much that MTL can do to grow Z. Bringing back the laser kits is one of them. Z scale is a little thin on structures.
I second the laser kits. The ones I have found have been good kits. And we are way thin on Z structures. Trey
