Jeff called me last night and said they were released first at John Cubbin's store, so I ordered all 3 numbers. My order has been in for 13 hours so far... I just don't know if I can take it... the wait! I am shaking and pacing back and forth like an expectant father. Happy happy happy, Joy joy joy!
Robert I figured it wouldn't take you long to pull the trigger! I know you will enjoy them just as I will as soon as the Southern's are released. I can hardly wait.
Robert Ray, I've never met you, but as soon as I saw the email from US Z Scale I thought of how pleased you'd be. Please share some photos of your new "family" on your amazing new modules.
Yeah, I plan on a quick verification of DC operation first, then DCC conversion with a Digitrax Transponding decoder, and finally on to shell detailing and MTL coupler conversion. This is the first AZL locomotive with a coupler pocket designed to match the MTL coupler dimensions. I don't know why they waited so long, but it will be nice to be able to easily install an MTL coupler. I am surprised that AZL included the NP signature Steam Bell on this loco. That and the raised angled number boards are correct for the NP. I don't know what to do about the marker lights that were just above those number boards, as they are a super small detail for Z, but I will be adding the firecracker antenna. I have to research when the bubble bum lights for yard service were installed, and specific models get winter cab window extensions, canvas shades, and I think many were outfit with a special cab heater. This photo shows that cab heater with it's exhaust pipe just behind the cab, as well as the firecracker antenna and bubble gum light on top of the cab. Also visible is the marker lights above the number boards. Also note that the steam bell is closer to the cab than it is on the AZL model. Little subtle details, a canvas window shade, and the "F" on the short hood, depicting the short hood as the front of the NP units. Some railroads ran long hood forward, so pay attention to your prototype. Am I foaming? I'm not foaming am I? You guys don't think I'm foaming do you? OK, maybe just a little.
sounds like a great review, if only Atlas would use the right stack and headlights on their Southern Pacific RSD5's in N...I am a bit jealous
I'm so glad they designed the pilot to switch out the coupler. That is very customer friendly. Hats off to AZL!
Thanks for all the kind words. This was a fun project to work on and we look forward to bringing many more smiles to Z scale fans!
I’m sure I missed it somewhere but what road names are being released? Also I really like the look of the mechanism...it looks like they are making it more robust.
Mine arrived today, while I was packing the camping gear up for a quick Fathers day vacation. We got a 3 household camping-fishing-ATV riding trip planned, meeting the first group in Horseshoe Bend at 8AM, then convoy up to Herrick Reservoir, where it was snowing last weekend. Bringing the side by side, and quads, tent camping. 3rd family coming up Friday night, and staying till Monday, so it will be a while till I can really dig into those RS-3's I did however have time to pop off the shell on one. Paint looks good, however a bit thick and detail obscuring/rounding. Looks like the rear of the PC board could be cut off and leave enough room for a decoder. My pc board is only attached with 3 screws, it looks like they forgot to drill the frame for the 4th screw. I can't wait to get to it, but first it's vacation time.
Hi Guys, This is subject to change, but right now the initial plan is to release all road names by March 2021 in this order. I repeat THIS MAY CHANGE!!! D&H RS3 ATSF RSD4 NYC RS3 SP RSD5 C&O RSD5 NH RS3 UP RS2 SOU RS3 MILW RS3 CN RS3 PRR RS3 DRGW RS3 GN RS3 BN RS3 SSW RS3 SAL RS3 CP RS3 We hope you enjoy these little locomotives as much as we enjoyed bringing this project to life. Cheers, -Rob(A) AZL ****"Borrowed" this from over on the other Z-forum, hope it's ok. This'll give y'all an idea of the releases.****
Thanks, Kurt. I couldn't find a list on AZL's site. I will be getting at least one of the NHRR ones. Jim Thanks, Kurt. I didn't find this on AZL's site. I will be getting at least one of them in NHRR. What other forum? Jim
Something for everyone here. I have been learning towards PC conrail NYC lately. So...got to like the NYC release. The truck detail on the closeup pictures of model is impressive. Bet they haul a brick too!