Hi Robert, congratulations for your work! But today I've 3 questions about this, as I've read there and elsewhere that taking these beauties apart is a tough job: -do you confirm, as I'm looking at your pics, you were able to insert the decoder only by removing the loco's cab (ie, without separating the shell from the chassis)? -if the reply is "yes", how did you manage to remove the cab without breaking anything? -and finally, which decoder brand did you use? Thanks for any input, Dominique
And about newbies, I've a question here for Rob K. -Have you here an updated estimate for the AZL autoracks? All the best, Dominique
SD70 Window Detailing I have 3 NS 70s; one each road number. The window and NS logo printing were not as crisp as the proto photos, but still impressive. Interestingly enough, the UP SD70 I received a few weeks later was PERFECT, windows included. This is purely a QC issue on Ajin's part. I hope AZL demands that Ajin tighten up on the QC. After all, it only helps Ajin - more business for them. On a side note - I'm glad that more BNSF items are rolling out for Tim. More stock BNSF means Tim will have more time to crank out more of his masterpieces! (Instead of having to strip and customize his own BNSF rolling stock.) Good news for Tim is great news for the rest of us.
To install the decoders required a bit of cutting and grinding to fit the decoders, but in Europe where Uhlenbrock 73400 deocders and CT Electronik 74z decoders are available, you don't need to cut as those are small enough to fit. Here is the link to the SD70 and SD75 decoder installs I did: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=78483&highlight=sd70 http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=78728&highlight=sd75
OK I'm not a modern guy, but isn't this BNSF unit a SD70I, not a 75? SD75I's have a bulge similar to a traction motor blower duct, but on the other (engineer) side: http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/bnsf/bnsf8245v.jpg http://www.ztrack.com/AZL/AZL_SD70/AZL_SD75_BNSF_WB.jpg
Criss, that is what I was thinking of, but it is a preproduction. They also have the correct SD75, so I dont think AZL would make that mistake, but sometimes errors do happen.
Good eye! Yes, you are correct. I also caught this. There should be a bulge on the side. The CN SD75I has this feature. I have already asked AZL about it, but have not heard back. If this was not corrected on the finished run, I will see about getting these pieces from AZL as an add on part. Since there is no printing on them, it should be fairly easy to get them and apply to the sides. Due to the delays on the coal porters, I fear the autoracks are also delayed. AZL is looking for other suppliers and this may take some time. Rob
Who exactly is AZL? I notice their only web pages seem to be at Ztrack or at hobby shops. I understand that Ajin does the work for them. How is the progress on the GEEPs?
AZL is American Z Line. It is owned by two business partners. These two do all research, marketing, licensing, etc. They outsource all production to companies like Ajin and Bowser. Ztrack is the exclusive distributor of AZL and SZL (Swiss Z Line) products. I have been working with the owners since 1999. They are great guys and the hobby owes them much.The founder of AZL is actually the backer for Rogue before they went out of business. The GP7/9s are coming along well. I hope to have an update in the next few weeks. Rob
Rob, I really appreciate the effort from AZL to support our hobby. I'm in E-Mail contact with Hans Riddervolt and he wrote me that the GP7 will be on the market by March/April. When I imagine my Collection without AZL, there would be only 20+ Märklin F7, 12 MTL GP35, 4 MTL GP7, and a couple of Mikados and Pacific Steamlocomotives from Märklin. Thats poor! With AZL I have the GS3, AC12, SD40-2, SD40-2 snoot nose, SD40-2 Tunnel, SD45, PA1, C44-9w, SD70, SD75, E8, F45 and F59PHI. All with different paint schemes. What a difference!!!
Jürg, You bring up a very good point. Like you, I also really appreciate the efforts of AZL and Hans. I once got criticized for the comment I am about to make, but I am going to make it anyway. I think AZL has had the largest impact on Z scale up until this past year. MTL with their track and GP35 now are making a huge impact, but AZL really pushed the scale during a time when only F7s and a few steam locomotives were available. AZL showed that true to life hood unit could be done in Z scale, and done well! I think the GP7 will be an amazing locomotive. If AZL offers the details and versions like they do the SD70s, wow are we going to be lucky! Plus with MTL's GP9, we are just plain spoiled! Gentleman, prepare for an amazing model train season this winter and spring... Rob
Can I choose no comment? An update will be coming soon, likely the end of next week. Keep the faith brother! Rob
Well, I prefer your "no comment" to a confirmation of what Jurg said....... :angel: Just keep us posted, as you always do. Not like I have the money to buy them any sooner than March/April anyway!! Those darn FR Maxi Stacks in CSX put a crimp in the budget...... mg:
If it were not for the AZL SD45, I would not have further bothered with Z Scale after making the NP caboose. I feel the new plastic locos from both AZL and MTL are bringing in the masses now, but I also feel AZL's offerings is what really started the ball rolling for North American Z Scale models. :shade:
I concur! Can I agree any louder, please let me know! AZL is the cause of the Z Boom! It's a MODERN THING! Until the people at MTL, Who know nothing about Trains(A select few), are eliminated thru layoffs, buy-outs, or avenged targeting, MTL will never come fully into the MODERN light! The old Marklin vs MTL & US arguements/disagreements that use to find their way on the Z_Scale Yahoo group once every 3-6 months were mainly about MODERN Z. YES, AZL and MTL could sustain the worlds population of Z if Marklin was to fold up it's Z scale program. But, we would be heavily deprived of much needed steam chassis and parts. Thanks to Joe D', MTL has improved more than 200% in the last 2 years. Yes, they do have an occassional boo-boo, but that is nothing compared to what they do for us on a constant basis! Go Z Scale! Hobo Tim p.s. How many times can I emphasize the implied term MODERN?
I'm going to jump in while people are giving credit (where credit is due) to AZL for recent progress in Z. The singular reason for me moving from N to Z was AZL. Like most model railroaders, I HAD to purchase a Marlkin starter set to have a Z train in my collection. I was very impressed with the detail and operation of the entire set. Packaging was excellent. The User Guide was excellent. The track was excellent. And the loco and rolling stock were great. I surfed over to their US (and later, their DE website), saw their NA items, and thought, "Humm..., I see Marklin has come out with some token NA (US primarily) items for their EURO customers. It wasn't until two years later than I saw an AZL loco on eBay and I started to take a serious look at Z. I quickly found UW/FT, PENNZEE , TNT'Z, and FR. I was hooked! I'm personally into Modern. I really like steam. I really like the transition (F) era. But I love modern! This is nothing again steam and transition lovers. I look forward to the day I can get a Big Boy, F9 (Southern), and F7 (Southern Grn and Southern Blk), U23s, a nice UP Centennial, and of course, all the ES44 and SD70-2s I can get my hands on (humm... wouldn't a bunch of ESs with all the UP legacy schemes be great!?!?!). Anyhow, special thanks to AZL for making some kick-butt locos!!! I personally hope AZL focuses on modern and MTL focuses on transition era motive power. The last thing our "small" community needs is a Chevy/Ford battle. AZL makes damn good pick-ups. MTL needs to make the sports cars. Then both companies can make money cause I want one of each!
Hi Hobo Tim! Let's keep cool:shade: ! Myself I'm definitively a modern era US prototype modeller. In this way I definitively rely on AZL and MTL. US style Marklin never showed a great interrest for me (except a few passenger cars) mainly because of its weird look. But let's not forget Euro style modellers (uh...At least german-swiss-austrian style modellers.....) who have quite no choice outside of Marklin (except SZL, but what's its share in the market?). And furthermore, I don't think Z scale would be the winner, as whatever we think, Marklin still continues to hold 90% of the world Z scale market, and I suppose most of the US style Z-scalers have been driven to our favourite scale by Marklin....Myself, although I've purchased almost nothing from them, I don't forget I've been introduced into Z-scale while looking at a Marklin Miniclub starter set in a toy store.... Just my two cents, Dominique
Ztrack is now accepting orders for American Z Line's BNSF SD75i. These locomotives are now in stock. Ztrack plan to start shipping on December 1st. The BNSF SD75is are in the famous Sante Fe Warbonnet paint scheme. Three roadnames are available. These are 8276, 8285 and 8294. The locomotives are item number 6105. They feature an 8mm Faulhaber can motor, dual flywheels, directional controlled LED lighting, traction tires, optional snow plow and are DCC ready. Ztrack Magazine subscribers are entitled to order direct from Ztrack Roadnumber 8276 and 8285 are available direct. Ztrack Magazine subscriber price is $215.00 each plus shipping and handling. Note, roadnumber 8294 is reserved for dealer only sales. Please contact Ztrack off-line to order direct. Not a Ztrack subscriber? The second way to reserve yours is through your authorized American Z Line dealer. Contact your AZL for this and other AZL products.
