i emailed craig martin about how well his BLMA 36" fans work in the GP-35s. this is his response: "Hi David, Thanks for the great Email! I frequent trainboard but hadn't seen that thread (don't usually wonder into the Z scale forum). But first off, THANK YOU for spreading the word about BLMA parts, likewise, I compliment you for figuring out that the smaller fans work for Z scale! I'm always amazed at some of the uses people have found for my products. If anything, many of the products we offer could easily be converted to Z scale... As a matter of fact, if I feel like enough Z scalers want our new Signal Bridges, those are definitely a "can do". Keep in touch and let me know of any other Z scale happenings! Thanks again and take care, Craig Martyn BLMA www.nscaleblma.com" Soooo... if you all want this neat detail structure for your layouts, go the website listed above and make a request. from this craig will be able to gauge the demand. if you haven't seen this impressive new structure, go to the website and check it out -- or to the N forum of this trainboard. fyi. dave f.
I sent an email saying i would purchase some signal bridges if he produces some. I ordered a few packs of fans, and some other details to use on my next GP project too. -Robert
I got a reply from Craig saying he is planning a limited run of signal bridges for us Z Scalers! -Robert
Anyone know if the fan blades on the fans are free turning or are they soldered/glued in during assembly? Randy
the fans are glued to the post that supports them which (support) is glued into the top-inside of the shell. the fan screen is glued to the top if the outside of the stack. you can see the blades through the screen and the effect is really something -- but it is not a free-turning set of fan blades. dave f.
How hard would it be to replace the support post with a longer one that contacted the top screen so the fan blades would be enclosed but be able to turn freely? Randy
I don,t think is hard. I used to do it in model airplanes. As long the fan is free wheeling and it not touching any other surface, it should spin. John
Great discussion here! Just so you guys know, I DO read these threads even though I may not always reply. Randy - It is possible to rig the fans so the blades spin freely, but I'll tell you, after it's all said and done, it probably won't do anything to the overall "look" of the assembly. Keep the suggestions coming!
Craig, the one thing we desperately need is a z scale snowplow for the geep, and I hope it's in the generic detail package. John
I would think a generic GP Mod Kit would sell pretty good. I'm thinking a sprue (is that the right word for etched metal sheets?) with Z Scale fans, (the 3-48" and 1-36") a plow, a pilot plate, bell, cab doors, headlight panel, and headlight blankout panel, would be resonably small sheet of etched SS, yet really open the doors to customizing our GP's. -Robert
that one product (a Z scale detail/mode kit for GP-35) would advance Z scale modeling so significantly! ANYONE who wanted to try could have the means to improve their model to an impressive degree! when i look at the photo above of the CP unit -- it looks like it could be HO or N. the details are fantastic! craig, PLEASE give this some careful thought. it would be a huge advance for model railroading in general, and for Z in particular! here's hoping ... dave f.
