I just received the first images of American Z Lines SD70M. The photo below shows the preproduction parts that were sent to AZL from Ajin for review. It doesn't look too bad! Note the black parts are separately applied. This allows details such as the top number boards and lights to be changed between variants. I am still waiting a firm word on delivery dates and pricing - Rob Kluz
Are "Z" Scale engines powered with can motors or pancake motors? I am trying to get a "feel" for the size of a "Z" size motor. Are these motors available as a separate part, it do you have to buy the whole engine to get one? What about the gears, belts, or friction drive wheels; are they available as replacement parts anywhere? All I can find so far is links to dealers to buy the whole engine, but all I need is a couple of the tiny motors, depending on how big they actually are. The cost of them would also be helpful. If anyone can help, please email me. Thanks.
AZL will be using 8mm can motors from Faulhaber. Maxom also makes 8mm can motors that are used in their GP35 run. 10mm motors are also available from Faulhauber, Maxom and Mabuchi. AZL does not plan on selling spare parts (at least initially). Faulhauber motors and the others are available on the open market. You may want to try a Google search and see what you come up with. Rob Kluz
micro motor man sells motors of all sorts (including the smallest). try google search, cut i think his email is "www.micro-motorman.com" dave f.
I guess I should share what is coming. The first release will be: SD70M - NS and UP SD75I - CNR This will be followed by: SD70M flared - UP SD75I - BNSF and ATSF I can't wait to see the finished painted locos!
I would like to see Z Scale SD70ACe's painted like these newest schemes from Montana Rail Link, UP Fallen Flags, and the demonstrator, as they are real colorful: -Robert [ October 16, 2005, 11:22 AM: Message edited by: pray59 ]
I think it is safe to day it will happen. Unfortunately, the SD70ACes are much different the the SD70M and SD75Is. Notice the shape of the front window for instance. Likely, this will be an all new future release from AZL. I would love to see all of these in Z scale! Also, on Oct 18, the UP is going to unveil the Rio Grande retro SD70ACe. I can't wait to see it! Rob Kluz
Rob ... looks great for this stage of pre-production. Any idea about the chasis yet? will all three axles be geared? or will they be similar to the AZL brass SD-45 / SD-40-2s? (where one axle is free-floating) thanks Gordon
Gordon, I am not exactly sure, but I would bet they will be like the SD45 trucks. The middle axle likely will not be powered. Rob
Another colorful UP scheme. I think other railroads should follow suit with all these schemes. So what's so much different from this model than the AZL flaired release? -Robert
Check out the windows. The windows on the SD70ACe are rectangular. The SD70M flared have that odd shape with the extension coming down on the side. You can see it on the shell photo. According to Hans Riddervold (AZL owner), there are other differences that make the two locos very different in appearance. I think the trucks may be slightly different as well, but I am not an expert so don't quote me! Personally, I think the George Bush loco could be bad for the hobby. I have always heard never to mix politics with model trains! Rob Kluz
Just curious.....how much are one these bad boys going to cost? Are they brass or plastic? And no Pray....I am not defecting But I might dabble
That's how I started Matt, dabble a little here, diddle a little there, then I was hooked. One day I picked up an N Scale Atlas PS2 hopper to admire, and much to my horror, it was WAY WAY OVERSIZED! Dabbling is good. You should go ahead and try a little superdetailing on one of your Z Scale locomotives, just to see how far you can push the envelope. Be a pioneer! -Robert
They are plastic. The parts in black are separately applied. They are powered by an 8mm Faulhauber motors, dual flywheels and LED lighting. Likely they will have a pocket for a DCC decoder, but I have not heard for sure since we have not seen a prototype of the chassis. Right now, AZL is estimating they will sell for around $200.00. Rob Kluz
Robert, The cab and radiators are completely different and even about half the hood is different. Not sure about the chasis, though. If you compare a standard SD70M to an SD70MAC, even they have a lot of differences. Similar model number doesn't mean it looks the same. Take the F59 and the F59PHI, for example. Almost completely the same mechanically but the bodies are very different. Randy
