Looks like in the growing field of Z-scale locomotives, there is still room for more. So here comes the announcement. A new (old?) manufacturer of Z-scale brass locomotive kits, formerly called Zthek, now with a new name and lots of ambition: Products under development and near completion: -Alco RS1 shell to fit MTL GP chassis. -A conversion gearbox / 6mm motor with flywheel combination kit to give new life to old and dead Marklin 0-6-0 chassis. -A modular chassis system, using etched, easy to build phosphor bronze components, 6mm motor with flywheel, almost perfect scale 40" wheels and scale 8' wheelbase swiveling trucks. All wheels are powered with electric pick-up. -NW-2 switcher shell. -The greatly improved (scale) SW-1 switcher shell -Alco S1 switcher shell -TR slug The switcher kits will come in two versions with identical shells, but made for the different chassis options. The first version will utilize the converted Marklin chassis, the second is for the modular chassis system. It's too early to take orders, but the first releases are coming fairly shortly. I'll keep you updated.
wonderful news Lajos. I really enjoyed putting the old SW1 together and am really looking forward to the new kits. The repowering kit for the marklin 0-6-0 is really intriguing. I have at least two 'dead uns' that would benefit from a heart transplant KEV
Lajos, This sounds great. I can't wait to see them. I am very intrigued by the replacement gearbox and modular chassis system. Not to mention the ALCOs. Looking forward to you future announcements. Dan S.
Fan-Freakin-Tastic!!!!! Congrats on your new company and future Z releases. I look forward to working on some of these kits!!!! As Alex stated earlier, he is into the RTR because he is not a modeller, well, I am a modeller, and like Gerd and several other Z scalers, I enjoy the heck out of building kits. Not just Z, but all scales whether they be model railroading , plastic, wood, electronic or what have you. Kits are King! Drive On Lajos, Drive On!!!!! Hobo Tim
Sign me up sight unseen Lajos! I'm down for NW2's and RS1's to start. I have been saving my shekels all summer, without any time at all to spend, so now it's time to treat myself! YAY!
Originally I've planned a very agressive multiple release, but since I had to adjust to a slower pace, so looks like the RS1 going to be the first one. There are a few bugs, as usual, but an early November premier looks doable.
I look forward to your new work Lajos, especially your modular chassis and switcher. Oh and the slug too! -James
Can´t wait for it, I´ve already bought an MTL GP Chassis. Are you planning to produce decals as well like you did for the SW 1? Mattias
I to at my age need RTR so When your ready will you take dead Marklin 060's and install new guts? as well as furnish completed loco's? Otherwise is there someone out there willing to do this for a fellow Railroader? Just asking!
I'm sure ready to runs will happen one way or the other, also very likely, Gerd, Tim and a few other custom builders will handle the more unique paint schemes and super detailing. I'm working with a few under employed jewelry makers in Hungary to get some volume assembly done. The key is the chassis. The new Marklin conversion looks OK, but on the long run my completely "home grown" modular chassis system should be the solution.
Do you think these new mechanisms for the 0-6-0 would fit on the Aspen tank engines? I it does, and you can find a place for a chip, that would be one humdinger of an engine.
I can not answer you for Lajos, but for the tank and the decoder. You can mill open the body right to the tank, and like the tank is hollow, there is some place for an DCX74zD. Excuse me, Lajos, for hijacking your thread