I was wondering if maybe Joe from MTL and Rob from AZL along with any other Z scale manufacturers would post some items (or hints) as to what we may see in Z scale this year from them. If so, please post. There's always different rumors floating around about what will be released and when it will be released, but I think it's always good to hear direct from the manufacturers. Plus it helps me somewhat plan my 2010 Z scale budget
Hi Joe, Hans and I put in a policy at AZL that we would not announce specific release dates until we actually had the product in hand from the factory and ready to ship to dealers. This is because we were burned several times by the factories when they missed deadlines, or worse, delivered defective shipments. That’s why we don't announce all of our road names the way we used to. That being said, we do tend to announce projects once they have been given a green light and we start tooling at the factory. We usually try to give some rough estimate as to their delivery, but it is only that - a rough estimate. Our previously announced projects include: Brass Challengers (Due in just a few weeks - probably before the end of January) Intermodal 53' Well Cars - probably about 2 or 3 months off. RDC 1 & 2 - big question mark here - could be 2 months, could be 6 months. GP30 - same as RDC - 2 to 6 months. GP38-2 - again, same as RDC: 2 to 6 months. We have several projects in the works, but nothing beyond the above that is ready for public disclosure. Both locomotives (Injection and Brass) and rolling stock are in design. I try to keep the web site updated at www.americanzline.com as soon as I have news regarding deliveries from the factory. While this probably isn't specific enough for you to plan your budget, I hope it gives you some insight as to our products for the coming year. Best, -Rob(A) AZL
None of your bee's wax! ) Well, we have several projects in progress, not sure how many will see the light of day in 2010, but many will. We have a good mix of freight and motive power including the E8's and E9's in development. Once I can get them scheduled the steel will go fast. We also have a long PS Lightweight Baggage car finished and will make it's way to market as a RB car initially. Shortly after that you will see it in proto roads. A second engine is being designed now and it will fill a large void. The prototype is interesting and has a lot of paint schemes to choose from. When that project gets going I should be able to let everyone know specifics. Cars are under wraps at the moment, some have been talked about. I hope to be able to list those in a few weeks. Track program is back up and running and we have a number of new parts ready for tooling. We are bringing some of this development back to Talent where we can control the quality and the schedule. Lessons learned from the SD40-2. We are also looking at some products that qualify as "out of the box" and with luck bring a new group of enthusiasts to Z Scale. Cheers Joe MTL
I hope it's a Trackmobile: 10,000 in use on railroads worldwide, and maybe one model mfr (in HO) http://www.trackmobile.com/index1.html
I believe the fellow in France is doing the SW1500, though I haven't heard of any progress. I think our choice will be very useful ) Joe MTL
I hope your choice is an SW1200 for switcher... More roadnames, everyone had them through aquisition, and they are kitbashable to a greater range of other switchers then most.
I hope some new loco type will be ready for my arrival at the “National Z Scale convention” in Medford soon. A new cool switcher would be nice.
Joe, Ron, both you guys are steady and relentless in promoting Z and making sure your products are top quality. Believe me ain't nothin finer Than AZL/MTL. I will support both you guys products for as long as I live (and don't go blind from wet AMD) LOL. Ron A. the resurrection of the GP38 has me full of delight. I am really anticipating this goodie gem, however I have a question for you. What changes will you make to the original shell?
AZL GP38 tooling We have made some minor changes to the GP38 shell, but they were strictly done to improve the flow inside the tooling and reduce rejects during manufacturing. There are no cosmetic changes planned for the GP38 - it will look the same as before. -Robert (A) AZL
Hard to say - we have given the project a green light and started tooling, but we are still early in the process. I would like to see the AC4400 in the Fall of 2010, but don't count on it. I usualy have a pretty good feel for things when they are 4 to 6 months away from delivery. Feels like 8 months at the soonest right now. Best, -Rob(A) AZL
Yes I heard this a few weeks ago in a french forum where I'm wandering but no news since then neither. Dom
2 Question about the GP38: 1) as you told that the model will be inchanged externally, will a pilot/snowplow be available as a spare? 2) do you plan any undecorated samples? I will need some for my future mexican project... Dom
Hi Dom, 1) No snowplow is planned - this is up to the aftermarket / kitbash folks to supply 2) We are considering undecorated models, but no decision quite yet. The more requests we get for undecorated models, the higher the possibility they will be made, but please do not expect a big discount for undecorated. The paint is not a large portion of our production cost, so there is not much savings to pass on (think maybe $5 or $10 less for undecorated) Best, -Rob(A) AZL
Rob don't be affraid, my goal is not saving a few bucks, it's only not wrecking a locomotive's shell after a bad work on existing paint.:tb-wink: Dom
Dom I am in full agreement with you. I need lotsa undec. GP38 shells. That would be nice if the shells were in light neutral gray. Ron A. What kind of handrails are coming with the new GP38? Metal, or engineering plastic, slightly oversize or more in scale?
Rob A., I agree with Dom 100%. Stripping a AZL is a very "edgy" ordeal. Not many people are willing to take the risk purchasing a AZL engine for the purpose of "bashing" an investment like this. On the other hand, the only way to insure a modeler can get the road-name/style they want is to make one of their own if it is not offered on the production schedule. It would be nice to have an undec. available if, for any other reason, the fear of damage or loss of detail in the stripping process (and in this scale detail is important). No slam here but AZL's are not an easy strip, granted, they're not designed for it either. As well, if a part is damaged in the process, it's pretty much SOL because replacement parts are not offered. For me, I'm not looking for a discount on the unit because it's undecorated. I want to purchase an undec. unit, with all the details intact, without the hassle of having to strip it.
Our locomotives that have been released to date were made in Korea. The Korean factory paint scheme involves baking the paint onto the shell, as well as a paint formula which is very durable (also very hard to remove) Our Locomotive production is being moved to China - that factory uses more traditional paint techniques, so they should be as easy to strip as any other major model train brand. Question: do you guys want it 100% bare plastic and brass? (Remember, we use a composite technique where we have a brass plate on the side to make the hood the correct in scale width) frequently the various components are injected in multiple colors of plastic. The cab may be black, while the hood is white and the sides are brass. *or* would you like the "undecorated" model to come with a thin coat of primer grey? That way it is a uniform base color to get started with your project. We do have replacement parts for the mechanical bits, as well as details (horns, snow plows. etc) but the shells are not available as a complete unit. Would people be interested in complete shells? I think they would cost about $95 retail. Thats a question, not a promise! <grin> Best, -Rob(A) AZL
