New Z scale products for 2010

Rob(A)

I for one would rather just have bare plastic (how many ever colors) and brass. This way I know heavy or thin to paint for best appearance of the details. With regards to the cost, $95 is a better than the alternative, $200 for a new engine. Don't get me wrong I'd like to see it be lower, however face with the alternative I'd still purchase them just in smaller quantities or greater intervals.

BTW, really looking forward to that GP38. Need lotsa of them too.

 

GP38

Saw the question about the handrail. It will have the same plastic handrail as it had originally. Micron Art produced a brass handrail that I am sure will be available again.
We have not changed much on the GP38 body except that it will have a new air horn. Main change is to adapt (strech) our GP7 chassis to fit the GP38. This will be an entry product from AZL, thus priced considerably below our other locomotives.
Sincerely,

 

For a modeler that likes the roadname being offered, it makes it easier to do minor mods -- that's a plus.

I believe most modelers would prefer "bare plastic/brass" because it gives more control over the process. One has to remember the various shades or colors of bare plastic/brass could pose issues with the priming/painting -- for most it wont though.
I like the idea of having a uniformly primed unit and it has many advantages. One drawback would be for those that want to remove the molded on 'grab-irons'. The front, rear and top would need to be primed over again, so I guess it would be duplicating the process.

The concern here is in the stripping process. If a modeler destroys a "cab", "walkway" or "Hood" the project is pretty much "down the crapper" because you can't get a replacement part for those items. Thus, you have to buy a new unit, strip it and take the risk all over again. Then again, one could ruin an undec. but that's a different story. And, that's where the undec.'s would play an important role. I understand these comprise a very small fraction of the/your business, just the mere fact that you're entertaining this is encouraging.

BTW, can I purchase winterization hatches seperately? Would save me some time.

 

If there is space for improvement DO NOT use brass railings anymore, once bent you never get them really straight. Stainless steel is the way to go in my opinion.

Easy stripping or undec units will also result in more kitbashes and therefore more free advertisment for your products...same applies to body spare parts...

 

Thanks for responding Hans and Ron. This dialogue between customers and qwners is so enlightning. This is why your products
are so highly regarded and shows your concern that we receive the most accurate/prototype that is possible to manufacture.

The new GP38 is going to be so much fun to detail and kitbash.
This is whatI would do for starters:
1. Create rear cab windows.
2. raise the rear 2 fans (too low)
3. substitute existing dynamic brake for a MTL GP35 DB.
Too small and not well defined.
4. add plow and sunshades

BRING IT ON HANS BRING IT ON CAN'T WAIT

 

parts

We have not really discussed it, but we may be able to offer some parts (other than replacement parts) in the future. What we could package are: Snowplow , Airhorns and the GP7 winterization hatch. But please do not expect these anytime soon.
Sincerely,

 

Hans,

that would be great!

 

I had too much work at the end of 2009 with my HO models and no time to progress on my Z models. You'll have informations on the SW1 and SW9 in february.

 

A little "up" for this thread. I have finished the concept of my switchers (technical datas on my web site (HUET-TRAINS). The switchers has a correless motor, a transmission by belt and worms and wheels and have a DCC decoder (Z2 from TCS).
Some photos of two pre-production models : a SW1 of PENNSYLVANIA RR and a SW9 of BALTIMORE & OHIO

 

HOLY MOLY!!!!mg: I think I can vouch for everyone, we all want one!!!! (Milwaukee Road for me, thanks!!)