I had a large, pre-paid order of the 2-bay hoppers in with Anthony. After waiting almost a year, without any contact or reply to multiple e-mails from both me and Anthony... Anthony refunded my money. I hope the guy is okay, but very disappointing way to do business.
I made the same experience then Alex, no replies, but the emails were read, but the reader, him or somebody who has access to the email was not bothering at all to reply. Done for me. Wonder that the webpage is still online... Should not be a big deal for AZL to pick up this design, as is is so similar to the 3-bay ...just put a bit more effort in the stepladders...
Same with me, Gerd. Someone was receiving the e-mails, as I would always get a return receipt. But, not a single reply. I, too, would like to see some RTR 2-bay hoppers. Inter-Mountain makes them in N-scale. Seems like a better route for IM to break into Z with these, than the 4-bay cylindrical hoppers.
Thanks for your replys, it is clear to me. I'll guess we have to wait indeedfor AZL, MTL or Inter-Mountain... At least until E&D shows some activity on trainboard, or his website which proves availebility again.
Gerd... MTL has many body-styles and road-names in N that I would like to see in Z. I've sent a few e-mails directly, but... I know Joe is doing the best he can.
Alex, It is always a case of money and man power and scheduling. I'm positive MTL would like to do so much more but the resources prevent going full steam ahead......pardon the pun.
I have.............. I have some of the 2 and 3 bay kits, in Georgia, that I have never assembled. Will be a 2-3 months before I return home from my job, but if everything goes right, I might just let them go to a better home. Question is, can a 3 bay be made into a 2 bay??? I can't remember how many I have, but think it is 4 of the 3 bay and 2 of the 2 bays. Won't know till I get home. I am looking to possibly thin my collection when I return home and these would be a good place to start. Email me if you would be interested!!! Hobo Tim
Loren, of course it's a question of money, but what Alex says is why having the body style in N and not in Z, the development work is already done, it's more or less a matter of tooling and only some mods in design to make it Z.
Tooling......the extremely expensive aspect of it all Available manpower to work on the project Working the project into the production schedule Last, but very important.......sales of Z compared to N is very small All are major issues with R&D of any new product. It is much more complicated than just down sizing a drawing. We all wish MTL could come out with a lot more than they do. I'm just thankful MTL has been able to do what they have thus far.
