I want two, assembled, with one painted for CP and one painted for PRR. Is that too much to ask?? Hi, Robert. I'm interested as well. Bryan Keyser DC Z_Bend_Track bkeyser @ cox.net
Hi Bryan, and welcome to Trainboard. I had talked to Anthony at Z Scale Monster, and he agreed to sell the pilot/plow kits with a disclaimer that the modeler assumes all responsibility for any damage to their locomotives. The possible trouble comes from the fact that you have to saw the truck mounted coupler off your locomotive, and there is the possibility of goofing it up. The other thing is that you have to file a curvature in the plow face, as it's just thick plastic to start with. If you don't use the plow, but just the pilot, it's easy. The last issue is that once the pilot is assembled, and the coupler is in place, the modeler has to cut the back side off the coupler pocket so it don't interfere with truck swing, and so you can still remove the shell off the mechanism. Those were the concerns. I have sent out a few samples to people, and I hope to hear back with their experiences using this kit. That way, if they run into any issues, I can put that info or tips into the instructions. -Robert
here are the plow. it took me 10-15min to form it with the method described by robert, i think it was easy to form it... the geep has also arived at my dealer now! so i finish the plow by the end of the week .
I intall the coupler a little different then you, Robert. I file the back of the coupler until it's almost the end of the plastic, and then I rounded off the corner. I also rounded off the corner of the truck, so that the coupler and the truck do not hit each other. This way there is less chance of damanging the coupler. I hope this is helpful.
I have not been selling them yet. I just sent out a few samples to some of the Trainboard members who wanted them. It's not something I can make money on, but it's something we need for te GP's. Since I have to write instructions, print them out, sell them wholesale to the hobby shop at a low enough price that they can afford to make some profit, I am guessing I would put 3 locomotives worth in kit to retail $8-10 range. I think I will give 4 plows in case they mess one up, and 6 pilot sets, so they can convert the rear coupler to pilot mount and do 3 full locomotives if they want, or do 6 locomotive fronts only, 4 with plows and 2 without if the modeler don't ruin any parts. That way I can get $5 for the hassle of setup, burning the parts, printing out instructions, bagging, stapling, peg hole punching, boxing and running down to the post office to mail the shipment to the hobby shop on my dime. I don't sell to individuals as i really don't have enough time. This year, we already had a meeting, and I calculated that each technician will only get 60 days off work total! That means only Sundays, and holidays off. Our division is in startup mode, and we all are stretched thin. As you know Tim, there really is no money in selling kits and models, but if everyone who can help out the hobby, does help the hobby, maybe we can keep it alive and grow Z Scale to the point that the major players like Atlas, Kato, Bachmann, Athern and Walthers start to take notice. It worked in N Scale, so why not Z? -Robert
Wow! That is really nice work! I like the weathered look of the plow. Correct me if I'm wrong, but do I see some "dings" from normal wear on the bottom of it? Very nice!!
Well, today was the first test of consisting using these pilots, and they worked just fine. I ran 2 GP's, the lead forward, and the second loco in reverse so both of the rear truck mounted couplers were used between the locos. Then I pulled 20 car trains all day on our Z-Bend Track modules, including Loren Snyder's 2% grade module, and the pilot towed all those cars without causing derailments or the any other problems. The Pilot seems to work just fine. The only bad news is my newest car style, the 60' bulkhead flatcars seem to have problems going through Marklin turnouts. I'm going to abandon that car as a possible new kit due to the problems I have with long cars. I struck up a deal with Lionel Gazeau ( theotherlionel of scratchbuilding fame) to trade some of my boxcars for one of his scratchbuilt masterpieces: -Robert
Congrats on the pilots! That's good news! Bummer on the bulkhead flats, though. Were there problems with long cars in general, or just the new ones? Do you think maybe you'd have better luck with the new turnouts coming from MTL in the upcoming months? Don't give up yet! There's always hope! And might I say, That is a mighty fine piece of work by Lionel!! Absolutely Beautiful!!
Robert, I wouldn't abandon the longer cars, I would just shelve them until the Micro-Trains turnouts come out and see if they run better through them. Is the issue mass with the longer cars or just the typical issues with Marklin turnouts? Re: Lionel Gazeau, I think he has already established himself amongst the master craftsman of Z Scale and all model railroading in my eyes. And from reading the Bay Area show report, he will be a great Z Scale Ambassador. Best, Michael
Thank you Phil for your comments. I just found a nice picture of geep with a plow, and just try to model it. Robert, dont give up yet. Have you made more than one car. I have one car that its more prone to derailment then others, or its too light, and prone to bounce over the frogs. I would like to see the bulkhead flat made. The stuff Lionel builds are great. I been meaning to bid on some of his stuff, but used the money on some FR,s.
Robert, Did you check the wheel sets on the 60' bulkhead flat? They might just be out of gauge. Randy
