My biggest issue with Z Scale is that I can find nearly nothing when it comes to D&H. I found just one Z Scale model at the recent train show that was here which bring my collection up to 2 freight cars. Can't build a working layout of any era with such limited models im my railroad of choice.
According to the MTL Z database, there was a boxcar red 50' boxcar released in '88 (#13503) and a 50' gondola released in '05. Are those the two you have? Looks like it's time for some undecorated cars and custom decals!! [ March 09, 2006, 01:35 PM: Message edited by: Kez ]
Darren, do you know how many non custom CSX cars do I have. Four, and they are not completely CSX. They are actually Chessie with CSXT markings. So, I am in a CSX repaint program. First the engines, then the boxcars. well cars, and gondolas. I am having decals custom made by Tim. Look at Robert Ray and hobo Tim, They make a lot of stuff they want in their layout. Since I am not as gifted, I just hope they make something I want also. Like the GP39 kit, or the 53' containers.
Yes, I have MicroTrains#13503-2 (Box #22169) and just bought the Gondola #13792. I also am aware of a American Z Line (PA #16) but didn't have the $$$ to buy it. Yes, I know I can go down the "Custom" path but right now I'm a collector of D&H models (all scales) so my collection of Z Scale is extremely small from the lack of purchasable models. I think the manufactures would be plesently surprised if they made them and let the BLHS offer them to it's membership as I'm sure they would go fast.
John, Are you going to do any GP35 or GP30 road slugs? Don't you already have some GP38-2's that you can run them with? Randy
Randy, I dont have any road slugs. I have a GP39. I do have the GP38 conversion in my head. Actually, I have descrive the conversion to Loren. The GP35 slug would be easier. Just remove all the detail. Right now I have a GP35 permanently couple to my GP 39. That is because I use magnets to uncouple, and my layout is small, so the geeps are station on the magnets when they are park in the siding.
I saw an ex-GP35? roadslug in Conrail paint last week while out railfanning at lunch with Bryan. I need to research those since I didn't know Conrail had anything like that. It was connected to what appeared to be a green & black ex-BNSF leaser, but the BNSF lettering was still present. Didn't see any sublettering for a leasing company so it might still have been BNSF, but we almost never see that kind of power on run-through here in Virginia. Yeah, roadslugs would be easy to model. Just file down everything and maybe scribe new lines for different access panels. If NS had slugs like this I would definitely make some. I'm not a big CSX fan, myself. Randy
Randy, I think NS operated slugs. At first, I though that NS did not operated any slugs, but I remember reading somewhere that NS did operated some slugs. I can't remember where did I read about it, but ask our CSXand NS expert Harold Hadnot at the NS forum.
John, Yes, NS has both 4 axle and 6 axle slugs (road and yard), but they would be more of a project than the CSX slugs where the complete loco shell including the cab is used. I need to wait for the GP9's to come out before I can tackle a NS 4 axle road slug. Randy
I'm going to model the PRR from 1960-69. This way I get a mix of modern and old (MOW in my switching yard). I also will have a spur with a line of Father Nature's 1930's advertising reefers since advertising was outlawed in the 1950's. This will be the "railfan" train that runs on occasion on the line (Have to have a good backstory). I don't want any Penn Central since to me that was the death knell for Northeastern railroading and the beginning of the evil Conrail & Amtrak.... Michael
IF I were to ever convert to Z I would like to do 1960 - 1990 southern pacific (this would allow some late model union pacific in there with it) I would be able to do a 2' X 30' shelf layout in my garage - what am empire I could have in 'Z'!!! Oh man - Steve (The Grey One) is gonna have my head - he said I was banned from the Z forum...
Out of all the locomotives available, Southern Pacific is the MOST represented in Z Scale. Both in Steam and Diesel. They made MTL Mogul's, Marklin Mikado's & Pacific's, AZL Cab Forwards, and GS3's and 4's for steamers. For Diesels the made AZL PA & PB1's, F7's, SD40T-2 Tunnels, SD45's, E8's, and C44-9's so far, and the GP35's and GP7's are coming. -Robert
Also, SP SD70Ms are coming (shhhh... don't tell anyone). There is a lot of UP as well including SD40-2s, GP35s, SD40T-2s, C44s, PAs, E8s, F7s, SD45s and later this year SD70Ms and GP7s. Some of the modern diesels are brass runs from AZL and are either sold out or in limited supply. I do know of one dealer who does have a SP SD45 in stock. This is the last one I know of. If I remember correct, I may still have SP SD40T-2s available. Also, there is a lot of modern passenger equipment to go with SP in California. AZL has F59PHIs, in Amtrak California, Amtrak Surfliners, Metrolink, and Coaster. I have photos of all the AZL items on our AZL pages of the Ztrack web site. Check out www.ztrack.com and follow the links to AZL. Rob Kluz
Holy cow! I couldn't find any of that stuff. Can you send me some links to retailers with those locos?
Check out: http://www.reynaulds.com/azl/grids.asp?item=lngNumericSort&grid=Diesel and http://www.zscalemonster.com/azl/ Both are good online dealers here in the US. Reynaulds' site is a little out of date, but either dealer can obtain the last SP SD45 and SP SD40T-2 for you (I do have one of each in stock). Good call on Amundsen. He does have some AZL locos in stock that are now sold out. Rob
The enticing photos are just little black dashes that are hard to see. Is that representative of the scale (all in fun guys - don't take that too personal)
