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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 19, 2018 23:12:21 GMT -5
Since I'm new to Z scale I would like some recommendations for a steam loco and passenger car set for a newbie. I love steam period so I'm open minded. I have never owned any steam before so I want to make sure I'm not making any mistakes.
I will be running on Rokuhan track with curves of 195/220 radius.
Regards, Charles
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Post by markm on Sept 20, 2018 0:55:09 GMT -5
Charles,
There aren't many readily available steam locomotives in Z. I'd suggest looking at the AZL Mikado. It runs well. These were more commonly used in freight service, but are reasonable for passenger service. If you are running steam, consider the AZL heavyweight cars. A baggage and a couple of coaches would make for a short distance train. Add a diner and maybe an RPO or parlor car for medium distance. For long distance add a couple of sleepers. MTL produces more modern lightweight cars that would also be acceptable.
Hope this helps,
Mark
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Post by smr on Sept 20, 2018 2:02:43 GMT -5
Hi Charles, I love steam, too! And I can second what Mark said. You see here an example of an AZL PRR Mikado as well as an AZL Southern which is pulling a HW train (#AZL-70006 Crescent Limited Set). Let me know If I can be of help. Best, Sven
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Post by smr on Sept 20, 2018 2:05:49 GMT -5
... and here an AZL UP train....... Have fun!! Best, Sven
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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 20, 2018 8:00:42 GMT -5
Thanks markm and smr. I must admit I do have a bias toward Southern RR. Will finding a light Mikado be that much of a stretch? So far in my search I can't find one.
Another that Southern RR had is the Class J which I have always liked. Are these available?
As far as minimum radius I would assume 220. I have a T-TRAK-Z module plan I'm building. Line 1 (outside) is 220 curves and Line 2 (inner) is 195. How will these run at those radius? I'm sure from an appearance point of view that there may be some overhang but personally I can live with that.
Regards, Charles
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Post by markm on Sept 20, 2018 9:13:31 GMT -5
Charles, The Southern Railroad Mikado was very popular and it does seem that they are sold out. Most other roads seem to still be available. A distant alternative could be the Märklin Southern Mikado, #8807. They don't run as well as the newer AZL units and you would probably want to convert the tender to a knuckle coupler.
AZL is working on the Class J, including an optional matching passenger set. Due to the closure of a major manufacturer in China, the schedule for these is up in the air.
Steam engines in general like 220mm radii and larger. The Märklin Mikado will handle 195mm curves and although spec'ed at 220mm, I haven't had problems with my AZL unit on the tighter curves.
Mark
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Post by smr on Sept 20, 2018 11:16:48 GMT -5
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Post by dave on Sept 20, 2018 12:05:09 GMT -5
Charles....there are several other roadnames available for the AZL Mikado like NKP, B&O, Pennsy, NYC, UP, WP, CB&Q, CN, CP, etc. There are also lots of AZL Heavyweights available in many roadnames as well. Additionally, Micro-Trains has made some lightweight passenger car sets in B&O, SP, BN, CN, etc.
Mark is correct that the Marklin Mikado is out there and while they don't as well as an AZL, there are good ones that run pretty well. Marklin also did a set of Southern passenger cars as well.
You can keep an eye out on eBay for an AZL Mikado but typically, not a lot of pre-owned AZL comes up there.
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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 20, 2018 12:07:12 GMT -5
Charles, The Southern Railroad Mikado was very popular and it does seem that they are sold out. Most other roads seem to still be available. A distant alternative could be the Märklin Southern Mikado, #8807. They don't run as well as the newer AZL units and you would probably want to convert the tender to a knuckle coupler. AZL is working on the Class J, including an optional matching passenger set. Due to the closure of a major manufacturer in China, the schedule for these is up in the air. Steam engines in general like 220mm radii and larger. The Märklin Mikado will handle 195mm curves and although spec'ed at 220mm, I haven't had problems with my AZL unit on the tighter curves. Mark Thanks markm. I may have to settle for that but keep my open. I love AZL but I have looked at the Marklin and I'm aware of some issues. I would love to see the Class J but with the China issue I don't know how long we will have to wait.
Thanks again for your input.
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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 20, 2018 12:08:51 GMT -5
Thanks Sven, out of my price range.
Regards, Charles
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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 20, 2018 12:10:52 GMT -5
Charles....there are several other roadnames available for the AZL Mikado like NKP, B&O, Pennsy, NYC, UP, WP, CB&Q, CN, CP, etc. There are also lots of AZL Heavyweights available in many roadnames as well. Additionally, Micro-Trains has made some lightweight passenger car sets in B&O, SP, BN, CN, etc. Mark is correct that the Marklin Mikado is out there and while they don't as well as an AZL, there are good ones that run pretty well. Marklin also did a set of Southern passenger cars as well. You can keep an eye out on eBay for an AZL Mikado but typically, not a lot of pre-owned AZL comes up there. Thanks Dave. Like I replied to Mark I may have to settle for another roadname but will keep my eyes open. I have considered the Marklin but we will see.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Regards, Charles
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Post by dave on Sept 20, 2018 12:54:49 GMT -5
Just so you know on the J, a ballpark guess on price will be about $2000 as it will be brass and limited production.
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Post by pcbpoppy on Sept 20, 2018 12:56:48 GMT -5
Just so you know on the J, a ballpark guess on price will be about $2000 as it will be brass and limited production. My wallet just had a coronary. I figured it would be expensive.
Regards, Charles
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Post by pcbpoppy on Dec 31, 2018 15:33:05 GMT -5
Hi All, I picked up the Marklin 8807 Southern steam loco #4501. I am planning on alternating running freight and passenger. What would be appropriate freight rolling stock to pull and what about passenger?
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Post by markm on Dec 31, 2018 16:27:48 GMT -5
For the steam era, just about anything <=50' in length (prototype). Lots of box cars, hoppers and tank cars and of course a Southern caboose. Since you have a Märklin locomotive, to keep things simple you'll want to start with Märklin cars or Micro Trains cars with Märklin couplers. Last time I looked, ztrackresale had a wide selection. The Märklin couplers are not compatible with the knuckle couplers found on AZL and most Micro Trains rolling stock.
Should you want to use cars with knuckle couplers, the easiest method is to purchase or build a transition car: Märklin on one end, knuckle on the other. If you do a railway express car, it could be used with both a freight train and passenger. The locomotive tender can also be converted to knuckle coupler, but that's more work than I would suggest for a new comer.
AZL produces heavyweight passenger cars for the Southern line: the 7xxx6-x family. The selection depends on the size train you want to model. There's nearly always a baggage car. If you have sleeper cars there will typically be a diner.
Hope this helps,
Mark
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