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Post by domi on Jul 2, 2019 14:48:14 GMT -5
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Post by Commodore on Jul 8, 2019 11:08:52 GMT -5
You sure you are not really ...Greg?
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Post by altunha on Aug 3, 2019 21:16:15 GMT -5
Well, after purchasing all MTL track including turnouts, as well as an MTL F7...this is the result:
1) The MTL oval worked fine, well let me rephrase: the MTL F7, after a shaky and hesitant start, began running...for a while. It began to hesitate often and became very inconsistent in its operation, I cleaned and cleaned...then I added turnouts (MTL), and the locomotive just didn’t cross over them, stopping completely. After talking with some local Z Scalers, I returned the F7 to MTL (I haven’t received my loco back yet - 3 weeks).
2) I borrowed an AZL F59PHI which ran well, but stalled often on the MTL turnouts.
3) I finally threw in the towel on all of my MTL track and ordered all- Rokuhan tracks from Z Monster. The track fit together nicely and the AZL loco runs very well with no hesitations. (So if anyone is in the market for MTL tracks, please message me.) I am designing my small layout with all Rokuhan track and have a test layout already running smoothly. I will be working on the permanent table this week.(I highly recommend Anthony and Z Monster).
I am anxious to see if my MTL F7 runs as well as the AZL loco runs. I hope so, but if not, then I will order a new AZL locomotive.
I really tried working with the MTL track, and I am aware that many of you use MTL. But I wasn’t willing to jump through hoops to fix the turnouts..
So anyway, that is where I am and I am excited to get going on my new layout.
Thanks for the many comments that you have posted, with suggestions, advice and answers to my many questions.
Jim
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Post by ztrack on Aug 4, 2019 7:32:25 GMT -5
Jim your findings are spot on. No surprises. We recommend when starting with Z to go AZL and Rokuhan. I wish I could be optimistic on your F7 but I have had numerous issues with the new runs of F7s from MTL. As a dealer for MTL I a, finding almost every one has issues and more than not they need retuned to MTL. The old F7s are coffee grinders but run like champs. Not sure what changed.
If you like the look of the F units definitely look at AZLs F3s.
Rob
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Post by altunha on Aug 4, 2019 19:30:55 GMT -5
Thanks Rob
I really gave it a shot, thinking that MTL is a major player and figuring that their products surely must be comparable to AZL and Rokuhan. I’ve always liked their N Scale, when modeling so long in that scale, and I have seen posts from modelers who are very satisfied with their MTL products. So after purchasing everything from MTL, I’m just very disappointed. And I didn’t want to work so hard on modifying the locomotive or the turnouts to enhance their performance. Heck, I’ve been a model railroader for almost 60 years, and at this point in my life, I just want a good, reliable product, right out of the box, that I can immediately enjoy.
I am truly excited about getting started on my new layout and now that I have found reliable products, I can get started!
Jim
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Post by cwrr on Aug 5, 2019 11:21:43 GMT -5
Jim, keep us posted with progress pics! I always like seeing how others build they're layouts!
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Post by altunha on Aug 9, 2019 18:09:04 GMT -5
Ok Progress on the layout: The 22”x36” train board has been built and I have put the first coat of stain on. Some more ‘prettying up’, and it will be ready for the foam base.
I received my MTL F7 back from the MTL shop. They replaced the trucks and it is running fine now!! Whoo hoo!!
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Post by altunha on Aug 10, 2019 8:20:26 GMT -5
And now...the continuing saga of the MTL F7....
After first running my ‘repaired’ F7, which ran fine, out of the box. I continued running my loco, adding cars, checking my track, for about 30 minutes.
Then, it began hesitating, just like it did before I sent it into MTL for repairs.
I decided to run the AZL F59PHI as a comparison, wondering if the track had become dirty within the space of 30 minutes. But the AZL loco ran fine, as it has always done.
I cleaned the track and ran the MTL F7 again, with the same, hesitating results. I ran the AZL and again, the AZL ran fine, with no hesitation.
I am at a loss: Why would the MTL running characteristics change so drastically within such a short time frame?
I have not removed the MTL shell to inspect the motor and trucks.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you...again!
Jim
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Post by husafreak on Aug 10, 2019 17:00:26 GMT -5
If it was a Marklin loco I'd tell you to take it apart and make sure all the contacts are clean and not bent and gears properly lubed. I know that with them the smallest details are important. But this is an MTL so I know nothing about its user serviceability. I know Z Scale Hobo (Frank) services Marklin locos for a fee, and carries MTL, so calling him might be helpful.
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Post by altunha on Aug 10, 2019 17:39:14 GMT -5
Thank you
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Post by altunha on Aug 16, 2019 18:32:08 GMT -5
Received my AZL Santa Fe F3s from ZMonster yesterday, and they are working great!
I am wiring my 22”x36” layout today and will be fastening down the track and finishing up, tomorrow. The scenery at this time, is a Woodland Scenics grass mat, with added scenery to come in the future.
I will post photos in the coming week.
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zosorailways
Engineer
I mean base board appearance detailing and such
Posts: 218
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Post by zosorailways on Jan 20, 2023 0:30:21 GMT -5
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Post by markm on Jan 20, 2023 10:00:57 GMT -5
It appears the Rokuhan site is down. So while we’re waiting, here’s a few from MTL: www.micro-trains.com/publicfiles/Track-Planning-Diagrams.pdfMicro-trains are less complex than Rokuhan as they have a smaller selection but this should give you some ideas. Also search for “Märklin z scale track plans” There’s weath of information on-line and the Märklin track options are nearly as complete as Rokuhan. Mark
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zosorailways
Engineer
I mean base board appearance detailing and such
Posts: 218
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Post by zosorailways on Jan 20, 2023 10:46:47 GMT -5
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Post by markm on Jan 23, 2023 9:33:51 GMT -5
It looks like the Rokuhan site is now operational again and the new layout page is : www.rokuhan.com/layout/It’s in Japanese, but it you click the layout button at the top of the page it will translate to English. Mark
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