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Post by bloodynose on Jul 28, 2023 15:06:41 GMT -5
Since this post and my direct email to AZL have been met with crickets, I think it’s safe to assume the ALCO PA can not run in an A-A-B-A configuration unless your layout has wide radius curves. The front truck replacement does not exist. They do exist. Available from azldirect. www.azldirect.com/partsIf you are referring to the ALCO PA1 trucks that sell for $6 on AZL Direct, I purchased a few and it appears that they are just replacements for the rear. The coupler is too short to use on the front...
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Post by bloodynose on Jul 28, 2023 15:42:11 GMT -5
Another image: After doing a few side-by-side comparisons, I decided it wasn't worth removing the plow and possibly damaging an expensive and beautiful locomotive. Maybe someone on the forum will find a way to successfully modify one of these trucks with a longer coupler, or even better, install a working coupler with some sideways movement in the plow and share it with the rest of us.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jul 30, 2023 13:13:47 GMT -5
Another image: After doing a few side-by-side comparisons, I decided it wasn't worth removing the plow and possibly damaging an expensive and beautiful locomotive. Maybe someone on the forum will find a way to successfully modify one of these trucks with a longer coupler, or even better, install a working coupler with some sideways movement in the plow and share it with the rest of us. View AttachmentGood point. Let me look into it, but will be September before I can do much as I’m traveling all of August. I think the “solution” will be a AZLlabs produced replacement coupler for the fixed plow that will allow it to swing, but not come out of the socket. You will need to manually couple to that replacement part, but that’s the same situation as currently exists, so should not be a big deal. How does that sound?
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Post by bloodynose on Jul 30, 2023 14:22:27 GMT -5
Thanks Rob!
I think the replacement coupler for the plow would be the best and most popular solution even if it has to be manually coupled. I personally (and probably most of us) would prefer retaining the plow in A-A or A-B-B-A configuration. I was going to experiment with one of my A units to modify the new truck with a longer coupler scavenged from a freight car or try adding a pivoting coupler to the plow but decided with my luck I would do more damage than good...
Thanks, Mark
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Post by bloodynose on Jul 30, 2023 14:32:38 GMT -5
It would also be nice if the same could be done for the E and F locomotives sometime in the future. It's not that urgent as the spare truck does work with the plow removed.
BTW, there is quite a bit of room inside the plow of the PA1... maybe enough room for a coupler box...
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jul 31, 2023 11:22:42 GMT -5
It would also be nice if the same could be done for the E and F locomotives sometime in the future. It's not that urgent as the spare truck does work with the plow removed. BTW, there is quite a bit of room inside the plow of the PA1... maybe enough room for a coupler box... Yes, that should be possible at the same time as the PA front coupler project.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Sept 12, 2023 19:21:27 GMT -5
As promised, it is September and I've had a chance to work on the front coupler issue. Two labs projects are almost done: 1) A replacement fixed coupler that goes into the existing front pilot/plow. This one is different in that it has two locking prongs that keep the "dummy" coupler from coming out of the pilot/plow. It is ready now. 2) A long arm swinging fixed (non-AutoLatch) coupler that can go into the PA truck coupler box. This will let you double-head your PA locomotives, but you will need to remove the pilot/plow, install a replacement truck that has a coupler box in it, and then replace the AutoLatch coupler with the new long-arm fixed coupler. This one is being finalized, and I would appreciate your feedback to see if this solution will do. If it works, the final material will be black in color. Anything else involves the factory and many months of work. Check out the attached pictures. Cheers! Attachments:
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Post by ugeesta on Sept 15, 2023 8:48:10 GMT -5
Have you tested the long coupler with a load? If it holds, looks like an easy fix. I’d try it. Thanks for the update.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Sept 15, 2023 15:29:37 GMT -5
Have you tested the long coupler with a load? If it holds, looks like an easy fix. I’d try it. Thanks for the update. Yes! It is the same design and material as our solid coupler from AZL Labs, but with a longer arm and a loop for the PA replacement coupler box.
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Post by bloodynose on Oct 21, 2023 10:42:15 GMT -5
Hi Rob,
How soon will these be available?
I will be interested in trying both styles.
Thanks, Mark
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Post by Rob Albritton on Oct 22, 2023 12:05:54 GMT -5
Hi Rob, How soon will these be available? I will be interested in trying both styles. Thanks, Mark Rob Kluz has them now.
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Post by bloodynose on Oct 23, 2023 13:14:41 GMT -5
Hi Rob, How soon will these be available? I will be interested in trying both styles. Thanks, Mark Rob Kluz has them now. Rob, Are these listed on AZL Direct? If so I don't see them anywhere... Or will we need to contact Rob Kluz and get them through the back door? Thanks again, Mark
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Post by ugeesta on Feb 18, 2024 9:30:25 GMT -5
Pumping to the top. Any progress on the availability of these extended couplers?
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Post by Rob Albritton on Feb 18, 2024 11:05:11 GMT -5
Pumping to the top. Any progress on the availability of these extended couplers? Rob Kluz at zTrack has them. Send him an email and I think he will send you what you need.
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Post by ugeesta on Feb 18, 2024 11:46:12 GMT -5
Thanks Rob
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