Post by mrbarlow on Aug 22, 2023 19:09:06 GMT -5
As an active modeler all my life, first in HO, then N and now dabbling with Z Scale, word that Atlas is introducing its first
freight car is welcome news and portends to a bright future for Z in general.
Additionally, Atlas becoming more involved in Z means one thing, more competition for AZL, Marklin and MTL in
which they'll have to "up their game" with better quality products to entice buyers and increase sales.
Once Atlas gets on track (no pun intended) with more freight car releases, hopefully locomotives will be next. I'm
relatively new to Z and I have a few AZL GP 38's, MTL GP 35's and SD40-2's. The one thing I've noticed about
my AZL GP 38's is that they can be "finicky and inconsistent" runners. Friends that have also reported inconsistent
running with AZL GP 30's and SD 45's. No offense Hans and Rob but, I'm hesitent to buy any more AZL loco's
going forward.
Question: Will the pending SD40-2 release feature an improved or upgraded motor, drive mechanism or circuit board? I saw the art proofs which look beautiful but, what about what's under the shell? Any upgrades?
Until AZL can make all their loco's "smooth runners" 100% of the time, fresh out of the box, I'll favor my MTL's and
wait for Atlas to start releasing Z locomotives. Until AZL starts making Z locomotives as good as KATO or Atlas in
N Scale, maybe then I'll revisit.
