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Post by cwrr on Aug 28, 2023 19:40:38 GMT -5
Thanks Frank!
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Post by stevew on Sept 1, 2023 9:35:41 GMT -5
I'm the Atlas employee responsible for this project. At Atlas I'm known as "MR Z" lol.
I did not read the entire thread here, but here's what I can tell you:
I could not justify to my boss that we tool our own truck and coupler until we saw how the sales of the first freight car or two went. We are using the Bowser/Full Throttle truck and Buckler couplers, with our own metal wheelsets for now.
The key for me to get permission to expand the line will be good sales of this boxcar. Atlas works under the pre-order model so it's much different from AZL who announces items that are available immediately (and sell out immediately like the new SPFE reefers!). The good news is the factory that is making this car has a relatively short turn around time, in the 3-5 month range.
I'm also looking into adding another turnout to our track line. I heard that Hans requested a #8 at the NTS show. I'm pretty sure that will be the next turnout (although a lot of folks have requested a wye).
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I try to visit here daily but I have a lot going on, in particular a move to a new home.
Thanks
Steve W
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Post by cwrr on Sept 1, 2023 11:13:54 GMT -5
Steve, thank you for all your hard work in getting this out to the Z masses!! I will be buying these for sure, not only to run in my trains, but to make sure Atlas see's we're wanting more down the road! Thank you!!
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Post by mrbarlow on Sept 1, 2023 13:15:01 GMT -5
Hi Steve,
If this boxcar sells out and Atlas releases a 2nd freight car, what is the probability of a Z Locomotive release in the near future?
I'd like to see a GP40/-2 or a U30C. Make Undecorated also! I'd buy 10 at a time.
Thanks
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Post by stevew on Sept 1, 2023 13:59:16 GMT -5
Hi Steve, If this boxcar sells out and Atlas releases a 2nd freight car, what is the probability of a Z Locomotive release in the near future? I'd like to see a GP40/-2 or a U30C. Make Undecorated also! I'd buy 10 at a time. Thanks Being a locoholic I would love to do a locomotive. I think if we can get 3 cars under our belts then a locomotive could be discussed. I'm a huge fan of AZL locomotives and would want to make sure that a new Atlas locomotive would not conflict with any of AZL's plans. As far as a GP40-40-2 is concerned I keep hoping that AZL will do them. I've got GP40-2 and GP60 shells that I 3D designed and printed for the GP38-2 chassis. I know 6 axle power is all the rage these days, but I would love to see 4 axle Geeps get some love. I'm mostly an EMD guy but if I had to pick a GE it would be a U30C for sure. The D&H fan in me has to have them! Let's hope that things go well and we'll be working on a locomotive sooner than later. Steve W
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Post by domi on Sept 1, 2023 14:03:39 GMT -5
On my side, pure bliss with my AZL locos, besides the unuseful traction tires for me. Smooth and silent running, and wonderful low speed characteristics. Please hang on, AZL.😀👍
Dom
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Post by domi on Sept 1, 2023 14:06:27 GMT -5
Hi Steve, If this boxcar sells out and Atlas releases a 2nd freight car, what is the probability of a Z Locomotive release in the near future? I'd like to see a GP40/-2 or a U30C. Make Undecorated also! I'd buy 10 at a time. Thanks And for me a U23B (BTW a U30B could make it to me😉) !! A long time ago Hans told us U-Boats were not in the hose, but in the future, who knows ?😉 Dom
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Post by oldgrog on Sept 1, 2023 14:24:47 GMT -5
What is notable by it’s absence in Z is a typical North American caboose with the cupola offset towards one end. The Marklin version doesn’t really look right, and is out if production, and all other models have centre bays or cupolas. I appreciate there were many variations, but in this instance a generic model would be acceptable to many, and would be sure to sell like hot cakes. A complete model is desired, not a kit. So will Atlas, AZL or Microtrains be the first to pick up the challenge ?
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Eric
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by Eric on Mar 27, 2024 22:37:36 GMT -5
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. Replying to the OP's comments: I've been in the hobby for only a few months and acquired a small collection of various AZL locomotives and have discovered the following tips for making them run smooth and consistent and near or at scale speeds: 1) Cleaning the track, first , makes a big difference (I currently use isopropyl alcohol on a folded paper towel). 2) Installing a DCC decoder makes a huge difference, I think mostly because of their capacitors supplying power when the track doesn't for a fraction of a second. 3) Consisting multiple locomotives, so when one doesn't get power from the track for a fraction of a second, the others 'carry' it through and it goes unnoticed. Combine all 3 of these and they will crawl very slow, smooth and consistent.
I suspect Z scale, being so small, is what makes them finicky, since a tiny piece of dust can really affect electrical continuity, compared to larger, heavier scales. But adding capacitors seems to make a big difference and of course track cleaning becomes more important, as well. I think AZL makes some amazing products and they seem to be king, when it comes to Z scale.
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Eric
New Member
Posts: 42
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Post by Eric on Mar 27, 2024 22:55:31 GMT -5
I'm also looking into adding another turnout to our track line. I heard that Hans requested a #8 at the NTS show. I'm pretty sure that will be the next turnout (although a lot of folks have requested a wye). Yes! Please make a #8 turnout. Atlas appears to make the most realistic, closest to scale track for Z. Your code 55 is my track of choice because of that. But selection is limited, so expanding that product line would be awesome.
Also, one of the things that gets me most excited about a new diesel locomotive is plows. They take it from looking like a toy to looking like a real locomotive. I understand that that can cause uncoupling issues but maybe a body-mounted coupler with a wider range of motion can help with that (?).
Best regards
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 28, 2024 8:31:47 GMT -5
Are these boxcars available, or is there a time frame?
(Hope I have not missed out.)
Ed
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Post by oldgrog on Mar 28, 2024 9:09:33 GMT -5
According to the Atlas website, scheduled for “2nd quarter, 2024”, so presumably will be available April - June. ( but manufacturers are very optimistic and models often appear later than scheduled ) You have not missed out !
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Post by dazed on Mar 28, 2024 10:43:41 GMT -5
Atlas has been sliding significantly on arrival dates across the board, so don't get hopes up for any time soon. Stuff that is getting delivered now was originally slated for delivery 2-3 year ago.
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Post by Edward on Mar 28, 2024 14:06:23 GMT -5
AZL has hinted toward the GP40-2 line. They basically already have all the designs completed. So I wouldn’t go that route. I would love to see the U23B or U30B made in Z Scale.
As far as a 2nd item of rolling stock, looking through your previous models made in other scale I would say your Bathtub Gondolas or 70 Ton ballast / 3 bay hopper would be a warm welcome and wouldn’t be crazy difficult to develop.
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 28, 2024 14:10:48 GMT -5
Atlas has been sliding significantly on arrival dates across the board, so don't get hopes up for any time soon. That's fine by me, I don't mind waiting. Meanwhile I can look for proto pics showing them in a fairly advanced weathering state, since they will be older cars for my modeling era.
Ed
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