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Post by stevew on Mar 28, 2024 14:37:06 GMT -5
I can tell you there was a delay with the boxcar, but it was due to having to make a few tooling changes that I felt were necessary. They should be getting loaded into a container this week or next.
I have a few ideas for the next freight car, stay tuned.
Oh, BTW an AZL GP40-2 would be really great! As would a GP35. That was a signature loco for SP.
Steve W
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Post by dazed on Mar 28, 2024 14:59:55 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. For sure, I'm in no hurry either. I was just setting expectations....doubt these show in Q2 of 2024. Maybe we'll be surprised. What is your era? I have a decent amount of research gathered on the later years of these cars. I model 2007 "+/- a few years" so by then I'm fudging on a couple of the schemes and/or bending the era a bit. I allow for pretty good latitude in Z since there still isn't an insane amount of choice like you might find in larger scales.
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Post by dazed on Mar 28, 2024 15:12:07 GMT -5
I can tell you there was a delay with the boxcar, but it was due to having to make a few tooling changes that I felt were necessary. They should be getting loaded into a container this week or next. I have a few ideas for the next freight car, stay tuned. Oh, BTW an AZL GP40-2 would be really great! As would a GP35. That was a signature loco for SP. Steve W Oh cool so maybe they will make Q2 then. I would like GP35's for sure. I'd buy a GP40-2 or two but it's not some major need. I need Atlas to do Trinity 5161 Covered Hoppers in Z!!! And bethgons. Two solid unit train cars with lots of schemes. Even if AZL does them also, I'd still buy at least two of every SKU in my preferred schemes from both of you. (BNSFx2, UP, et al for the 5161's and BNx2, BNSFx4, TGNX, EGSX, CCTX, et al for the bethgons)
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Post by Rob Albritton on Mar 28, 2024 16:07:40 GMT -5
I can tell you there was a delay with the boxcar, but it was due to having to make a few tooling changes that I felt were necessary. They should be getting loaded into a container this week or next. Steve W I feel your pain. š Best, Rob(A) -AZL
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hideaki
New Member
I really love American Z scale Locomotives!
Posts: 44
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Post by hideaki on Mar 29, 2024 0:11:11 GMT -5
Thank you, Rob. Re: āEncourage you to contact us if you are experiencing any deficiencies in operating quality.ā ā¦ How may I email Rob Albritton and Hans Riddervold privately? Zero complaints. Some observations. I remain in awe of AZL products. Moreover, āHighly detailed, irresistibleāāNeāer a truer word spoken. As is with others (I see more and more.), if it werenāt for AZL, I would never have activated my love of model railroading as an inner city apartment dweller. Also, donāt need a glass of white wine, donāt need melatonin, donāt need a six-mile run to fall asleep at night. I just look at AZL stuff on tracks. Then, I am able to feel content. Then, I am able to fall asleep. (Why? I do not know. The same holds true for individuals with a pet, for individuals with a spouse, or both.) Scott My first encounter with azl was Merklin AZL's UP E9. At first, I tried to mount it on the 3D printed British Deltic using only its chassis, but I was completely fascinated by his cat-like quiet run, traction tires, and beautiful shell work. And now, I am surrounded by over 60 AZL Locos and it was so comfortable. Of course they have some problems, but they can be ignored compared to Merklin's difficulty in maintenance!
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Post by stevew on Mar 29, 2024 9:06:16 GMT -5
I can tell you there was a delay with the boxcar, but it was due to having to make a few tooling changes that I felt were necessary. They should be getting loaded into a container this week or next. Steve W I feel your pain. š Best, Rob(A) -AZL It's fun, isn't it? š¤Ŗ Steve W
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Post by stevew on Mar 29, 2024 9:14:20 GMT -5
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. For sure, I'm in no hurry either. I was just setting expectations....doubt these show in Q2 of 2024. Maybe we'll be surprised. What is your era? I have a decent amount of research gathered on the later years of these cars. I model 2007 "+/- a few years" so by then I'm fudging on a couple of the schemes and/or bending the era a bit. I allow for pretty good latitude in Z since there still isn't an insane amount of choice like you might find in larger scales. I can't promise anything but I would hope that they come in about mid-May. That is dependent on any shipping woes due to the Baltimore incident. We are not really locked into any era. Atlas looks to me to inform them of what will and what will not sell. Even with all of my experience in the industry and being in Z for decades, sometimes I get surprised at what moves and what doesn't. I agree that there is an accetable level of "close enough" in Z. Anyone that looked at my collection could see that I don't mind close enough. š Having said that, we do strive for accuracy as much as possible. So to be honest, I was going to do the 4180 hopper since we have it in N scale. But Hans beat me to it lol. That's okay, just glad we didn't cut any tooling. The next car I'm considering is quite modern, that's all I can say for now! Steve W
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Post by stevew on Mar 29, 2024 9:17:20 GMT -5
I can tell you there was a delay with the boxcar, but it was due to having to make a few tooling changes that I felt were necessary. They should be getting loaded into a container this week or next. I have a few ideas for the next freight car, stay tuned. Oh, BTW an AZL GP40-2 would be really great! As would a GP35. That was a signature loco for SP. Steve W Oh cool so maybe they will make Q2 then. I would like GP35's for sure. I'd buy a GP40-2 or two but it's not some major need. I need Atlas to do Trinity 5161 Covered Hoppers in Z!!! And bethgons. Two solid unit train cars with lots of schemes. Even if AZL does them also, I'd still buy at least two of every SKU in my preferred schemes from both of you. (BNSFx2, UP, et al for the 5161's and BNx2, BNSFx4, TGNX, EGSX, CCTX, et al for the bethgons) The 5161 would be a good choice. I'm also partial to the smaller Trinity 3281. Thanks for the suggestions. Steve W
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Post by dazed on Mar 29, 2024 11:17:30 GMT -5
What is your era? I have a decent amount of research gathered on the later years of these cars. We are not really locked into any era. Atlas looks to me to inform them of what will and what will not sell. Even with all of my experience in the industry and being in Z for decades, sometimes I get surprised at what moves and what doesn't. <snip> So to be honest, I was going to do the 4180 hopper since we have it in N scale. But Hans beat me to it lol. That's okay, just glad we didn't cut any tooling. The next car I'm considering is quite modern, that's all I can say for now! Steve, thanks for the reply! My comment about era was directed toward Ed, not Atlas. I figured that as time went by you would/could have a variety of products from differing eras. As long as it's something the fits somewhere around "mid-90's to mid-2010's" I'll do my best to support it. The Trinity 3281 would be great, too and I'm guessing that would be a very nice stepping stone to an eventual 5161 which would be absolutely epic.
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Post by bapakbob on Mar 29, 2024 12:00:45 GMT -5
We been living off the crumbs from the country club set too long; waiting for BOGO's at Christmas....We need Atlas Trainman! "Atlas TrainmanĀ® locomotives and rolling stock are less detailed than Atlas Master products but feature rugged construction and molded parts and a BUDGET-FRIENDLY price that makes them great for modelers of all ages."
And would it be possible for Atlas to resurrect the precut masks from BLMA to start making Z scale brass detail parts for loco's again?
Now on running with the big dogs and peeing in the tall grass: if Atlas were to introduce Atlas "Masters" locomotives with: Spinning Roof Fans, Operating smoke units, Illuminated cabs and the Z version of proto-sound 3 (built-in DCC and sound)....And Atlas "Premier" passenger trains with:ā¢ Overhead Interior Lighting ā¢ End-of-Car Diaphragms ā¢ Separate Metal Handrails AND Detailed Car Interiors, well, Atlas might set the Z world on its ear!
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Post by ednadolski on Mar 29, 2024 15:01:06 GMT -5
My primary era is ca. 2002-2012 (up until the SP searchlight signals were replaced in Tehachapi) but that is not something I am too strict about (the thing about later years than that is there is too much over-the-top graffiti for my taste, but I digress). A Trinity 5161/3218 would be fantastic for me.
Ed
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Post by dazed on Mar 29, 2024 20:42:01 GMT -5
My primary era is ca. 2002-2012 (up until the SP searchlight signals were replaced in Tehachapi) but that is not something I am too strict about (the thing about later years than that is there is too much over-the-top graffiti for my taste, but I digress). A Trinity 5161/3218 would be fantastic for me. Ed A good portion of AZL's catalog is geared to that era, which is great for us. And most freight cars manufactured in the post-deregulation era (and even 5-10 years prior) are also good too. The Evans boxcars and Airslides being good examples, even though they were in their waning years in the mid/late 2000s. And of course there are plenty of very common prototypes from the broad spectrum of eras that Atlas can choose from as well. Funny, my era also has some ties to signals...same timeframe that searchlights were replaced on BNSF's Red River Valley sub between Fort Worth and Amarillo. But more importantly is...as time ticks by past 2000, that means less and less of the great mix of motive power, and more and more consolidation of railroads and schemes that fade into history. Especially after The Great Recession in 2008 when equipment utilization took a nosedive and older equipment was largely eliminated during that period. 2006-2008 is the sweet spot for me. BNSF SD70ACe's were new on the scene, ES44's were somewhat commonplace, SD40-2's still pretty common, etc. Anyway, back to the topic at hand, it is exciting that a second car from Atlas is under consideration. Hopefully the Evans car will be a hit and more great new stuff (including the aforementioned #8 turnouts) can help bolster Z with another good company.
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Scott
Engineer
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Post by Scott on Mar 30, 2024 20:01:52 GMT -5
At lasā, some thoughts ābout Atlas ā¦
Too timid. Atlas should plunge into Z scale. Why be concerned with demand? What Z scaler would not appreciate new kids on the block bringing quality product, especially when the quality is coming from a reputable and a historical company? Atlas should start with Z scale GP9 and GP40-2 locomotives. They should not worry about stepping on toes with AZL et al as it is common in other scales to have two or more venders make the same locomotive, as we know.
Atlas logo hasnāt changed since I was a kid.
Switch boxes.
The Complete Atlas Wiring book.
Five-pack of flex trackāWho you gonna call?
Dollar deposit determining interestāCāmon. Lead from the front. Youāre Atlas. No more wispiness. Take the plunge ā¦ like Nestea.
Respectfully,
Scott
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Post by dazed on Mar 30, 2024 20:50:11 GMT -5
Intermountain did that Nestea approach and they're gone from Z forever. I would rather Atlas take a more measured approach, personally.
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Mar 30, 2024 21:58:57 GMT -5
Noted.
I know nothing about marketing.
Somewhere I handled Atlas locomotives. Friendās house? Model railroader friend of my grandfather? Somewhere. Somewhere in my life there were Atlas locomotives and Atlas model trains. Atlas seemed like a natural part of life.
(I have only heard of InterMountain. I think AZL picked up where they left off, so to speak. That is my recollection.)
I just think Atlas would sell like Fords.
Measured approach ā¦ So be it.
Scott
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