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Post by chris193945 on Oct 2, 2023 20:38:40 GMT -5
Hello all, I came to Z scale in an odd way. I was in an on line auction. An N scale auction. I had won quite a few lots. Most of the trains were from Micro trains. Not much info was given about each lot. I don't think the auctioneer knew they were Z scale. Anyhow, I ended up winning a lot of 32 micro-trains cars but unfortunately no engines. So now I have Z scale trains. And instead of just shelving them I decided to buy an engine. And btw why are these trains so expensive? They are twice the amount of N scale. But I digress. So, I bought an American Z line SD70. Here is my ? The front and rear couplers seem to have a void. The pilot seems to be missing. Is this typical of Z scale? I did get a coupler and pilot connected together but how do I get it in? I did go on line and noticed all the engines seem to be this way. Any and all tips will be appreciated. Thanks
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Post by cwrr on Oct 2, 2023 23:04:42 GMT -5
Hello, and welcome to Z-scale!
If you bought the AZL SD70 new, look under the plastic cradle-there should be the pilots with fake coupler, (but they do actually work with other Z-scale couplers), and it snaps into place pretty easily. You will have to remove the coupler pocket that is attached to the trucks, and newer locos also have extra trucks in the package as well for easy swapping. Some like to use a very small amount of CA or "Crazy Glue" to lock it in.
Yes, they are more expensive due to the scale and details of the locos, some are less expensive though, like the GP38's at a price point of around $100. For the size, most will run smoothly and long term with proper maintenance.
There's also helping parts on AZL's website for working with these locos as well.
Enjoy!
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Post by BAZman on Oct 3, 2023 22:03:32 GMT -5
And, please post this under the 'main, forum, "Z Scale" No one uses/looks in the Photo.
You will find that the AZL loco use a non-uncoupling coupler. So if you wish to do switching, you have to kit-bash the 2-piece AZL coupler to the MTL coupler. Its not easy. Or . . . leave the AZL coupler and add a MTL flat car or gondola to do it from that end.
The AZL coupler will 'bump'-cupule to the MTL coupler.
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Post by domi on Oct 20, 2023 16:44:50 GMT -5
Speaking of the SD70, the pilot mounted coupler is easy to be swapped with a MTL coupler, as it’s only screwed in place (btw, my SD70s are old samples from Ajin/Korea, but I’ve no clue about any change with shells and pilots for the recent Chinese samples). Once the locomotive is fitted with MTL couplers, hand-off switching operations are easy with an under track (electro)magnet.
Dom
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