Post by ztrack on Feb 12, 2015 9:08:02 GMT -5
With the price drop of the AZL F59PHIs (Metrolink and Coasters), we are seeing an all time high interest in these sets. I thought it would be good to share some tips and tricks on these sets. We first shared this information when the sets were released over a decade ago, so it is definitely time to bring these points up again. I also thought I would address some of the questions we have received on the sets.
What the heck are the black things that come with each set?
Each Bombardier set comes with 4x optional replacement chassis. It was found that the original chassis had a bolster that could be too short and cause extra drag on the cars. In some cases, the inside wheel on the truck lifted slightly off the track. AZL has replacement chassis produced with a slightly longer bolster to address the issue. We include these with each set. For most folks, this is not a problem. The F59PHI is more than powerful enough to pull the cars, even with the drag. The Amtrak F59PHI uses a different chassis and does not have this concern.
My porch is loose
This is the one Achilles heel of these sets. The rear porch with the coupler is held on to the shell by two small pins. That is it. We recommend customers put a small drop of CA glue on each pin to securely hold them in place. Just make sure the coupler is aligned horizontally before doing so.
The couplers won't auto-latch
That is true. These sets were produced in 2003. They were very much ahead of their time. The couplers are AZL's first generation and do not auto latch.
What is the grey box mounted inside of top of the chassis?
This is a pocket for a DCC decoder. Even in 2003, AZL was thinking DCC. Note, on the Amtrak sets the rear of the pocket may sit above the chassis. This can cause the shell not to sit properly. Filing down the pocket slightly will solve this issue.
My pocket is fine, but the shell sits high
There are two grey clips that hold the chassis together. One is on top, the other on bottom. There are two holes in the clip that correspond to the points in the shell. These holes should be on the back side of the clip, not the front. Here is the Ztrack offices, we check and adjust everyone before we ship to customers. But if you do any maintenance, make sure to put the clips back on with the holes towards the rear.
The F59PHIs sound different from other AZL products
True. The F59PHIs use a 10mm Maxom motor. They can have a slight higher pitch during operations. These locos are beasts. They are heavy and can pull like crazy.
The paint seems soft in places
Again this is true. The painting and pad printing of recent products reflects newer technologies that did not exist when these sets were produced. The F59PHIs have some fairly complex paint schemes. A little bleed or softness is to be expected. AZL definitely did not shy away from the complexities of the paint. For instance, the tapered blue paint on the Dallas TRE has been basically removed by other manufacturers in the larger scales due to the complexity of printing it. AZL included it on their Z model!
Are extra cars available?
Sorry no. We have extra locomotives, but not extra cars. But at the new pricing, picking up a 2nd set is an affordable option.
I hope this answers some questions. There are great sets that will stand out on a layout!
Rob
What the heck are the black things that come with each set?
Each Bombardier set comes with 4x optional replacement chassis. It was found that the original chassis had a bolster that could be too short and cause extra drag on the cars. In some cases, the inside wheel on the truck lifted slightly off the track. AZL has replacement chassis produced with a slightly longer bolster to address the issue. We include these with each set. For most folks, this is not a problem. The F59PHI is more than powerful enough to pull the cars, even with the drag. The Amtrak F59PHI uses a different chassis and does not have this concern.
My porch is loose
This is the one Achilles heel of these sets. The rear porch with the coupler is held on to the shell by two small pins. That is it. We recommend customers put a small drop of CA glue on each pin to securely hold them in place. Just make sure the coupler is aligned horizontally before doing so.
The couplers won't auto-latch
That is true. These sets were produced in 2003. They were very much ahead of their time. The couplers are AZL's first generation and do not auto latch.
What is the grey box mounted inside of top of the chassis?
This is a pocket for a DCC decoder. Even in 2003, AZL was thinking DCC. Note, on the Amtrak sets the rear of the pocket may sit above the chassis. This can cause the shell not to sit properly. Filing down the pocket slightly will solve this issue.
My pocket is fine, but the shell sits high
There are two grey clips that hold the chassis together. One is on top, the other on bottom. There are two holes in the clip that correspond to the points in the shell. These holes should be on the back side of the clip, not the front. Here is the Ztrack offices, we check and adjust everyone before we ship to customers. But if you do any maintenance, make sure to put the clips back on with the holes towards the rear.
The F59PHIs sound different from other AZL products
True. The F59PHIs use a 10mm Maxom motor. They can have a slight higher pitch during operations. These locos are beasts. They are heavy and can pull like crazy.
The paint seems soft in places
Again this is true. The painting and pad printing of recent products reflects newer technologies that did not exist when these sets were produced. The F59PHIs have some fairly complex paint schemes. A little bleed or softness is to be expected. AZL definitely did not shy away from the complexities of the paint. For instance, the tapered blue paint on the Dallas TRE has been basically removed by other manufacturers in the larger scales due to the complexity of printing it. AZL included it on their Z model!
Are extra cars available?
Sorry no. We have extra locomotives, but not extra cars. But at the new pricing, picking up a 2nd set is an affordable option.
I hope this answers some questions. There are great sets that will stand out on a layout!
Rob