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Post by mgatdog on Oct 25, 2016 13:16:17 GMT -5
My rear knuckle is even with walkway on my D&RGW and knuckle on rear sticks out on my WP. When running back to back the steps almost touch each other in a 220 mm curve. Does anyone else have this issue?
Bob
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Post by shamoo737 on Oct 25, 2016 14:49:27 GMT -5
The Ace's do run closer then other locomotives. It's not a problem if they don't touch.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Oct 26, 2016 6:57:09 GMT -5
The Ace's do run closer then other locomotives. It's not a problem if they don't touch. This is correct. We have made close coupling a standard feature of our newer products. Every time we design a new truck, we do it with close coupling. After much experimentation, we determined that the coupling distance of Z scale locomotives and cars can be much closer without any problems down to 145mm radius curves. Expect to see these closer standards in the SD70ACe, Amtrack Superliners, GEvo locomotives, and other upcomming products. |
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Post by markm on Oct 26, 2016 12:43:57 GMT -5
The Ace's do run closer then other locomotives. It's not a problem if they don't touch. This is correct. We have made close coupling a standard feature of our newer products. Every time we design a new truck, we do it with close coupling. After much experimentation, we determined that the coupling distance of Z scale locomotives and cars can be much closer without any problems down to 145mm radius curves. Expect to see these closer standards in the SD70ACe, Amtrack Superliners, GEvo locomotives, and other upcomming products. Rob, So far I've been happy with your closer coupling efforts. But Bob's comment suggests that trucks have changed between the WP & DRGW releases? Also, will it be possible in the future to retrofit other AZL diesels to closer coupling? I was reading an article about the pulling advantages of body mount couplers, particularly on the locomotive. I was wondering if you had looked into that recently? Could save you the expense of shipping an extra truck. Mark |
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Post by BAZman on Oct 26, 2016 13:36:52 GMT -5
The issue I have with body mounts is that the vertical angle, related to the track, can change potentially more than the trucks do. While the trucks follow the track work (and of course can undulate with the joints or load), the chassis length can make greater vertical changes or even the shell's fit.
While their is good data on body mounts for switching, there is more potential with sectional track/small radii for 'side swipe' or 'overswing' compared to 2 trucks that follow each other, especially on S curves, where no straight track between or, no transition track (straight direct into curve, especially 145mm).
I (and the BAZ BoyZ and ZoCal Z) are not bothered by any pulling abilities. We run 30-80 car trains all day. The layout is not all flat and there are many curves (most are 12" or larger radii). We don't have decoupling or traction issues. This is mish-mash of MTL, AZL and Bowser couplers.
There is some physics to pulling power. Steam locos are the most effected by drawbar height, typically much higher than diesel trucks.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Oct 26, 2016 17:49:53 GMT -5
The WP and DRGW should have exactly the same truck (maybe color is changed) although we DID have another length as a pre-production prototype that we rejected. I'm wondering if one of those made it into production.
Regarding body mount trucks: Take a look at the P42. This may be the way of the future for AZL. Your feedback is welcome as always.
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Post by zscalehobo on Oct 26, 2016 18:37:42 GMT -5
Regarding body mount trucks: Take a look at the P42. This may be the way of the future for AZL. Your feedback is welcome as always. I'd LOVE to take a look at a P42 ... are they en route to dealers as we type???  |
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Post by Rob Albritton on Oct 26, 2016 18:58:54 GMT -5
Hi Frank,
Look for dealer correspondence from Ztrack regarding the release schedule. If it has not already been sent, then expect it soon.
Best,
-Rob
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Post by Commodore on Oct 26, 2016 20:32:25 GMT -5
Thanks. Rob:
I appreciate the heads up on the P42 couplers.
BTW: All of my SD70ACe are close couple with identical couplers.
Rory
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Post by mgatdog on Oct 26, 2016 21:49:19 GMT -5
The WP and DRGW should have exactly the same truck (maybe color is changed) although we DID have another length as a pre-production prototype that we rejected. I'm wondering if one of those made it into production. Regarding body mount trucks: Take a look at the P42. This may be the way of the future for AZL. Your feedback is welcome as always. Rob I must have one that slipped through . I have pic's but they won't load. The WP knuckle sticks out maybe 1/16 or 1/8" past the rear walk way. The D&RGW is almost hidden under walk way. Just worried in tight curves cause derailments. Going to check tighter curves and see what's my limits. Bob |
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Post by boxcarwilly on Oct 27, 2016 11:19:46 GMT -5
I just got 3 of these beauties and I'm impressed at how well they run. I do have one gripe however, why are the lights so dim. I would have thought that the lights would be the same as on the GP38. I can barely see the lights on them and do so, I'd have to turn the power up well beyond the recommended amps to make the light brighter. I like the ditch lights too, nice feature but again, far too dim.
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Post by zscalehobo on Oct 27, 2016 15:43:24 GMT -5
The WP and DRGW should have exactly the same truck (maybe color is changed) although we DID have another length as a pre-production prototype that we rejected. I'm wondering if one of those made it into production. Regarding body mount trucks: Take a look at the P42. This may be the way of the future for AZL. Your feedback is welcome as always. Rob I must have one that slipped through . I have pic's but they won't load. The WP knuckle sticks out maybe 1/16 or 1/8" past the rear walk way. The D&RGW is almost hidden under walk way. Just worried in tight curves cause derailments. Going to check tighter curves and see what's my limits. Bob Using the ProBoards "Add Attachment" feature produces this error message: This forum has exceeded its attachment space limit. Your file cannot be uploaded.
The forum itself has no more space to allow a single attachment to be added. Until this is fixed, I would recommend using off-site hosting for your images to be shared in the forum as that is the only way to show images here. |
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