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Post by scanrail on Jul 12, 2017 7:13:06 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if this question has been already discussed, but I'd like to ask it - is AZL going to produce models of electric locomotives in the near future? Only Marklin made GG1 and that's all, but I think it's not enough - there are many interesting models of electric locos and I think that they are very lacking in Z scale...
What about AEM-7, ALP-46, HHP-8, GE E60, ACS64 and, finally, Acela Express?
I understand that each manufacturer plans its assortment based on dealers/customers requests and popularity of models. It's also clear for me that manufacturers produce exactly as many products as the market can accept. But currently there are no models of electric locomotives in US Z scale market at all! Whether this means that electric locos are so unpopular here?
Best,
Alex
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Post by markm on Jul 12, 2017 7:35:20 GMT -5
Alex, Welcome to the group. I agree that electrics would be a nice addition to Z. My preference would be almost any steeple cab like: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1517069I suspect however it will be a while. Our scale is still working to produce a diesel switcher. Rokuhan has produced a couple of electrics for both the Euro and Japanese modelers plus the bullet trains. Mark |
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Post by domi on Jul 12, 2017 10:11:30 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this question has been already discussed, but I'd like to ask it - is AZL going to produce models of electric locomotives in the near future? Only Marklin made GG1 and that's all, but I think it's not enough - there are many interesting models of electric locos and I think that they are very lacking in Z scale... What about AEM-7, ALP-46, HHP-8, GE E60, ACS64 and, finally, Acela Express? I understand that each manufacturer plans its assortment based on dealers/customers requests and popularity of models. It's also clear for me that manufacturers produce exactly as many products as the market can accept. But currently there are no models of electric locomotives in US Z scale market at all! Whether this means that electric locos are so unpopular here? Best, Alex You forgot the Milwaukee GE Little Joes and Electric Boxcabs in your list.  Dom |
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Post by scanrail on Jul 12, 2017 14:47:25 GMT -5
Mark, thank you! I'd like to see ACS64 or AEM-7 first for several reasons: because suitable passenger cars for these locomotives are already exist (I mean Amfleet), and also because I like modern streamlined design more than old angular one... But anyway it's interesting to hear from AZL about their plans on electrics (of course if they have them). I have Rokuhan models you mentioned - German BR181 and Shinkansen JR500. New German loco was accepted very warmly in Europe, it's strange that Rokuhan refused to announce other European locomotives after such successful start. Dom, of course it's a very brief list, I agree that there're many other models we all would like to see in Z scale Greg, I use decoders from CT Elektronik for digitizing of some of my Marklin Z scale steamers. CT Elektronik make world's smallest decoders. DCX77z is only 7.6x5x1.8mm size, DCX77L is 9.5x4x1.8mm. I use both models. They fit under the cab hood of Marklin Z steam locos without any problems. I've installed DCX77z into Marklin's unique NYC J-2 steamer (art. #88075). |
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Post by markm on Jul 12, 2017 15:35:37 GMT -5
Regarding the German loco, a U.S. source claims that the units were built for Noch and they can offer only a limited number of units under the Rokuhan name outside of Europe.
Mark
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Post by scanrail on Jul 13, 2017 5:49:29 GMT -5
Mark,
yes, you're right, Rokuhan wanted to enter European market and they searched for a local distributor there. However I have to say that I bought my BR181's from other major dealer in Germany for significantly lower prices - 179 Euro (compared to 219 Euro from Noch).
Greg,
thanks for the link and very well structured information there! I сan't say anything about their programmer because I program all my decoders with Marklin Central Station and I have no problems with it...
Alex
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Post by scanrail on Jul 13, 2017 14:39:55 GMT -5
Greg, I explored your site little more and I'm totally impressed what a huge work you did with decoders, especially with CT Elektronik! Information picked in a one place on your site is truly invaluable.
I didn't programmed their sound decoders yet; I meant programming CVs only, of course for updating firmware and uploading of sound projects a dedicated programmer should be used. I use Tran decoders only where drop-in solution isn't available, mainly in steam locos. In all other cases I prefer drop-in decoders from Velmo and Digitrax.
Alex
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Post by theprez on Jul 13, 2017 15:03:27 GMT -5
Oh.. Little Joe would be amazing in Z
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Post by shamoo737 on Jul 13, 2017 15:40:54 GMT -5
Does Marklin makes anything close to the ACS64.
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Post by scanrail on Jul 13, 2017 16:52:14 GMT -5
shamoo, Marklin made German BR152 a few years ago, but it's much closer to ALP-46 rather than to ACS64. In terms of design ACS64 is relatively close to new German BR147/BR187 electric locos (which aren't made in Z scale yet). BR152 vs ALP-46:   BR187 vs ACS64:   |
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Post by shamoo737 on Jul 13, 2017 19:22:02 GMT -5
What about the BR182, but this is from eyes of somebody that doesn't know anything about electrics. 😬
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Post by scanrail on Jul 14, 2017 4:01:23 GMT -5
shamoo, BR182 has a specific, easily recognizable design, so unfortunately it's not a case:  |
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