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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 23, 2018 19:35:02 GMT -5
Statistically you'd get better information with choose without replace (one member, one vote). Although given our small sample size, and assuming you couldn't vote the same car more than once, it'd probably wind up about the same. Clear group favorites will rise. I do seem to recall voting for a certain SW 1500 awhile back... Any word? We can keep a secret...!
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 13, 2018 14:39:29 GMT -5
If there is only one remaining, it's a *fine* Pennsy example!
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 13, 2018 14:38:41 GMT -5
I have to apologize...I couldn't help myself. This is one of those "reality is stranger than fiction" things: Stalled Poop TrainWonder if anyone is intrepid enough to model this in Z?
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Post by zoinks007 on Feb 27, 2018 7:38:16 GMT -5
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Post by zoinks007 on Dec 24, 2017 9:59:50 GMT -5
...and that Santa brings Shamoo trains instead of coal, this year. Knowing Shamoo, he probably has working-model, coal-fired steam loco and would use it.
A Blessed Christmas to all! Thanks to all of you for your inspired postings, filled with knowledge and wit.
And a heartfelt thanks to AZL, both for this forum and the fine models they aspire to provide to a hungry (if not demanding) hobbyist community. Much success to you gentlemen this coming year. -Kenn
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Post by zoinks007 on Dec 24, 2017 9:53:17 GMT -5
Probably like a lot of us, I also came from HO. I still have a large collection of un-built Fine Scale structures I hope to get to someday. I've also been picking up HO brass locomotives when I find a good deal in fine shape. But I turned to Z for the challenge, and I find the size intriguing. You can pack a lot into a small space. A 4'x8' HO layout translates to about 2'X3' in Z. So having made the trek you're talking about, I'd also recommend a starter set. I'd go with one of the AZL starters since (sorry MTL) I find the AZL locomotives superior. You can get a nice, inexpensive DC power pack and some Marklin track and give it a go for a few hundred dollars. Not exactly free, but also not a huge investment to dip a toe and see how it feels. Being an ardent scratch builder, I lay my own Z track, including turnouts. I do recommend Fast Track fixtures, most especially for Z turnouts (http://www.handlaidtrack.com/). The selection in Z is limited, but probably fills 99% of the needs. Just watching the online videos is fun, if you're into trackwork. As for buildings, as Mark mentioned there are some places that provide raw materials. For me, the exciting aspect is 3D printing. There is a ton of stuff on Shapeways (https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?type=product&q=z+scale), so you see what can be done. I build a lot of structures in brass (addicted to bridges), and that's getting harder to do with the loss of some of the brass shape providers. So 3D printing is an exciting alternative since I can build in detail I couldn't do in brass (at least without etching). Once you get the hang of it, then introduce DCC. Wow...the amazing things that come along for that ride. Lighting, sound, accessories... AZL locomotives are a snap to upgrade to DCC. You'd need a different controller, and they're quite pricy, but the capabilities are astounding. Sound is a harder thing to manage given the small size of the shells, but you'll find some postings here where folks have successfully done it. To me, even though Z has been around for decades, I still feel it's the "wild west" where a hardy pioneering spirit can yield huge dividends. Yes, there isn't as much available, but that only means you can dig in and do it yourself. That's my definition of modeling anyway. Don't buy it (all), build it. That's the fun of it. I'm liking the microscope idea, tho.
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Post by zoinks007 on Dec 24, 2017 9:32:47 GMT -5
Oh man... That's awful, Rob. Mine can wait, for sure.
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Post by zoinks007 on Dec 20, 2017 8:06:22 GMT -5
I'm in. Got mine ordered already...
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 30, 2017 7:51:56 GMT -5
I am trying to sell the PRR E8 on the e-vil site since weeks, but it seems i am asking too much to let her go. $999...too steep for this PRR guy. That's 5 ES44's. But you never know...just the right buyer may come along...
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 26, 2017 11:58:53 GMT -5
Before my time a little, but how about that. So...who put the kitten on the track?
I'm thankful for all of the insight and thoughts y'all place here. I learn a lot. And I'm very thankful for the hard work AZL puts in. Thank you, guys!
Kenn
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 12, 2017 19:33:03 GMT -5
I break them in DC, since they come out of the box that way. I have a handful of AZL4 decoders here, however, and swap them over once broken in.
Right or wrong, I figure if something were to happen and I modified the unit, I can't really ask AZL (or anyone else) to fix it, even if it were defective. Not that any have ever been defective. Mostly they do need breaking in, and I run them an hour (30 minutes each direction). But this one wanted to go once released from the plastic case. Was really fun to watch.
(As for the SW 1500, if memory serves it "won" the "what loco should we work on next?" vote... And, yeah, I've been looking for the PC/PRR/NYC version of the '44...sometime soon, I'm sure... Got a good price on the Conrail colors, so Conrail it is...)
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 12, 2017 14:06:39 GMT -5
30 went to 20 when I saw the posting. For me it's the iconic look. I tend to want to model late 50's, early 60's PRR, but the newer locomotive releases by AZL are just too fine to pass up. So I was looking for more modern rolling stock as well. I'm ferreting out, or trying to find, some of the MTL 70' Gunderson TTX trailer train cars. Hard to find. But I'll keep looking. Certainly not as hard as finding that Marklin foundry...ouch.
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 12, 2017 13:58:06 GMT -5
Just got my first ES44AC and am breaking it in. Wow...smoothest operator out of the box ever. And I'm impressed with the fine detail, both molded and painted. Sweet job, AZL.
Hoping that forthcoming SW1500 is so smooth! There is one coming, right?
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Post by zoinks007 on Nov 12, 2017 13:54:25 GMT -5
I've read a little on this, but would you recommend a site or book that goes into some detail as to how you set it up. I know it can be temperamental (voltage, temperature...). Do you CAD your design then laser print the photo-resist? Or laser print the brass itself? Fascinating process...opens up a whole set of interesting modeling opportunities... Awesome work, by the way.
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Post by zoinks007 on May 31, 2017 17:48:01 GMT -5
Many years ago, perhaps too many, I modeled HO. Well, that is to say I build Fine Scale Miniature kits. If you're at all familiar with them, they model the greasy, weathered stuff. Amazing kits. (I've since collected a large stockpile of kits I couldn't afford as a kid, saving for "someday".) So I grew to love the greasy, weathered stuff. It's probably more whimsical than most real-world genres, but when you see well-done weathered stuff, it's stunning. John Allen is my inspiration there... Having said that, I've not weathered a thing yet. I'm still working on perfecting hand-laid track, the electronics to support it, and now summer is here (my Ninja calls...). But that's the plan, anyway. Excellent poll.
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