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Post by zoinks007 on May 9, 2017 21:06:51 GMT -5
As it happens, any HO layout that's 4'x 8' scales down to about that size in Z. Certainly close enough that you can make adjustments. The good news is that there are hundreds of good HO small layout designs out there...a quick web search will turn up a ton. Many are quite involved. If you'd like circular designs to run trains, you can find those. Or if you're into switching challenges, you can find those as well. Here is a nice site to start: www.thespruce.com/4x8-track-plans-model-train-layouts-2382044Good luck! -Kenn
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Post by zoinks007 on May 2, 2017 18:56:15 GMT -5
I don't run Santa Fe, but that GP-30 is puuuurdy. Might have to reconsider...some great terrain to model too.
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Post by zoinks007 on May 1, 2017 18:51:01 GMT -5
Couplers. I guess there is a good argument to be made that Kadee (MTL) couplers have issues, but the concept is good. I'd been using Kadee couplers since I was a kid, so I'm used to them. If MTL stops Z scale work, that'll be a loss if only for the couplers. I also model oil, and MTL has petroleum tank cars. The AZL cars are food service...different. So it was the available variety that I liked and would miss. Same for the boxcars...those 40' cars are perfect for the era I like (40's/50's/early 60's, end of steam, beginning of diesel). The newer cars just don't fit that era. Interestingly, many AZL diesel locos fit that era (GP's, SD-45, E8/9...). If they do stop working Z, there will be a huge business opportunity for even more freight offerings. Just sayin'... Now, having said this, I am very disappointed in the F7 A/B units MTL put out. Since they don't offer much variety there, I'm guessing that if they are taking down their Z offerings, it's because they weren't competing well with AZL in locomotives. Not even close. There is plenty of room for both manufacturers. I buy far, far more AZL than MTL, but still nice MTL is there. Will be a sad thing, I think. Hoping it's not so, but wouldn't be surprised if it is.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 21, 2017 20:35:03 GMT -5
I'm with Mark for the first slot, although I do like the variety you get with 3D printing. There are a couple of guys out there that are pretty good, and you get unique buildings, or at least very interesting.
I've not done any of the laser cut buildings, but I'd love to find the Marklin Foundry on EBay, or somewhere (styrene, I believe).
I've not done a lot of scratch work yet, but Micron Arts has some fine brass detail pieces. I've even seen some nice work with cardboard, like pressed relief (bricks and such).
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 10, 2017 21:10:55 GMT -5
Yep...I have the decoder here in front of me and a small handful of those speakers coming. Should be fun.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 9, 2017 15:58:50 GMT -5
Still interested, so what would your opinion be of this (currently available) speaker? Same size and impedance... www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cui-inc/CDS-16098A/102-3540-ND/5355535Thinking about picking up a couple to play with... While I get the Knowles speaker may be superior, we're kind of left looking for alternatives that work today. So I'm hopeful...
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Gmd-1
Apr 8, 2017 7:52:03 GMT -5
Post by zoinks007 on Apr 8, 2017 7:52:03 GMT -5
Ah, etched. Of course. I'd been reading up on brass etching, since many models in Z are etched brass. Something to try someday. I read that you need a good voltage source with brass, so I got the impression it was sensitive and even finicky (for beginners anyway). Is N-S easier to work with? Just curious as to your experiences with the process...
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Gmd-1
Apr 7, 2017 20:39:47 GMT -5
Post by zoinks007 on Apr 7, 2017 20:39:47 GMT -5
And did you cast the parts of 3D print them? Seriously impressive work.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 2, 2017 19:34:40 GMT -5
Zoinks: AZL is Rob and Hans, both business people in another world. AZL is their Hobbyist side. It is just the two of them with Hans in Norway with passionate interests in US railroads and Rob based in D.C. with interests in the Swiss rails.... ...So, when 2 guys decide to free up some extra hours out of their real life business responsibilities, just to make trains for a vast varieties of railroads, body styles, locos and else, I believe they are doing one heck of a job. Just the 2 of them. Rob Kluz helps in the U.S. with data, incoming inspections and distribution. Another crazy and thankless job too. Then what they're doing is even MORE amazing. Thanks for pointing all of that out...I had no idea. To Hans and Rob (and Rob), I should love to buy you guys a beer if we ever meet. Actually we all owe you several, IMHO, at the very least.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 2, 2017 14:26:14 GMT -5
I wouldn't live long enough to get to the same place in another scale as I am now in Z. It's very frustrating when you are told, it's coming this quarter but it doesn't. I guess you can't take anyone at their word. anymore. My inner child understands your feelings, and I'm certainly not going to argue your thoughts or frustrations. Given your frame of reference, I'm sure these feelings valid from your point of view. All of us, I'm just as sure, can say we've felt that way about something, somewhere, along the way.
I don't know Rob or Hans personally, but for the most part they're the face of AZL here in the forum. My guess would be AZL has a few other employees but probably not more than, oh, maybe 10 total. Certainly not more than 20.
Yet they're coordinating design, supply chain, manufacturing, and distribution in a global business. They sell globally, and they manufacture globally. This is nothing short of an American success story and an amazing body of work.
So if Hans says ES44's in April after Chinese New Year, then recants and says it'll be delayed given QC concerns, I believe him. It's a couple of guys trying to drive the train in Columbus, Ohio (if memory serves), when most of the train is in China. Apologies for the pun, but that *any* product comes out is amazing to me (having started a couple of businesses myself, and having failed spectacularly along the way).
I'd merely suggest that it's clear to me Hans and Rob are monumental Z supporters, and while I'd love to see an ES44 on my layout, I'm good with waiting until they're done baking. Like I said in another post, I wish only continued success to you, Hans and Rob, and I am thankful for the products you've brought to market. They're innovative, high in quality, and a joy. They be done when they be done, and hopefully we all can try to understand the complexities and challenges you faced along the way to bring these products to us. I for one know it ain't easy.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 2, 2017 14:11:35 GMT -5
We now have about 25 different freight cars including the two caboose. We are not going to stop at that. It is rare that we do not have at least 2 freight cars under development which basically translate into two new freight cars a year. And there will be more box cars and reefers. Our locomotives span from 1920s USRA Mikados up until today. They need something to pull! And there are a lot of holes to fill and we intend to do just that. Sincerely, Hans Yep. Exactly.
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Post by zoinks007 on Apr 2, 2017 8:33:50 GMT -5
From a dispassionate, economics point of view (the MBA in me talking), I like seeing AZL release cars as well as MTL. Both are providing, for the most part, different sorts of cars so there is some variety. These are all limited in quantity, driving the supply/demand curves, and there is plenty of room for competition from both companies. No competition in locomotives in my opinion, but given the huge variety AZL provides, and at competitive prices, that's OK at the moment. But we run far more cars than locomotives, so more is better and benefits us all. The only real question is does designing a freight car drain AZL resources to the point other products are delayed? I tend to doubt it. So Rob and Hans, you guys do your thing and much success to you.
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ES44
Apr 1, 2017 17:26:01 GMT -5
Post by zoinks007 on Apr 1, 2017 17:26:01 GMT -5
Reeled me in. Good one...
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ES44
Apr 1, 2017 8:46:39 GMT -5
Post by zoinks007 on Apr 1, 2017 8:46:39 GMT -5
Same question, and who do we talk to and how? No info on AZL Direct.
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Post by zoinks007 on Mar 27, 2017 19:01:52 GMT -5
I've restored and painted my own Corvettes, yet what you've done amazes me. Without thinking I purchased duplicate road numbers of a couple of SD-45's, and I've no idea how I'm going to renumber them. Then I see work of this caliber... It can be done, and to you I say nicely done.
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