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Post by mrbarlow on May 11, 2024 23:51:42 GMT -5
Regarding AZL making a "standard", injection molded caboose. I believe your referring to an ATSF Ce-1 caboose (rear cupola) type. Atlas made a "generic" version in N scale with many roads. View AttachmentAZL already made these in Brass in 2016 in 3 ATSF paint schemes. A new injection molded release, with multiple road names, would fil a void though. Another freight car that would be welcomed in Z Scale would be the Evans Products 100 Ton Coil car. Good from late 1960's to present with many roads having these. Atlas has made these in N scale. Angled and round hoods would suffice. ![](//storage.proboards.com/3445128/thumbnailer/pLzxUTKvkQkXXTzwAc0W.png)
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Post by stevew on May 12, 2024 9:13:38 GMT -5
Yes, the Atlas code 55 rail is identical between Z and N scale track. Supposedly this was a significant reason why Atlas got into making Z scale track since they were already well established with the same rail in N scale track. I just compared some Atlas Z scale flextrack to an Atlas Z scale turnout and also to an Atlas N scale code 55 road/rail crossing rerailer track. The rails are all the same and they all connect together great. (I'm trying to do what Rob A. wrote about in a ZTrack magazine article a while ago about slicing an N scale road crossing rerailer track longitudinally in half and regluing it at the correct gauge to have a good rerailer in Z. I wish Atlas would consider that as a product in Z, but they aren't even considering it in their future interest polls). The only difference between Atlas' Z and N code 55 rail joiners is the N scale version is longer. So for people who want less obvious rail joiners in permanent track sections of a layout, the Z joiners make sense. But I've learned to have a strong preference for the longer N scale joiners where Z-Bend modules join up with the adjustable Marklin track sections between modules. The longer rail joiners provide better electrical contact in a temporary connection, plus they still connect the track if they start to pull apart with use during a train show. You might need to cut the rail "spikes" on the closest tie for the N scale joiners to fit, but that probably has to happen anyway between Z-Bend modules with the Marklin section in there. I've had no issue with wheel flanges hitting rail joiners. We (Atlas) have discussed a rerailer. I get some hesitation from by bosses, mainly due to the fact that Marklin has an extensive line of sectional track and if we tool a rerailer then you almost have to plan an entire line of track. Also, our supplier minimum order quantities are such that a line of Z sectional track would take a very long time to sell, resulting in a lack of a ROI for years. You are correct about the origins of our Z flex. We had a large quantity of C55 rail on hand and one of our former R&D guys championed the Z track idea. If we do anything in the track dept it could likely be another turnout. In polling I expected a #8 turnout to have been the most common request, but an awful lot of folks are looking for a wye. There isn't a lack of interest in Z at Atlas. Besides me being known as the Z nut at Atlas ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) there is some interest in Z at higher levels as well. I'm working on our next freight car now in fact. Like most things the risk you take is a case of "if you build it will they come"? I feel funny commenting about Atlas on a forum that is graciously supplied to us by AZL. I'm not here to promote, I simply try to provide information when I can perhaps be helpful. Thanks Steve W
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Post by mrbarlow on May 15, 2024 20:09:34 GMT -5
I'm working on our next freight car now in fact.
Steve,
Two cars that Atlas has made in N scale would fill a big void in Z:
1. Evans 100 Ton coil car with angled hoods from the late 60's to 1990's
2. General purpose DOT 111A lease tank car. ACF 20700 or GATX 23500 capacity.
Pre-conspicuity stripes.
Please, No foobie paint schemes either.
Thank You,
Mr. B
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Post by deon4141 on May 16, 2024 14:00:40 GMT -5
Can someone tell me if the Atlas turnouts are dcc friendly, would I need to modify the frog to supply it with a separate supply according to the direction its thrown?
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Post by Curn on May 20, 2024 17:11:36 GMT -5
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Post by deon4141 on May 21, 2024 8:22:10 GMT -5
Thank you very much for your reply
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Post by BAZman on May 21, 2024 11:43:15 GMT -5
I used laser-cut wood for re-railers. At first, they set on top of rails, slightly chamfered on both long side to clear the spikes on MTL flex track and, ~o.010” below rail head. That was 20 years ago. Now, just 3D print them.
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Post by BAZman on May 21, 2024 12:03:09 GMT -5
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