|
|
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Jan 1, 2015 11:32:09 GMT -5
Just before Christmas Rob and I received the first assembled SD45 samples. We have been running those steadily and we are pleased to report that they are strong runners.
My sample has been running for 90 hours straight at about 50MPH. That translates to a trip from NYC to LA, then up to Chicago.
Then the SD45 enjoyed reversing for another 10 hours. Next up, extensive switching!
We also got our first artwork to review. I look forward to sharing SD45 information with our blog readers this Winter and Spring.
First SD45 run will include more than 10 Roadnames. Expect to see many Railroad unique details such as High Hood, SP lights etc.
Release date: Late Summer if everything goes as planned
Happy New Year! Hans
|
|
|
|
Post by mgatdog on Jan 1, 2015 15:35:14 GMT -5
Any update on ES4400AC
|
|
|
|
Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 1, 2015 15:39:42 GMT -5
It is still under development and due after the SD45. |
|
|
|
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Jan 2, 2015 11:22:48 GMT -5
We will create a separate blog for the ES44AC. Hopefully we will have plastic to show before the Chinese New Year.  |
|
|
|
AZL SD45
Jan 2, 2015 16:03:52 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by zdave on Jan 2, 2015 16:03:52 GMT -5
We will create a separate blog for the ES44AC. Hopefully we will have plastic to show before the Chinese New Year. View AttachmentLooks like some nice AZL motive power ahead. My GP38-2's and SD70's have been fine runners, as long as I keep the track clean and the electrons bouncing. The little Aztec cleaner car has worked extremely well for me. An SD45 in EL would really make my day, hint, hint.  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2015 16:22:07 GMT -5
Will we finally see an N&W model?
|
|
|
|
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Jan 3, 2015 13:43:29 GMT -5
We are looking forward to several SD45 production runs. EL is not part of the first, but N&W is. Sincerely, Hans
|
|
|
|
AZL SD45
Jan 3, 2015 17:08:28 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by zdave on Jan 3, 2015 17:08:28 GMT -5
We are looking forward to several SD45 production runs. EL is not part of the first, but N&W is. Sincerely, Hans I thought I was probably hoping for too much.  Erie or Erie Lackawanna are pretty rare, especially for Z, so I've refocused to CSX and Santa Fe, as something that could pop-up as older units with CSX, such as the SD75s. The AZL Warbonnets are real beauties! That'll keep me happy until maybe, just maybe an EL will show up in a later run. |
|
|
|
Post by modelwarships on Jan 3, 2015 22:19:56 GMT -5
The sample looks good. Will BN be in the first run of SD45's?
|
|
|
|
Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Jan 4, 2015 4:53:57 GMT -5
The BN SD45 is too important not to be part of the first release. Expect road numbers: 6479, 6480, 6499 and 6500.
Sincerely, Hans
|
|
ZFRANK
Fireman
If you can't get it.....build it yourself....
Posts: 93
|
Post by ZFRANK on Jan 4, 2015 15:01:35 GMT -5
Great lookiing locomotive and this just a proto type ! Hopefuly we will also see some undecorated ones.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 4, 2015 18:05:13 GMT -5
Hopefuly we will also see some undecorated ones. Hi Frank, I do not think you will see any more undecorated locomotives from AZL. There are a bunch of problems with undecs: 1) They cost us the same to produce as decorated locomotives. I know everyone will say this doesn't make sense, but it is true: the cost of painting the locomotive on an assembly line is just a few cents. Once we deal with another product number and packaging, the cost of an undec is the same as fully painted. We cannot save you any money by supplying it undecorated. 2) Our factories really do not like to produce them because they cannot understand why anyone would want one unpainted when it cost the same as fully painted. It take me hours to explain that somebody wants to paint their own. 3) Most important, these are by far our worst sellers. We did listen when people said they wanted undecorated locos, but so far, it was all talk and no action. I've got tons of GP38-2 and SD70 undecorated sitting here. I would send them back to be painted, but once assembled, it is very difficult to properly pad print around the hand rails! There was ONE exception to this: RDC - it was an OK seller, but in fairness, it was partially painted silver with a black underframe, so all that was needed was decals for your favorite road name and you were all done. As always, our solution is to buy one decorated and simply repaint it. Good luck, -Rob(A) AZL |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
AZL SD45
Jan 4, 2015 19:17:37 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2015 19:17:37 GMT -5
I've bought 6 or 7 gp38-2 locos and all of them have been undecorated models. It makes it much easier for me to just wash it and paint.
|
|
|
|
Post by trainboy4 on Jan 4, 2015 21:23:32 GMT -5
I will be buying 3 BN SD45s I hope they will have a matching cabooses. |
|
|
|
Post by markm on Jan 4, 2015 22:04:28 GMT -5
I do not think you will see any more undecorated locomotives from AZL. There are a bunch of problems with undecs: 1) They cost us the same to produce as decorated locomotives. I'm impressed with the relationship you have with your suppliers. When I was dealing with Asia, I always had to pay a special handling for any process variations (like no pad printing), which I had to pass on to our customers. I was looking at Walther's. They have 750 locomotives listed as undecorated/unpainted or all scales. Of those, only 43 are available for shipping and of those 20 are identified as discontinued. It seems that AZL isn't the only manufacturer who can't get interest in the undecorated units. I bought one of these, the only undecorated unit I've purchased. It's a good unit, but was a bit pricey when I added the cost of the horns and number boards for it. A bit of a diversion from the thread, but what I'm interest in are undecorated heavyweights. WP had cars in Pullman Green and 2 tone grey, and SP even had a couple of 6-3s in Tuscan Red . Mark |
|
Erie or Erie Lackawanna are pretty rare, especially for Z, so I've refocused to CSX and Santa Fe, as something that could pop-up as older units with CSX, such as the SD75s. The AZL Warbonnets are real beauties! That'll keep me happy until maybe, just maybe an EL will show up in a later run. 
