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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Apr 17, 2015 8:59:27 GMT -5
We already have 3 GPs: GP7, GP30 and GP38-2. Even if we could use the GP38-2 chassis for a GP40, we would not make a simplified body. It would be much more detailed than theGP38-2 and involve different versions (if any). A GP40, 50 or 60 would be years down the road if we decided to make one (or all). In the mean time, expect all kinds of locomotives!
We use Bowser as well. They have tooled and injected our BethGons and 40ยด PFEs. The painting and lettering are done in China.
The cost to tool freight cars are about the same in the U.S. and China. As pointed out, China will deliver everything, which is a huge benefit to us. And back to Bowser, they use the Chinese as well.
Who is best? There are no good answers since it will always be subject to the last product produced. If a product has complexity, it usually will be produced in China. If you own your own machinery, well it makes sense to make as much as you can in house.
Sincerely, Hans (AZL)
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Post by catt on Apr 17, 2015 13:49:06 GMT -5
Doing a super detailed body for the 40-50-60 defeats the whole idea of a low cost entry locomotive.The idea is to make the scale more appealing not drive people away because of the high cost.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2015 14:59:34 GMT -5
I would much rather pay an additional $50 or so to have a higher quality engine. I think Hans and Rob take pride in the products they are making and want to stay at an above average, accurate model. To me anything under $200 is an affordable engine, that's my budget range. Others have lower, some have much higher.
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Post by Hans Riddervold (AZL) on Apr 17, 2015 15:25:32 GMT -5
Unfortunately, Z scale is all about reality. We are a small group (thankfully growing) which means we have to amortise our tooling on much smaller unit numbers than N or H0. Unit cost is affected by the same reason, but not as dramatically. AZL have two low cost locomotives and we are happy that we do. A new low cost locomotive (if we did it) would be in the $125 range after dealer discounts (I am guessing here). Not the $100 range. The cost of producing and developing a product in China have nearly doubled in the last 6-7 years. Give that some thought also.
But do not forget to look for second hand locomotives. That is a good way to get started in Z.
Our own hours spent on a new low cost locomotive will be almost as much as with a highly detailed locomotive. It is the initial research, color matching and artwork that takes the bulk of the time, low cost or high cost.
And last, a highly detailed locomotive will correctly run about $50 more with one body style only.
Sincerely, Hans (AZL)
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Post by atw on Apr 18, 2015 7:11:01 GMT -5
That makes sense, Hans, and sounds like a sensible approach to me. Personally I think it's great to have just 1 entry-level locomotive, and given it's the GP38-2 and there are lots of railroads available off the shelf ties it up nicely. I could well imagine that this loco can "lure" folks into Z - but IMHO it's the high standard of quality of "what's also available" which will make them stay. So yep, I'm definitely happy with AZL's policy.
cheers
Adrian
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Joes
Fireman
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Post by Joes on May 12, 2015 18:18:04 GMT -5
The gp 38 equals the best value in Z. At that price is gives folks the chance to super detail without breaking the bank!
I'd like the closed pilots like the others but for the price we can add our own. (That is why the GP7/9 is such a good value as well since both pilots are included!)
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