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Post by ztrack on Sept 21, 2017 18:18:04 GMT -5
Hey guys, play nice. The starter sets are a mix of equipment. I am trying to keep them period centric, or close to. Yes, these are items we have in stock. AZL's strategy is to keep inventory for just such a purpose. We were criticized for selling out too quickly on runs, so we have over stock to allow new Z scalers to still purchase previous releases. Okay here is the line up. We are knocking roughly $80 - $90 off of each set versus buying the items individually. Each set comes with a Rokuhan RC02 controller, R028 oval of track and a A002 controller.        The sets are available on AZL Direct. These are not available through dealers at this price. Here is the link: www.azldirect.com/starter-packagesThis is a great opportunity to get started in Z, or get a nice mix of equipment at a discount!! Rob PS this collection of photos really shows off the individual details AZL puts into their locomotives. The details are amazing! |
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Post by markm on Sept 21, 2017 18:47:38 GMT -5
Rob,
Not a bad selection, but the age of the GP7 was also the age of the caboose, yet you are offering only one set with a caboose.
I'm not trying to get into a discussion of specific rolling stock, except to say that if we are doing model railroads, we should be looking for prototypical consists, hence my caboose comment. The GP7 was on the major roads for a long time so most rolling stock seems reasonable to me.
I think I'd be interested in a couple of these if they were released just as a train set (no track or throttle).
Mark
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Post by fulingyu on Sept 21, 2017 19:02:37 GMT -5
Some of these new sets look like they have a "goldilocks" theme. One big freight car, one medium freight, and one smaller freight car. Which one is "just right" for you?  |
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Post by dave on Sept 21, 2017 19:09:14 GMT -5
We are playing nice; just a difference of opinion. On another note; a Monon 2 Bay Hopper in the CB&Q set; really???  |
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Post by ztrack on Sept 21, 2017 20:33:53 GMT -5
Absolutely! Both railroads ran out of Chicago. Interchange was happening. I really could have gone with CNW also. I thought the Monon added a different touch to the set. This is definitely more of a regional set.
Rob
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Post by cwrr on Sept 21, 2017 22:58:49 GMT -5
Dang, no Milw.............  |
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nick
New Member
Posts: 10 
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Post by nick on Sept 21, 2017 23:20:17 GMT -5
Rob,
I think these sets are a great value.
But if you are targeting someone new to Z, I think you've left one thing out: The Rokuhan AO28 AC adapter.
The box shows up in the mail and you have everything you need - except power. Sure, you could run it off batteries, but coming up with eight spare AAA batteries might be an issue. Just for laffs, I just went out to the kitchen and looked in the spare battery stash: I could have come up with three (and one of the keys to a happy marriage is NOT swiping the other five out of various remote controls around the house).
Nick
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Post by dave on Sept 22, 2017 10:01:25 GMT -5
Rob, another thought.
Since you are discounting these packages roughly 25% of published prices, would you consider having a sale on slow moving stuff where you would discount it roughly the same amount with a minimum purchase of $250 or something like that? For those of us not needing track and a controller, it would be a good incentive to purchase some wanted items and I would take advantage of it. Just a thought.
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Post by DAZed on Sept 22, 2017 10:53:42 GMT -5
Dave, I think that's pretty much what they do--and at an even greater discount--on Black Friday. (and, really, for the month of December) Having that all year at the 25% mark might be a good plan too.
One thing you might do...if you have a laundry list of items you're wanting that you think fall under that "slow moving stuff" category, send it via email to AZL with an offer. All they can say is no, or they might even say yes.
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Post by dave on Sept 22, 2017 15:01:00 GMT -5
It appears that the following are slow moving based on the combinations show above.
GP7s
33K Tank Cars
PS2 Hoppers
2 Bay Hoppers
Beer Cars
Waffle Gondolas
I suspect a few more things like some of the Heavyweight passenger cars, SD45s, etc. I am basing this on real time inventory at MB Klein and what other retailers still have stock in, even though the product is fairly old.
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Post by modelwarships on Sept 22, 2017 16:16:57 GMT -5
I don't know why the GP7 would be a slow mover. I have two (only one DCC'd so far). That lil Jeep is so super reliable. I typically run engines mu'd in pairs as one will nudge the other and keep things going on dirty track. I keep mine lurking in the yard by itself and it can sit for weeks and always runs like new without any break in.
That said CB&Q swap the tank car for a caboose.
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Post by domi on Sept 22, 2017 17:22:00 GMT -5
Interresting, these sets based on GP7s.  Rob, does it have to deal with the fact AZL plans to discontinue its GP7/9 in a foreseable future ? Dom |
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Post by ztrack on Sept 22, 2017 18:04:43 GMT -5
Don't read too much into these. I picked the GP7s for the variety of road names. Same with cars. I looked for cars that were appropriate or at least in the ballpark. Popularity didn't matter. Select sets are limited due to low inventory of some items.
When I have time I plan to come up with more sets so you may see a number of different loco types.
The lack of A028 is by design. We try to keep the cost low. Also feedback on these sets is most folks do operate them off of battery at first. The A028 is available as an add on as is the whole ROKUHAN line.
Yup are Friday specials are coming up. We need to get on the planning of those.
Rob
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Post by modelwarships on Sept 22, 2017 20:28:18 GMT -5
When did the 33000 LPG tank cars enter service?
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Post by DAZed on Sept 22, 2017 20:54:05 GMT -5
When did the 33000 LPG tank cars enter service? From Atlas' website: "The ACF® "whale body" 33,156 gallon tank car was designed to haul liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and anhydrous ammonia. Originally built in the early 1960s, you can still find these cars in service today."That's not an exact date of course but it's a start. Atlas is usually pretty good with their info too. |
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Rob, does it have to deal with the fact AZL plans to discontinue its GP7/9 in a foreseable future ?