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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 23, 2024 8:57:44 GMT -5
I,m looking for replacement trucks for the near first AZLproduct, the ACF 3-Bay’s 9030x and 9130x with 36” wheels that fall out (mostly because the car was “hefty”. I put Bowser’s 32” in when they came out an fairly well. The AZL partnumwes wher change way back (when we’re lucky to finally get spare parts) and the part numbers don’t match on the web for the types. 32” close couplers are OK but anything that can hold the axles in the truck would be appreciated :-) They’re all weathered and graffiti from wayback when and shows were the only place I ever see them, they just sit on a siding because I can’t run them. Jeff, Are you just looking for replacement roller bearing trucks with wheels for the ACF 3-bays? We have those in vast quantities. -R
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 22, 2024 10:20:30 GMT -5
Has it definately been decided whether or not to produce these ? It was suggested they would be available as a 3-car set AHHHH Good question - the .STL files are done - thinking of it as an AZL Labs product that you can just load on the 89’ flats. I’m traveling a quite a bit in Feb and March, so this would be a Spring product if folks want them. I’l try to post some pictures this week.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 22, 2024 10:16:57 GMT -5
By chance I came again to the site of Searails and saw that they sell, or sold (as a kit) the Baldwin RF-16 "Sharknose" (A) ; such a model would be fine if AZL could make it too, but in RTR version ! Search for “shark” on this site and you will find that Hans is apparently quite opposed to doing this model due to its ugly factor. He’s not the only one opposed to Baby Shark. (Doo-doo-de-do-do) Now get THAT out of your head!
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 22, 2024 10:16:07 GMT -5
When I began 2017 the only Budd's available were NH, so I decided to model Massachusetts around 1965, with NH and NYC. Meanwhile I bought the NYC Budd's, too. We have more things coming for your layout this year.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 17, 2024 22:58:24 GMT -5
Roadnames for the “mid month” release will be: Southern Pacific Santa Fe And Norfolk Southern
More details to follow
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 13, 2024 12:46:34 GMT -5
It will be sometime next week. Rob K likes to keep on a strict schedule. Me? Not as much.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 2, 2024 23:25:41 GMT -5
I would like to see some Western Paving cars that used to run out of northwest Denver, CO. Me too, but I could not get enough data / good photos for the artwork, so next time I'll give it a whirl.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 2, 2024 23:24:33 GMT -5
Any chance we could see the artwork PDF on these cars? Several are red-ish/brown-ish in color and wanted to see which would fit my MACX train that is a patchwork of former GRR cars along with some that are a "red-brown". The "winner" will be purchased and stripped of logos/reporting marks to represent the cars including the accompanying photo. (these cars themselves have varying color tones too which makes it more interesting.)View AttachmentView Attachment Hi Doug, We keep the PDFs private, but I can share with you two Pantone colors we used: 201c and 483c - those are the closest to what I think you want. Best -R
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jan 2, 2024 9:24:20 GMT -5
The other thing...if these were so far along, I'm guessing the GRR's will be a next run thing.....aka 8-10 years. Not so fast with the negativity! Made the GRR too. That was an add to the order since the last post. Happy New Year!
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 31, 2023 19:53:47 GMT -5
“Drop-In” is a misnomer. The Decoder manufactures use a slightly thinner board (but used longer time than AZL) so the are ‘too loose’ and would fall out. Rather than AZL to start making the chassis to the world-wide dimensions, the decoder manufactures add solder to help make them fit. Hi Jeff, Just to keep the record straight: that’s an oversimplification. Not blaming you because I can see how you came to those conclusions by simply seeing the final products. There were many, many rounds of discussions between us at AZL, and Digitrax and TCS regarding design, specifications, manufacturing process, and parts supply. At the end of the day, the concept was a bridge too far - although one we all agreed to and tried our best. The idea of a single SKU for a massive line of products was exceptionally tempting. Given our low sales volume compared to other scales, it was most likely the only way to get multiple decoder manufacturers involved with AZL. It was also a long time ago. PCB setup and design costs have plummeted and our sales volume has gone up, so individual PCBs are now a possibility. We have switched to screw in designs. The future looks bright. Thanks for your support and Happy new year! Rob(a)
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 29, 2023 16:04:23 GMT -5
hello thank you for the quick answer definitively AZL locomotives 24'' so it is 61cm it seems that I have a good possibility here Happy to help. If you have space for a larger helix, then I would use it! A 1 meter diameter helix will produce much better operations. I would say that 61cm is the minimum.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 29, 2023 13:14:25 GMT -5
Hello fellow Z scalers, I need some help.
I am thinking about the future of my layout and one option would be to have an upper level . I should have room for an helix about 1m radius. But never seen this working in Z scale on long trains.
Did one of you guys have an helix on your personnal or club layout, and using it for long trains ? (10 to 20 cars) if so, what is the radius of the helix ? What is the incline or the grade ? do you experience any kind of problem (loco staling or sliping, uncoupling) ? do you need helpers at the back of the train ? American or European? I know this sounds weird, but we use traction tires with AZL locos. Marklin does not (except the marklin locomotives that we build for them) I used 24” diameter helix for my gotthard layout. Thats a 2% incline, and it uses mainly Marklin locomotives. A single locomotive can pull about 15 cars up that.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 26, 2023 19:20:50 GMT -5
I have tried messaging Rob reference one of the PRR GP7s I purchased during Black Friday Week #1. It has a broken coupler and I am trying to get a replacement truck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Happy New Year! Please contact Rob Kluz.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 26, 2023 11:31:13 GMT -5
Shame. Another source bites the dust. True, but he sold his tooling to MTL years ago. After that, he was a retailer. A bit of schadenfreude from me? Perhaps. AZL offered him significantly more for his tooling than he eventually sold it for to MTL. The problem was we were the first to offer to buy it, and I think he was very unhappy that we offered less than it cost him to make it in the first place. Then pride kicked in, and I beleive he was embarassed to come back to us negotiate. He essentially gave it to MTL. And now you know that little behind the scenes story! Happy New Year! -Rob(A)
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Post by Rob Albritton on Dec 24, 2023 12:58:20 GMT -5
Happy Holidays everyone!
On Christmas Eve, I always like to reflect on all of the good things in life: Good health, Family and Friends.
In that spirit, I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I deeply appreciate our clients and partners - you make our hobby and AZL a lot of fun, and for that I thank you.
I hope Santa brings everyone what they want, that you get to enjoy this special time of year - and maybe get a break to enjoy your railroad a little bit too!
-Rob(A)
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