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Post by ztrack on Sept 25, 2017 7:27:59 GMT -5
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Post by ztrack on Sept 25, 2017 7:25:24 GMT -5
We hear often that customers are asked by dealers to put down deposits to reserve items that are pre-announced. The concept of deposits is not something we at AZL or Ztrack Distribution requires or encourage.
- We never ask dealers to put money down on items that have not been released or even has been released.
- Often final pricing has not even been established. This creates too many unknowns. Release dates are likely unknown. Placing a deposit on an item pre-announcement may mean you will be waiting months or even years with that money in a dealers hands. This can create a bad experience for you, the customer.
- Dealers cannot place 'pre-orders' except in very controlled situations. The model is that dealers are allowed to order items once the items are released. All dealers have access to an online ordering portal where they place their orders as soon as we officially announce products. Orders are processed on a first come basis.
- Subscription programs like the ES44AC heritage series also fall under this policy. We do take reservations for subscription programs, but never ask for dealers to place deposits to be part of this subscription program.
- Putting a deposit on an item does not guarantee you will receive items faster, or even at all.
- This policy is for all products, even our brass offerings. We are accepting pre-orders for the Krauss Maffei's and the NW J locomotives. But again, we are NOT asking for a down payment or money upfront. All pre-orders are on a trust basis.
If your dealer is asking for a deposit and you are uncomfortable doing so, question the dealer. You may also want to look at another dealer. An engaged dealer will track your 'wish' list and place orders for you once items are released. They will not require money upfront to do so. We actively encourage dealers and customer to work together on building 'wish lists' so orders are ready to go once the items are released.
I hope this sheds some light on our policies. Thanks for all of your support!
Rob
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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 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 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 ztrack on Sept 21, 2017 5:38:40 GMT -5
Wow talk about timing! Just last night, I asked our web guru to add 7 new starter sets to AZL Direct. These are all based on the GP7. I will be posting photos as soon as we have these online. It has been fun coming up with these sets since we have a number of new freight cars to work with.
I was going to ask this question when we announced the new sets, but I might as well ask it now. What other start sets would you like see? As an example type of loco and number of freight cars? I hope to come up with a few more options before our busy time of year hits.
Rob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 20, 2017 18:13:23 GMT -5
Thanks Doug! It was a lot of fun coming up with this concept. I think John really nailed the art for the plan!
On the renewal, you would have received a letter and a post card. Checking though, it looks like you have a new address. I am wondering if these got forwarded to you.
Rob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 19, 2017 7:07:56 GMT -5
In the current issue of Ztrack, I have an AZL inspired track plan concept for the Montana Rail Link. With AZL offering both the MRL SD45 and SD70ACe, I know I wanted to do a large track plan around the MRL. AZL's modern offering a perfect for this concept layout, especially with the large amount of BNSF equipment now available. You can also find in the new issue of Ztrack: AZL’s ES44ACs are now here! Trafouchs 4 Seasons in Z Hood decals complete Chessie GP30 Marklin summer new items Rokuhan’s new C11 steam locomotive Artitec’s ready made accessories New MTL offerings And so much more…. Not a subscriber? Then start today! Both print and digital subscriptions are available. Visit our site to get started today! www.ztrackmagazine.comRob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 18, 2017 16:47:35 GMT -5
Oh that is sharp.... I SO wish the CSX would get into the Heritage game. How do we get the Monongahela and not the P&LE! Think about all the amazing heritage units CSX could do. It would be amazing...
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Post by ztrack on Sept 15, 2017 7:41:42 GMT -5
I found this image on Railpictures.net the other day. What a classic photo of a NYC RDC. What is very striking is the woodside caboose and outside braced boxcar visible in the background. The photo was taken in July of 1960. It really shows the length of time the outside braced cars ran. I mention this since AZL has just released these cars. Really, you can run them with your Mikados all of they way through your F3s and even your early SD units! Here is more information on the photo: www.railpictures.net/photo/627472/The photographer has been posting some really interesting images from Mackinaw City Michigan from this period. I didn't realize the NYC was so involved with Michigan. Take a look at some of his other photos. You will see what I mean. Rob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 14, 2017 6:46:08 GMT -5
For Marklin, contact Frank Daniels at Z Scale Hobo. He is now performing Marklin loco service and repair. His email is:
frank@zscalehobo.com
Rob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 14, 2017 6:40:28 GMT -5
AMERICAN Z LINE September 2017 New Release – Part 2 ES44AC – NS - Southern: 62411-3 NS-Heritage SOU ES44AC 8099 Budd – RDCs – VIA: 62220-1 VIA Budd RDC 6135 62220-2 VIA Budd RDC 6148 NEW BODY STYLE – 40’ Outside braced boxcar! Previewed during the National Train Show in August, AZL is excited to announce that the 40’ outside braced boxcars are here! And for the first release, we bring you the very popular ATSF! A single, a two-pack and two four-packs are available. Each car has unique road numbers. That is eleven different numbers in the ATSF release! 903100-1 ATSF 40´ Outside Braced Boxcar 12947 Single 903170-1 ATSF 40´ Outside Braced Boxcar 12938, 12946 Two-pack 913100-1 ATSF 40´ Outside Braced Boxcar 12936, 12937, 12941, 12944 Set 913100-2 ATSF 40´ Outside Braced Boxcar 12939, 12940, 12942, 12948 Set The cars feature etched metal walkways, doors that open, blackened metal wheels, fine printing and AZL’s AutoLatchTM couplers. See the American Z Line sites for more information on these and other AZL products. www.americanzline.comwww.azldirect.comRob Kluz Ztrack Distribution
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Post by ztrack on Sept 14, 2017 6:27:24 GMT -5
Definitely blue! The photo below shows the decal by itself. It does darken slightly due to the red underneath. Love that photo you posted!
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Post by ztrack on Sept 13, 2017 17:49:54 GMT -5
Ztrack Distribution is offering hood decals for AZL's Chessie GP30. We have posted an article on line, as well as the current issue of Ztrack (July/August 2017) on the application of the decal. You can find the online article here: www.ztrackmagazine.com/chessie-gp30-decals/The decals really finish off this fine model! Rob
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Post by ztrack on Sept 10, 2017 9:01:10 GMT -5
We are adding a new collection to Ztrack Resale. The collection contained one 40' gondola lettered for SP. If anyone is interested, it is up on Ztrack Resale: www.ztrackresale.comRob
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