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Re: AZL October 2021 New Releases Part 2


 

This is really excellent news ! First the availability of a Z scale switcher and above all the (nearly complete) compatibility? with MTL's magnematic coupler, as the first role of a switcher is to... switch, what AZL's coupler doesn't allow.
However, I've a few questions today :
-First, is there any indication of how how much lenght the MTL coupler box has to be trimmed ? BTW I already tried that with a few MTL coupler boxes in the past (for AZL GP38 and MTL GP9/35 use) and all ended the same : all the inside stuff, hinged parts and spring went off and the coupler box was wasted.
-2nd : for MTL coupler box trimming : is it advisable to use a dremmel with a very thin disk, rather than the hobby knife the procedure sheet speaks about ?
-And finally 3rd : will the adapter be sold as a spare part (for example at AZL Direct's) for use on any other AZL locomotive ? I'm thinking about my GP38-2s (only one is retrofitted - with non trimmed MTL coupler boxes which I definitly think they protrude too far) and above all about my GP30, which has rather short chassis / carbody beyond trucks...

Dom






Le dimanche 10 octobre 2021 ¨¤ 04:56:20 UTC+2, Robert Kluz via groups.io <ztrack@...> a ¨¦crit :


AMERICAN Z LINE

October 2021 New Releases Part 2

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TODAY Z SCALE CHANGED ¨C THE SW1500s ARE HERE!

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Since the inception of Z scale, US modelers have asked the question, when will a true switcher be commercially available? Today is the day. AZL is excited to announce the immediate release of SW1500s.

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Produced by EMD between 1966 and 1974, a total of 808 SW1500 switchers were produced. Over 60 railroads ordered these locomotives including the majority of the class 1 railroads. The SW1500 was rated at 1,500hp. While chiefly a freight locomotive, the SW1500s would see limited passenger service as well on the commuter railroads. Through the years, the locomotive would be passed on to a number of railroads and short-lines. The design and reliability of these locomotives comes through when you consider large numbers are still in use today, nearly 55 years after they were first released.

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AZL has elected to offer the Southern Pacific as the first release. The SP operated 204 of the SW1500s. They were by far the largest fleet owner of SW1500s. AZL is offering three road numbers:

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62702-1 SP EMD SW1500 2615

62702-2 SP EMD SW1500 2620

62702-3 SP EMD SW1500 2621

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The SW1500s feature numerous prototype specific details, traction tires, blacken metal-wheels, innovative drive train and truck design, directional-controlled LEDs and AZL¡¯s AutoLatchTM couplers.

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As a bonus, AZL¡¯s Innovation Lab is including two adapters that allow the SW1500 to be retrofitted with Micro-TriainsTM 905 couplers.

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We have the instructions posted online at:

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Note: We are advising customers not to attempt to remove the shells of the SW1500s. Doing so may result in damage to the locomotive¡¯s shells.

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See the American Z Line site for more information on these and other AZL products.

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Rob Kluz

Ztrack Distribution

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Distributor for American Z Line
Full Throttle & Rokuhan
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and Tenshodo dealer.
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