Well I decided to try and frustrate myself by adding Z Scale couplers to some of my units. Still need to master this addition! Heres the first I finished. Also added BLMA trainline airhose's. These are the best looking airhoses made right now! (And an easy addition. Drill a hole, insert airhose, done!) Also added BLMA's truck mounted spare knuckle holder. Another excellent detail part that was easy to apply. Thanks Craig!
Side view. Tried coupling to some different cars/engines, and with the plow, anything with a magnet pin will not couple. Also, heres a good look at the knuckle holder.
For some reason, this Hallmark is one of my favorite units. It's noisy, but runs great. It got Z Couplers, windows, BLMA rearview mirrors, and liftrings installed. Still need to weather all these units. But...a little at a time!
And last for tonight before I head to bed, a GP35 with Z Scale couplers. Started weathering this unit with chalks, and going to finish it with the airbrush.
JD: Do the Z scale couplers just fit into the N scale coupler pockets? You must have to shim them somehow. The details look really nice. I am going to have to look at BLMA.
The Z scale couplers do require some shimming. On the few units I tried I just matched the top of the coupler up with the top of the Micro Trains N Scale Coupler guide. I did have trouble where I'd installed a Z coupler on the front of units with a plow.. they had trouble coupling with anything else because the plow got in the way. But, you can't beat how great they look! Tim
Jerry, As usual, great work! My fleet of ATSF/BNSF enigines is growing and I'm looking to detail. Your work makes me really want to dig in and get to it! One question, where do your get your a/c units from? I'm having a heck of a time finding any.
You know JD, I know where there are a lot of EL & NJT engines that are calling for that great detail work of yours!!!!!! If you listen real close you'll hear"Jeerrry,Jeerrry,We're hear in Jersey,we want to be cool,Detail US". Nice work JD . Someday you'll have show me how to add that stuff,what drill bits to buy etc. BTW,that ATSF red,white & blue beauty.Was that painted by you?
Jerry: I've been using the Z scale MT # 905 couplers on the pilots of my steam loco's and they look great. Have to try a few on my transition era diesels. Do you have to use a shim in the coupler pocket for the diesel such as a Kato SD-40?
Very nice work JD. With the height of the trip pins above the rail...will they still operate over permanently mounted, under-the-rail uncoupler magnets? Mike
Thanks Jerry! Everything is looking very good!! I have to ask you about what paint you used on your track, but that will be when I start building a layout (which may not be for a feeeeew years). Once I come out with my 48" fans you'll have to add those to all of your equipment as well! Mike, the Z scale couplers are more to scale and do look a lot better then the N Scale couplers, just buy the built up ones (905's?). [ 24. August 2004, 21:17: Message edited by: Craig Martyn ]
So for coupler height, do you go on the centerline of the N scale coupler gauge, or what? Or just so its all the same?
Aww, come on. There is nothing so rewarding as spending a big chunk of time and finally being able to assemble these things.
Jerry, I'll ask the question Craig isn't ready to ask yet: What brand/color paint do you use on your track? The rails look great, and so does. . .everything else! Beautiful work, man! Kevin
