AZL is excited to announce the immediate availability of EMD GP30s. The first release is Southern Pacific. The GP30 features a 7.5 mm can motor, directional controlled LEDs, traction tires, prototype specific details, blackened metal wheels and optional pilot with dummy coupler. The GP30 is DCC ready. Three road numbers have been released. These are: 5012, 5016 and 5017. The item numbers are 62106-1, 62106-2 and 62106-3. The MSRP is $159.00. To accompany the SP GP30, AZL has re-released SP bay-window cabooses. Two new road numbers have been released. These are 1295 and 1316. The item numbers are 92000-6 and 92000-7. The MSRP is $64.00. AZL has also re-released bi-level autoracks. UP is available in both runner packs and single cars. The autoracks have been retooled for better operation and dependability. Two runner packs have been released. The item numbers for the sets are 90202-3 and 90202-4. The road numbers are 973583, 973645, 973661, 973680 for set -3 and 973774, 973899, 973952, 974037 for set -4. The MSRP for the runner packs is $131.00. Two singles have also been released. The part number is 91202-2 and -3. The road number for -2 is 974087 and the road number for -3 is 974116. The MSRP for the single is $38.00. Availability for the autoracks is extremely limited. We are in the process of shipping out standing orders at this time. Look for new road names for the GP30s to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Contact your authorized AZL dealer to order. Rob Kluz
Very nice, Rob. When I saw the autoracks, I realized I pay about the same per car for a quality N scale autorack, and it seems that price is not bad at all. Another random musing: did Espee GP30's ever wear Black Widow paint?
No, the last new loco painted in Black Widow were RS11 in 1959. The GP30 were delivered in 1963. BTW, only 8 to SP, 10 to the sister SSW, not very popular. Good to see the GP30 out now, it will get a lot of attention to make it a true SP loco ;-) Here the link to the prototype
Rob, Can you give more info on the "DCC Ready" statement? Any particular decoder in mind? Thanks and thanks again for more SP! -James
For SP fans, we have the SSWs coming! One little detail I love is the color bar code on the side of the loco. AZL is adding these to the period locos and cars. This is great to see. The PCB has 6 solder points for a decoder. I can't recommend one over the other. I will leave that to the DCC experts. The PCB is one AZL is designed to be used in all of their locos. AZL is also working with a decoder manufacturer for a true drop in decoder. A release date has not been set yet. Gerd, I can wait to see what you do with these. Autoracks, it should be noted that side are etched stainless steel. Pretty cool! Rob
James, the recommended decoder for most AZL's is the TCS Z2. Its the only decoder narrow enough to fit the body. The only engine that doesnt require the Z2 is the RDC. It can use any decoder because it has plenty of room.
Well done. Looks like the fan spacing was corrected. That must have been an expensive little faux pas. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?107748-GP30
Rob, what is the difference in the new auto racks vs. the ones that came out previously. I have a 4 pack of the UP ones and SP ones in the box (not run yet) so am curious what needed to be modified and what has been changed on the new models. Thanks.
They look nice, price is great,by the way, the CB&Q had 38 in its roster..just want to put that out there...
Thanks Rob and John on the DCC info. I wasn't clear from NTS if the drop-in was existing or a new product. Looks like AZL has a winning design.James
Rob/Hans, Looks like you have some more winners. BTW do all of the planned GP30 releases have dynamic brakes or are there no dynamic brake version(s) in the pipeline? ~ Paul E
Don't confuse me with Gerd—he's the superdetailer 'round these parts. Presently I don't have any plans other than simply enjoying owning one, and possibly painting it up in the Reading Bee scheme.
AZL was not entirely happy with the original chassis design. The first run was suppose to have a self centering coupler system. This system worked well in prototype, but not in reality. AZL ended up modifying all of the first run of autoracks to remove the self centering couplers and going with truck mounted couplers. Also, AZL was not entirely happy with bolsters. All this is now rectified in the 2nd release. Yes, a non dynamic brake version is planned. I saw samples at the NTS. I can't remember which roads are missing the dynamic brake. I don't have samples of all the roads so I am unable to verify. Updates on quantities - the UP autoracks are sold out at the manufacturer. I will also be sold out of the SP GP30s today. This is only at the manufacturer/distributor level. Check with your dealer for availability. Rob
The first run were all hand modified so the coupler arm would swing for 195mm curves. These modifications were made in the tooling for the 2nd run, so no hand modifications were needed. These cars also have all new road numbers, thus the new -3 and -4 part numbers. Enjoy! -Rob(A) AZL
The Nickel Plate GP30s didn't have dynamic brakes but still had the blisters. Please please please bring them out! they were the most iconic diesel power on the NKP after the PA1 Bluebirds and they would look great heading a lash up of GP7s KEV
Kev I thought of you last weekend. On our way back from the Kelley's Island, I did a quick detour to Bellevue Ohio to take see their Nickel Plate GP30. We didn't have time to tour the museum, but here is photo we took from the parking lot. Here is a link to the museum. http://www.madrivermuseum.org/ Jim Thomas has been wanting me to tour the museum for some time. I need to make time to go back up there and spend some time exploring their collection. Rob
Rob can we please see a western pacific color way in silver n orange : ) with silver orange stripe on front and that beautie black outline. If so sign me up for 3
