My First Run As A Z Scaler

I was going to wait until my T-TRAK-Z modules arrived before testing things but the urge was so overpowering that I connected a few pieces of track to test out the AZL GP38-2. One issue I have is that the loco has AZL AutoLatch™ couplers that are supposed to be compatible to MTL but the loco would not connect with the MTL box cars I have. I'm going to closely look at everything tomorrow and reevaluate everything.

Anyway it was fun to watch it in motion.

Regards,
Charles

 

Hi Charles,

All z scale knuckle couplers will couple together. But the Mtl magnematc knuckle couplers are the only ones which can, be used for coupling cars by the train itself, hands free. These can be uncoupled with a magnet under the track. They also have the delayed uncoupling possibility, so you can spot cars where you want. You can really switch with these mtl couplers.

/Frank

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ANE-LX1 met Tapatalk

 

They won't "easily" couple, like if you back the loco into them, but a bump will.
The early 2005 era locos and rolling stock did not have the 'AutoLatch' Couplers and has to be 'lift' coupled, as the couplers were really stiff and would not split open
The GP-38 has the AutoLatch couplers so you should be able to push or bump them together.

 

Thanks for the replies. I apologize for the quality of the images attached but the first image the loco will not couple. The second image shows that change the heading of the loco and the front coupler will couple and hold. Is it an adjustment I have to make on the one coupler?

If I were to change out the couplers on the loco, what MTL couplers would I use to match the rolling stock?

Regards,
Charles

 

Welcome to Z! Houston we have a problem. It looks like the coupler on the rear on the loco is backwards! It needs flipped so the hook side is on the right, not the left (if looking straight down on the loco). So here are the options.

1: Replace the front truck with the rear truck. The front truck will have the reversed coupler, but you will be able to use it

2: Take the coupler apart and flip the pieces so it is correct

3: Contact me offline and I will work with you personally to get it resolved. We are the distributor for AZL and handle their warranty claims and support.

My email is robkluz@ztrack.com or ztrack@aol.com

Rob

 

Thanks Rob. I have sent you an email.

Regards,
Charles

 

Doh !

Guess it was not towing anything during testing

 

Close up its hard to make out by it looks like your coupler is installed upside down!

 

Nope!

After my failed first attempt with couplers in Z Rob Kluz is sending me a replacement truck. Thanks Rob.

Regards,
Charles

 

I'm still in the process of swapping original autolatch truck-mounted couplers with MTL body mounted samples on my AZL Geeps. Ididn't make a lot of progress these last months but as soon as I have found a clever way to complete this duty I'll post my process in these columns...

Dom