RS-3's Are Here

poppy2201 Jun 15, 2020

  1. poppy2201

    poppy2201 TrainBoard Member

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    The first of many road names have been released by AZL. The first to arrive is the Northern Pacific.
     
  2. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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  3. ztrack

    ztrack TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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    We posted a short video showcasing the new NP RS3. Here is the link:



    Rob
     
  4. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Jeff called me last night and said they were released first at John Cubbin's store, so I ordered all 3 numbers. My order has been in for 13 hours so far... I just don't know if I can take it... the wait! I am shaking and pacing back and forth like an expectant father. :D

    Happy happy happy, Joy joy joy!
     
  5. poppy2201

    poppy2201 TrainBoard Member

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    Robert I figured it wouldn't take you long to pull the trigger! I know you will enjoy them just as I will as soon as the Southern's are released. I can hardly wait.
     
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  6. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    you sound like the VO-1000 that I am waiting for the second time...
     
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  7. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

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    Hah, ha, ha...:p
     
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  8. LWR21

    LWR21 TrainBoard Member

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    Robert Ray, I've never met you, but as soon as I saw the email from US Z Scale I thought of how pleased you'd be. Please share some photos of your new "family" on your amazing new modules.
     
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  9. Chris333

    Chris333 TrainBoard Supporter

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    haha there goes Robert's retirement.
     
  10. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Yeah, I plan on a quick verification of DC operation first, then DCC conversion with a Digitrax Transponding decoder, and finally on to shell detailing and MTL coupler conversion.

    This is the first AZL locomotive with a coupler pocket designed to match the MTL coupler dimensions. I don't know why they waited so long, but it will be nice to be able to easily install an MTL coupler.

    I am surprised that AZL included the NP signature Steam Bell on this loco. That and the raised angled number boards are correct for the NP. I don't know what to do about the marker lights that were just above those number boards, as they are a super small detail for Z, but I will be adding the firecracker antenna. I have to research when the bubble bum lights for yard service were installed, and specific models get winter cab window extensions, canvas shades, and I think many were outfit with a special cab heater.


    This photo shows that cab heater with it's exhaust pipe just behind the cab, as well as the firecracker antenna and bubble gum light on top of the cab. Also visible is the marker lights above the number boards. Also note that the steam bell is closer to the cab than it is on the AZL model. Little subtle details, a canvas window shade, and the "F" on the short hood, depicting the short hood as the front of the NP units. Some railroads ran long hood forward, so pay attention to your prototype.
    NP 858a.jpg

    Am I foaming? I'm not foaming am I? You guys don't think I'm foaming do you? OK, maybe just a little. :D
     
  11. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    sounds like a great review, if only Atlas would use the right stack and headlights on their Southern Pacific RSD5's in N...I am a bit jealous
     
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  12. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    I'm so glad they designed the pilot to switch out the coupler. That is very customer friendly. Hats off to AZL!
     
  13. RobertAllbritton

    RobertAllbritton TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the kind words. This was a fun project to work on and we look forward to bringing many more smiles to Z scale fans!
     
  14. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

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    rray, perhaps "effervescence" is good for your health? :D
     
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  15. JoeS

    JoeS TrainBoard Member

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    I’m sure I missed it somewhere but what road names are being released?

    Also I really like the look of the mechanism...it looks like they are making it more robust.
     
  16. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Over on that other z scale forum, they have a complete list with pics of all the first run.
     
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  17. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    Mine arrived today, while I was packing the camping gear up for a quick Fathers day vacation.

    We got a 3 household camping-fishing-ATV riding trip planned, meeting the first group in Horseshoe Bend at 8AM, then convoy up to Herrick Reservoir, where it was snowing last weekend. Bringing the side by side, and quads, tent camping. 3rd family coming up Friday night, and staying till Monday, so it will be a while till I can really dig into those RS-3's

    I did however have time to pop off the shell on one. Paint looks good, however a bit thick and detail obscuring/rounding. Looks like the rear of the PC board could be cut off and leave enough room for a decoder. My pc board is only attached with 3 screws, it looks like they forgot to drill the frame for the 4th screw. I can't wait to get to it, but first it's vacation time. :D
     
  18. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Guys,

    This is subject to change, but right now the initial plan is to release all road names by March 2021 in this order. I repeat THIS MAY CHANGE!!!

    D&H RS3
    ATSF RSD4
    NYC RS3
    SP RSD5
    C&O RSD5
    NH RS3
    UP RS2
    SOU RS3
    MILW RS3
    CN RS3
    PRR RS3
    DRGW RS3
    GN RS3
    BN RS3
    SSW RS3
    SAL RS3
    CP RS3

    We hope you enjoy these little locomotives as much as we enjoyed bringing this project to life.

    Cheers,
    -Rob(A)
    AZL

    ****"Borrowed" this from over on the other Z-forum, hope it's ok. This'll give y'all an idea of the releases.****
     
  19. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Kurt. I couldn't find a list on AZL's site. I will be getting at least one of the NHRR ones. Jim
    Thanks, Kurt. I didn't find this on AZL's site. I will be getting at least one of them in NHRR. What other forum? Jim
     
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  20. JoeS

    JoeS TrainBoard Member

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    Something for everyone here. I have been learning towards PC conrail NYC lately. So...got to like the NYC release. The truck detail on the closeup pictures of model is impressive. Bet they haul a brick too!
     
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