I received last week my AZL Mikado and decided to bring even closer to the prototype in 1950 condition. I'm very impressed with the Mikado out of the box, so many applied details, the working gear and this all for just over $200. Which makes me think if AZL if AZL is profitably selling those complex and detailed Mikes with this price tag further diesel releases should never cost more than $150... Back to the subject, the loco got a good kitbash and super detailing treatment: railings, grab irons, smoke chamber support, correct pilot, Elesco feedwater heater & pump, compressor moved to engineers side of the engine, generator moved, new and additional tubing and pipes, cab windows modified, oil tank on tender with railings, etc. The smoke chamber got a correct paintjob too. I placed new decals and gave it a good weathering as per some prototype pictures I found. So a complete make over. BTW: the engine is for me! Not for sale, but if you want one like this too we can talk...
Really sharp, and realistic looking. I don't think I will weather mine that much. On my modern layout, mine has to run as a restored excursion engine.
Excellent!! That looks incredible. I love the weathering. Nice added details! Seriously that did not take long at all. Rob
I typically keep the first prototype for any new project for myself until some overseas tourist talks me out of it Thanks guys, we all had to wait a long time, so no time was wasted getting my hands on it and it's a fun model do deal with too, more Mikados to come.
Chris, Maybe try a Detail Associates N-Scale Elesco Pump http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=14566 It doesn't work out bad for Z. Slightly oversized, but not extreme. Dan S.
Now for an NP W-class Mikado! Get at it! Killer work as always. Can't wait for my chance to jump back into Z; it'll start with a Mikado.
Nice job. I intend to do two similar bashes to represent C&S Mikados which were purchased from CB&Q. Alert
Nice kitbash, Robert. You can clearly see how far Z has come from the original Marklin design to today's AZL
They both look so beautiful... Has anyone tried to run the AZL backwards? I was at the show last weekend and the one Rob had barely could pull its own weight and could not pull a single car backwards.. It is a awesome sight to see the steams run backward maybe it was a one off problem. I would like to see it run backwards can anyone post a video. Kim
Mine is running backwards like forwards on straights, in curves it has the tendency to derail on the trailing axle, guess it's because of the non-swivel bar which connects to the tender.