Hello all, After stepping away from the hobby for a bit, I've gotten back but have run into some problems with a couple of AZL locomotives. I have a NYC GP-30 that cannot run through most of my switches (Rokuhan) cab-first without bottoming out and getting caught. It runs the other way just fine. I also have a CSX SD-70 that ran intolerably loud, so I attempted to reseat the trucks, but damaged it trying to get it back on (I don't know if that would have even fixed the issue if I was successful). The GP-30 was defective (but past the warranty date), while the SD-70 is my fault (but still defective). I have another AZL SD-70 (Conrail) that runs fine, so I know the noise wasn't a design issue. Is there somewhere I can send them where somebody who knows what they're doing can get them running? Thanks, Ken
Ken, I'd suggest contacting Don Fedjur out in Carlsbad, CA. I've sent you a PM with his email address. He's the guy to talk to about AZL repairs. John Raildig.com
Check the GP-30 to see if the coupler box is drooping. It could be that it is hanging up on the switches. It's not hard to fix if that is what is hitting the switches.
Ken welcome back to the hobby. Don is the guy to go to for AZL maintenance. But you may be able to resolve the GP30 issue without having to send it out. It definitely sounds like the coupler box is hanging. The coupler can basically separate from the truck. A snap like pin holds it in place. You may be able to snap it back into place. I found removing the shell is necessary. Remove the shell and then pull up on the coupler box until it snaps back into place. Sometimes, you have to remove the truck. If the coupler has deformed and will not snap into place, then replacement of the truck will be necessary. If that is the issue, contact me offline and will work with you on the replacement truck. My email is rob@ztrack.com Rob
The truck and coupler are one piece. This coupler does hang lower than the other one. It's the front of the truck part that's catching, though.
Ken try the steps I mentioned. The coupler parts sounds like it is separated from the track assembly. See if that solves the issue. If not, contact me offline. Rob
Thanks! I grabbed the coupler and gave it a good shove upwards and that did the trick. I couldn't get the shell off, but the trucks on the GP30 come on and off much easier than the SD70, which fell apart into 4 pieces once I removed it and was very difficult to get back on. Well, one down, one to go!
Excellent!! I love the easy fixes. Contact Don for the SD70. He is the guy for those kind of repairs. Rob
