Actually AZL offered decals with the G3 / G4 release. I personally am not a fan of decal concept. From our research, most customers won't apply the decals. They really want ready to run out of the box. Just look at MTL's attempt to do this with passenger cars. I constantly see photo of the first runs of these cars running without the decals applied. Also, without proper application, decal can be seen on the shell. Pad printing offers a much cleaner finish. I do believe there is a good aftermarket opportunity for companies to offer decal sheets for specific products. Sort of an upgrade package with new road numbers and other details. This approach could be a lot of fun and really give modelers more options. Rob
As Mark mentioned the problem with re-numbering is you need a loco without numbers in the first place. Pad printing sticks from my experience better on the shell than the paint. Removing pad printing goes along with partial re-paint. On top AZL numberboards are etched plates so they have to be removed too.... On the other hand I agree with Rob, making decal films invisible requires propper preparation and a clear cote as finish. It's hard to please everyone...
Rob, no problem. You just have to send all the WC 700 series engines to me for proper re-numbering. We won't discuss the amount of time that it may take... Regardless, looking forward to seeing the new releases from AZL. ~Paul E.
Hey rob off topic but what ballast do they use for there display photos? It's very impressive and real looking. Would def cop some of that rock
Matt I am going to defer to Loren Snyder on this one. Loren build the diorama that we were using for product photos. It is a great scene! I loved taking photos on it during the NTS. Rob
Yes. AZL's first release were bi-level. The 2nd run includes both bi-level and tri-level autoracks. Rob
Matt, most of us use Arizona Rock and Mineral http://www.rrscenery.com/ The N scale stuff (-1) is by far, the closest you will get for Z. Do not think that if -1 N is good then -0 is Z. It is powder. Their catalog has terrible images but the rock quality is awesome. Highball, Woodland Scenics, etc. are really much bigger, chunkier, debri, etc. .
