All, The much anticipated CGLaser Z Scale J Tower was just released. http://www.gclaser.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GI&Category_Code=ZS Already ordered mine! John
Looks like nice detail! I might have to get one of these myself. The little cupola on the top is kinda cute (did I actually say that). The window frames look a little chunky to me. Is that a function of the prototype or simply the level of detail that their laser is capable of in Z scale? Windows aren't a big concern since there are other techniques that can be substituted for the kit windows if neccessary. RANDY
Randy, have you taken a look at their HO scale tower. The windows looks much better. I also think the windows took too chunky, and I dont know what kind of glazing they are using, but it doesn't look good.
hey guys, I must be missing something obvious- wouldn't be the first time so hopefully you will put me right why are you getting excited about this tower, when there is much better quality example available from Micronart?: Chris
Chris, I own a Micronart tower and one from Marklin. I'm personally excited about the GCLaser one for several reasons. One its a totally different design from than anything out there. Two its laser wood cut which I personally like and feel lends itself to easier kitbashing. And three its from a new manufacturer who has jumped into Z and I always welcome and get excited about any and all new products from new manufacturer. John
What I would like to see are Hybrid kits with etched brass, cast metal, and laser cut wood materials. The GC Laser tower does look nice, and there is room for all 3, although the Marklin is hard to find. -Robert
Rob, exactly my sentiment ! and that is already the way for a lot of other plastic kits combining moulded parts with etched parts etc John, the only problem I have is those windows :angry: I think there are limits to what can be done with laser and wood cut parts should be used where appropriate, rather than all over the model, because this is the only technology that the manufacturer uses. Chris
I know the design fix for making windows that small look great... The trick is simple, you just apply transfer adhesive tape to the wood before cutting out the windows, then after painting you peel and stick clear window glazing material. Silver tinted mylar from Tap Plastic laser cuts great, and when used in Z Scale models you cannot see the silver, but just enough reflection off the surface to show a clean tiny window through those mullions. It would look great, and if I buy that kit, I do that mod. -Robert
All, I completed the GCLaser J Tower this evening. Great kit. I found it a challenge and don’t recommend it for the beginner molder. I did some modifications to the tower to fit my era and railroad location. I took out most of the mullions from the windows giving the windows a more traditional look, one that is similar to the towers in the region I model. I did not build the cupola on the roof since that is a PRR item for this version of tower and I added a brick chimney and chimney capping. I added roof cappings between the roof and awning sections using chart tape (my favorite material for roof cappings). I did not build the stairs using the supplied individual stairs, instead I used a 1:200 scale styrene stair case from Plastruct which work out very well and saved me a lot of time. I added window shades to the inside of each window. Finally, I painted the tower in typical NYC&HRRR colors. I really like the way it turned out and compliments the Despatch Junction Freight Station on my module very nicely. John
Coincidentally snapped this this morning! First time trying to post a photo:embarassed: I love the fine detail on Reynard's kits. Jimmy
Nice work John and Jimmy! I like both of those towers, but I bought one of the plastic kits... Kibri or Vollmer, I can't remember which. I plan on using the brick parts and cut wood parts for the rest instead of thick plastic. I want to take the drastic out of plastic!
Hello, Not easy to understand for us poor Europeans what is a J-Tower. The first one looked to me a little bit like chinese restaurant Jacuzzi Tower ? :no: But than I understood, it's for switching Greetings Armand
All towers have a letter or 2 to identify them. Here is the real PRR J tower: http://prr.railfan.net/photos/teabow/StrasburgRR_JTower_front34_RayThibaut.jpg Behind my house was where the B&O crossed over the Erie mainline, there was a tower there. It was "P" tower. Down the road Erie's mainline split up to Chicago or Cleveland, it had "SN" tower http://www.internetcashplanet.com/RailroadTowers/Erie%20Towers/SNjctmachine.htm
Great, I am really surprised by the style of the construction. Do you know during what years it was builded ? I imaginate that all this was in wood and or steel. But this one look more Victorian style. Armand
http://jbritton.pennsyrr.com/tour_lemoyne.ws4d this was the original location of the preserved J tower Chris
