I agree. Before folk start the inevitable clamouring for roadnames, look at the rear of the unit. There's something askew with either the fans or the grilles, either fans too far apart or grilles too short, but it is hard to see due to the black colour . . . A real one for contrast: http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/drgw/drgw3008k.jpg Ben
And I think we need to get a better shot of the fans before we get to far down the road in the discussion about the correctness of the shell. I'm no expert on the GP30, but like most EMD products there are different phases and configurations...Maybe they can squirt a little grey primer on the parts so details are more visable? Regardless, I'm looking forward to another new GP to add to my layout. Joe MTL
Hi Ben, I've got one of the test shots from China in my hand, and I can tell you that it is not out of place or scale. The photos that Hans uploaded are from another angle and the black plastic makes it hard to see the details. I compared the photo you linked to the actual shell: the shell looks spot on. I don't have a camera here at the office, but I'll try to remember to take some pictures and upload them to www.americanzline.com in the next day or so. Best, -Rob
Rob, I just pulled the side view into a photo editor and made the image lighter so I could see the details. It looks fine from that perspective. Again, regardless, I want this engine!!! Joe MTl
Ya' that perspective reveals the difference. On the website, there's a drawing with measurements on it, so somewhere in translation there's an error. Easy fix, if they have not started producing shells. Either way, I'm glad someones goin' for it and producing other products. I'll take two, please!:teeth: Oh, and Joe, can I be in your nightmare's sometime? It looks like fun, sometimes.
Whoah! No kidding! Oh well, Here are some more pictures to help feed the flames. I measured out the fans - again - they are scale 48" and 36" - somehow the plans read better in the native Cantonese. <grin>
as i looked at the pictures it got me to thinking ... did the GP30 ever come without dynamic brakes? i don't think i've ever seen a picture of one sans d/b. where would they make that "cut" on the hood? the way the roof is offset on one side and blends into the d/b blisters on both sides suggests that d/b were the standard for all GP30s. dave f.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_GP30 re: fans, probbly not size but spacing is the trouble. also see http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=359218 jim k
My 5 c to this discussion: Really hard to stand this, -If you are real rivet counter you replace the fans with BLMA ones, so you can move them where ever you want -If you are not a rivet counter this little spacing issue DOESN'T MATTER AT ALL!!! Remember: A couple of years ago everyone got wet pants when MTL has released a new paint scheme for the "lawnmower" F7 and now, in our days, with all new great releases some people expecting a 1000% perfect model for under $200... Can't get it Great job Robert, Hans and Joe!!! Looking forward to all releases incl. all small errors!!! (BTW: this errors keeps me busy )
I would say the fans are the correct size, but keep the center one as is and move the others closer to it. Sad the tooling is already cut that way though. Still it is a very nice locomotive. My vote is for a green/yellow reading unit. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=371809
I bounced back and forth with the pictures of the real ones and the model and I tend to agree, I think the large fans were set just a bit too far back and forward. Moving each one closer to the center one would have been the answer. There seems to be a subtle spacing difference between real photo and the model. But, really, I'm tickled that the loco is on its way to production....flaw or not. Loren
I thought the fans looked off in the first place, but I didn't want to say anything as I'm always the rain of bad news. :tb-wink: I think I am most happy with the trucks. It's great to see a GP with trucks that fit under it.
David look at the link that Chris posted for an example of unit w/o DB Don't have a actual photo reference handy.
from azl website im excited by these to, and i will get a bunch as is for sure. but if i was a manufacturer, id want to know about problems before going into production. if azl doesnt want suggestions for improvement then they should say so. im just calling the shots as i see them. btw, check the fan caps, they are all too small. the others who dont like hearing from us socalled rivet counters, go to some attaboy board. you can flame me all you want now, im done with this. jim k
