It looks nice, and I wish we could just buy the shell, because you can buy the Marklin Blackened Driver version of this mechanism with a 5 pole motor for $50 regularly on ebay. It has a German shell, that I cannot figure out how to Americanize yet, but it is 10 times cheaper, and the blackened driver 5 pole motor drive looks and runs better. Just need the shell? If I did buy the MTL Mogul, I would swap mechanisms, and paint the red spokes black for the best of both worlds. -Robert
Yes, I agree, the Vanderbuilt Tenders look so cool, a guy just has to pay more, but GeeZ 10 times more? The Nn3 guys have had shell kits for Marklin Z Mechanisms available for decades. Who do we contact to form a consortium of Z Scale USRA looking Steamer Shell buyers? Is there absolutely Zero demand for such a product? Let me personally guarantee you, that if it was in MY skillset, we would have shells of MTL and Marklin Bumble Bee quality detail, available for a wide range of USRA style steamers. Who made those Nn3 shells, and WHY did any Z Scale modeler let such an Nn3 shell be produced without a croud of Z Scalers begging. kicking, and screaming for attention NOT convince that shell manufacturer to make a Z Scale shell at the same time? There are many Markline Steam locomotives with lots of wheel arrangements, yet only 1 regularly available steam shell, and that is the 4-6-2 USRA Pacific shell. Marklin used the same shell on their 2-8-2 Mikado, which is really not appropriate for that loco, but they have never made others regularly available. I wish I could buy Bumble Bee Mogul Shells from Marklin. -Robert
Robert, I think Andy Hart of Z-Panzer is a good place to start as he's already shown interest. Here's his contact address: info@z-panzer.com I was lobbying him towards the 0-6-0, but I'm sure he'd be happy to hear from other potential buyers of shells. BTW, I just took possession of his Panzerlok and the photos don't really convey just how sharp his work really is. Here he shows his timetable for his completion of all the cars in this armored set: http://www.z-panzer.com/Plok.html According to this page, he'll be done with this armored set by June. If he gets enough interest, maybe he can be swayed in the USRA arena next. John http://www.ztrains.com
Robert I am with you on this topic 100%. I have always been upset with the cost associated with these things. However I will say I love those MT moguls. I don't own any AZL steam so I cannot comment, but I think the MT moguls are the finest looking steam loco's out there. I now have two and I doubt the wife will let me ever buy the 3rd in the set. Here is a picture of one of mine on my layout for those that have not seen one.
Joe, Just use that good old Joe S charm. Just tell her how much you love her. It never works with me, but I hope it works for you. I am looking at your trademark grain elevator, and I am looking at purchasing one. I remember he is in Canada, and he occasionaly has his stuff in e-bay, but I cant find his site. Do you have his web site. By the way, did you find a good location for your scratch build grain elevator.
Well I don't want to to start anything here, more a question than a statement. Isn't that 2-6-0 just the same as the Nn3 model? Or is it actually Z scale? In Joe's excellent photo it's hard to tell, but when right next to something Z scale it looks very large.
John, I checked the site, but the link doesn't seem to take me there anymore. It is a Canadian or should I say it was a Canadian site. It used to be www.microfigs.com However that takes you to an unusual site. As for the grain elevator I built, funny you should ask. I put it right next to the tracks where that picture of my mogul is! I will be getting some updated pictures of my layout up shortly, been doing some changes so when I get them finished, I'll post. Chris, as to wether or not it is totally Z or Nn3 I can't say for sure. Here is my take on it. Perhaps the mech because it is marklin, is closer to Nn3? The paperwork from micro-trains says this "The body and tender have been carefully crafted to provide you with a prototypically accurate and highly detailed model." So my guess is that it is pretty close. In fact I often go the website http://espee.railfan.net/espee.html Here is a nice shot http://espee.railfan.net/nonindex/preserved/1785_sp-steam-m06-pat_patteson.jpg
Thanks Joe, Now that I look at a few photos, it's the Marklin 2-6-0 (like the yellow one) that looks like a direct copy (minus the cinder trap) of the MT Nn3 locomotive. Cab, domes, boiler all "look" to be the same. The MT Z scale 2-6-0 (like you have) seems to be different altogether. Smaller domes and cab, stack still looks a little bit tall though. I'll get it all straight one day. ; )
I know what you mean Chris, I have a hard time myself. I think the problems usually stem from the use of the marklin mech. which don't seem to always match perfectly. Now Kurt, when are we gonna see some pictures of your tender?
Back in January there was another Micro-Trains 2-6-0 on eBay, same number, 1785, and it was really fun to watch the bidding. The required bid to start was $499.95, and it went all the way past $900 before the bidding was over. There were three or four people who competed to the end---there must have been considerable groaning and gnashing of teeth along the way. I'm glad to have become aware of this one! I doubt it'll get up to $900, but the last day should be interesting. (Not that I'm bidding.)
John, I have one of these Microfigs Grain Elevators! I am not going to use it for I feel it is grossly undersized. But on a small Z scale module it should be ok. My opinion, and having stood next to some of these huge grain elevators, Microfigs should have made it another 2-3 inches taller. The silos should be 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" in diameter. Again, if you want it, I don't mind parting with it! Tim
Yes, I seen that it was over $700 recently, but did not realize how badly people wanted it until this auction. Maybe it's just collector value, but for the extra $500 paid over the Marklin Bumble bee, I can live without the Vandy!
I have access to top quality investment casting and own a high-res RP machine. I don't plan on competing with MT but I would like to try a cast Nickel silver or silicon bronze North American shell for a Maerklin steamer. I would like to use the Mikado to produce a Berkshire (or better still, 2 Mikados to produce a 2-8-8-2 Y6B of the N&W).
