I am on the verge of heading into Z. My N scale layout will probably never get built as the garage will never be emptied or done and I am never able to carve out enough space for even a module - except on a shelf in my office, so... I want to model a shortline and the GP38s will work fine and I may have the nerve, eventually, to lower the nose of a couple tiny GP9, but what I really want off the bat is a pair of MP15 to use in the urban industrial area, which I will model first. The SW1500s are tempting, but I a wondering what the scuttlebutt out there is, the informed opinion - do you think Z scale will get a MP15 soon? Byan
As I have been in the Z-scale model trains for nearly 30 years I can say it's rather long to have new items, even if AZL makes an outstanding work to improve availability of various products. But as we have now one brand of switcher, furthermore a very common one, I don't see the release of a second one any time soon. Too many items still to be released.. But I'm not a fortune teller. Dom
I doubt we will see a mass produced MP15 anytime soon. There have been efforts over the 20 years of people making custom built switchers. I suppose it would be possible with current 3D printers to make a good shell/kit. The only issue is I don't think any of the available chassis have the right wheelbase. Well, it would be a bit of time and work. There is a guy in Australia who makes custom Z scale locomotives using modified chasses, and photoetched parts. It likely wont be cheap, I'm not sure if he still takes custom work, but you could reach out to him if it is a must have engine for you. He is on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/trainsatenkaydesign/ Here is a Z scale MP15 he built recently. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1117898663669378 -Matt
I'd love to see an MP15 too (preferably the DC version). I have a body shell drawing for 3D printing but I'm not sure what to do about a chassis. I thought about stretching an SW1500 chassis but I think I'll have a hard time cutting up one of them! Steve W
One of the things I like about T gauge (my other layout) is that you can buy motorized chassis and design/build your own shells. I have designed and printed several shells for T. When I started Z a few months ago, I searched for motorized chassis, and the only think I could find was two Rokuhan Shorty chassis. And it's not like you're going to find old, beat up Z gauge stuff at the thrift store that you could justify tearing up and rebuilding. I'd like a generic motorized chassis to create my own designs.
