Hi Zheads I wonder how the shell can be removed on the AZL GP38-2 without breaking anything. Do you have any tips? Which decoder can be used here? By the way, regarding another thread about ZscaleMonster and question about still in business. I ordered my GP38's last friday night, on saturday I got an email telling me it was already in express delivery. Yesterday it arrive to my local postoffice in Norway. They even were on my door trying to deliver it personally yesterday, but I was not at home so I went to the postoffice today using the online tracking I got in the email, and picked up the engines. Under a week delivery time to Norway!! And I even got some money back because to much postage was charged initially. Ended up paying $37.18 in postage, express delivery, which I think is a very good price. Even without the refund, the price was ok. So I am very satisfied with this shop. It was cathed by the custom in Norway, so I needed to pay 25% local Norwegian VAT, but thats OK.
The shell just pulls off. The drop-in DCC unit is a Digitrax DZ123Z0. They have a video on their web site showing shell removal and decoder installation. Mark
So just holding in the fueltank and pull the shell stright up? No holding "pin" so you need to put some thin items on each side between the body and shell and bend the shell out? I guess its not wise to hold in the wheel-boggie?
I used the the toothpick method. I put a toothpick on each side and slide it out. I also used the new DZ123z0 on my GP38, but I may switch to the TCS Z2 wired decoder on my next one. I really like the TCSs decoders.
I think I will use the toothpick method. I got it off(after watching the video), but there are 4 holding "pins", so its better to put something in on each side, I think. I was also wondering about using the TCSs decoders, which I already have several of in my stock. Actually I forgot to order the Digitrax decoders. Any experience with Digitrax DZ123Z0 compared to the TCS Z2?
The biggest advantage with TCS is that you can run on dc track. Another advantage I like its the ability to start the loco at step 1. With Digitrax, the loco doesnt move until step 3.
Thank you for all input. I have just tested the new GP38's and they all run very smooth on DC. A little bit more noise from it compared to other engines from AZL, but I guess that is because they use a cheaper motor. I am happy with that, specially because that will give the low price of the engine. I also have TCS Z2's available, so I will install DCC asap. Tonight I am a happy AZL and ZScaleMonster customer in Norway.
Hi Loren, We used the same motor in: GP30 RDC GP38-2 So if you liked the RDC or GP30, you should have equal satisfaction with the GP38-2. Best, -Rob(A) AZL
Not so fast my friend. I think the GP38 is the worst runner of the 3. I am not saying is bad runner, but if I was to rank them. I would rank the RDC #1, GP7 #2, and the GP38 #3. My hope was all future AZL engines would use the RDC mechanism.
The performance is between the 3 loco's from AZL is very similar. At least mine. I do think the GP 7 is the smoothest of the bunch, but for some reason my gp 38 is very quiet and smooth, more so than my gp 30. What makes a loco noisey can be many things like gears and meshing, shell, etc... For instance, I am quite certain MT uses the same motor on the gp 35 and the SD 40-2. My gp is loud, the SD 40-2 is whisper quiet and smooth as silk. I am sure others might have the oppositte experience. I'll go one further, on my two MT moguls (marklin 2-6-0 mechanisms), if I clean the brushes and replace with the tension too high they are loud. If I get them just right, I can hardley hear them. So I have varied experience across the board.
Joe, even though engines have the same motor doesnt mean it runs the same. The SD40 has harder bushings then the GP35. The later SD70s has a different universal joint then the early ones. The gears and bushing contributes to the running characteristics of loco, so its not just a matter of using the same motor.
I ran 2 GP30's for 2 full days at 4 shows so far, pulling trains flawlessly. No wheel cleaning, just track cleaning once a day, and I am extremely happy with both their pulling performance and reliability. Also I have mixed in GP38-2's and they pull together at the same speed without incident. Very happy!
I agree, there are many factors that go into the running characteristics for sure. What is amazing is how sometimes one simple tweak can change how they run. I guess that is always the nature of Z as tolerances are very tight. I really like what AZL is releasing for the price and can't wait for the MT switcher and E8 to come out as well.
The RDC mechanism is very different from the GP series. The gearing, trucks, and drive train is unique for the RDC and would not be practical for the GP series. It is also very complicated! Take a look at the drive shafts and how they angle into the side of truck. Cool design! AZL has been working towards a standard chassis design. You are seeing that with their GP series. They essentially are all the same, except for the length of the chassis which is scaled to match the prototype. Also, AZL has standardized their components so the trucks can be shared between the runs and the PCBs are all the same (GP30s and GP38). The next run of GP7/9s will also have the same PCB. But there are many small factors that can affect the running. Here is one tip though from my test running and working with the GP38s. We have found that some came out of the factory with way too much lube in the truck gears. The lube can get on the electrical contacts and diminish performance. Pop out the trucks, check for lube and clean them out. I also have started using Conductalube from Atlas on my contracts. I am doing this will all on my locos. I am getting excited for the next run of GP7s and GP9s. The GP9s will be new for AZL. But we still have quite a few exciting GP38 road names still to be released! Rob
Rob, it is. Microscale had the right mustard yellow on their first release. On the second release they switch it to some kind of bright yellow.
Got my undec GP38-2 finaly out of customs... This my best running GP right now. What a smooth slow runner. I'll guess the slightly larger chassis has some advantage here. I have colored the headlights warm white already. The shell came off easilly, just by pulling the shell while holding the tank.The locomotive has a nice looking shell, which has quite some detailing challenges. This will keep me busy for some time.
