Rob, I have read where the SD70 will have a choice of body mounted or truck mounted couplers, but how about offering us a third option. I would like to haveone with a body mounted couplers in the front and truck mounted couplers in the back. The reason is, not all of us have big layouts, and having truck mounted will help the couplers stay couple, but it doesn't do anything in the looks department. I would like to run my two engine train set with the mix coupler up front, and the truck mounted coupler engine in the back. I know I asking a lot, but having the flexibility on where to mount the couplers will help AZL make more sales.
Yes, that is exactly what I was saying about the MTL GP35! It has a gaping hole in front where a pilot would look real nice, yet the truck mounted rear coupler would do the small radius job. Second vote for Hybrid couplers... AZL, and MTL! -Robert
No you are not asking a lot. You actually nailed it on the head. You will have your choice between couplers, but you can mix and match. So if you would like truck mounted on the rear and body mount on the front, no problem. I am not sure if the 2nd option will come pre-packaged with the loco or as an option part purchase. Either way, I am excited to have the option since the truck mounted will be great for operations but we get to keep the plows and looks with the body mounts! Rob
Oh I like! I know quite a few folks now using the F59PHIs for freight. Those engines can perform! Once they SD70s and GP35 come out, I am sure they all will find their way back into passenger service. Rob Kluz
I don't think I tested the pulling power on my F59's yet, because I have only pulled the 4 passenger cars from the sets. I have 2 converted to MTL, and 2 more that still need conversion. I do know they are very smooth, slow, and powerful locos. I would guess they can pull at least 40 cars. They are very heavy, just like the MTL F7's, so they should do good. -Robert
I haven't had a chance to run the Sounder set yet ... how do these handle in push mode? any problems? or do the cars perform as expected?
It depends. If it has truck mounted couplers, you might have problems. AZL is offering to replace all the early truck mounted couplers with body mounted couplers. I run my Surfliners with body mounted couples in the push mode, and is no problem.
Wait! No AZL is not replacing the truck mounted couplers with body mounts. The upgrade fixes an issue that the inside wheels touch the body on the first run of Bombardiers. The upgrade lengthens the pin that the trucks attach to. This solves the problem of the inside axle touching the shell and chassis. With the upgrade, I have found push operations work much better. This past weekend, my train clup ran a TRE in push more for a good 10 minutes. This was over 20 feet of modules that included turnouts. Rob
Yes, there should be no problem using the body mounts on the 220mm curves. Once we have sample SD70s to test with, I will know for sure. Most operators will place the body mounts on the front of the locomotive for appearance. Rob Kluz
