Hello Board I read all the topics on the Z-Scale Yahoo Board about the Shay Locomotives and I found out that everbody (almost) want one. I think for a company like AZL with their experiences in high quality brass products it most be possible to produce a Shay Locomotive. What you guys think about that? Rob Kluz can you hear us? Regards Jürg
Jürg, Anything is possible. I do know for a fact that AZL is planning on more steam locomotive releases. At this time, a Shay is not in the works, but another classic steam locomotive is in the planning stages (sorry, I can't share yet). At least for the next release, the steam locomotive will remain brass. This allows AZL to achieve the level of detailing they demand as well as giving the loco much needed weight. I will be sure to pass the request on to AZL. Rob Kluz
All I can say is, if someone makes one, I will buy a couple. There are other steamers I want more, like a USRA 0-6-0 and 0-8-0, and a 4-4-0 American to name a few. -Robert
Hi Jurg (sorry I forget how to do umlauts on this keyboard), I posted some comments over on the yahoo list as well. I would love to see a Shay in standard Z or narrow gauge Zm, but I can't afford more than one at typical AZL brass steamer prices. I would have to save up for three years at that cost and they would all be gone by the time I had the money. I would like to see a Shay in the $200 to $500 dollar range in standard gauge with an axle/wheel/truck design that would allow DIY types to narrow the gauge easily. Maybe this is a dream, but I think within the next 5 years the technology and maybe even the market to do this kind of project will be there. I think that that crane in the background of the Shay photo you posted would ba a good project as well. Randy
Hi Randy, your right. If more people want's a Shay maybe a manufactur build it for us. But it's necessary that we make a stronger commitment about our wishes. Maybe we have to build a list with the name of all the people who want's one and send it to MTL or AZL (they can do injection molds also). About the crane in the background: looks like a laser job for Robert or Kim!
GANG, I'm LOGGED in. I'll take a Shay also. We have the log cars-- but the new N release of independant double coupler truck log cars would be nice also. Forget what they are called. Keep up the noise. Maybe someone will hear us roar. Fred
Yep, me too! I'll take whatever I can get at this point, but in 20 years I might get picky, depending on if Z Scale grows to where N Scale is today. -Robert