Torsja, You even removed the small wrinkle on the background paper. Now no one can say this is a model.. nice. Kim
Hi Loren, I tested the Challenger hand made sample last night for pulling power. In a word: impressive. Here are the details: I used a 220mm radius oval of MicroTrack and a Marklin transformer. The Challenger was connected to 24 AZL 3-bay hoppers. These hoppers have pre-production trucks that do not roll as easily as the production models. I used them for two reasons: 1) I could use less cars to simulate a longer train due to the extra drag of the pre-production trucks and 2) Its what I had available on the shelf! There was no grade on the track. The Challenger had very minor slippage pulling the 24 hoppers on straight track, and moderate wheel spin on the 220mm curves. It did manage to keep the train moving at a reasonable speed at all points in time. It also had no problem with starting at any point. I believe this is due to the weight of the Challenger, and the two traction tires that we are putting on the model. The GS-3/4 and AC-12 did not have traction tires. I then tested the same train with one of our AZL GP-7 locomotives (also with traction tires) The GP-7 actually had *more* problems than the Challenger did! I think it is very safe to say that the Challenger can pull 20% more than the GP-7. I also tested a MTL GP-7 (no traction tires) with the same train. The MTL GP-7 could not move the train at all, under any set of circumstances. Check out this YouTube video of the test. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWKPye2noP0"]YouTube - AZL Challenger[/ame]
Highball!!! The rear set is powered, not the front. We pushed the Koreans to make them all powered, but they do not have Lajos' level of engineering expertise. They were unable to power all without a 50% increase in price. We decided that the traction tire was the better way to go for an additional cost of zero. But it should be noted that 100% of the weight of the boiler is carried by the rear wheels, and the front set spin quite freely. It is an incredible feat of ballance. In fact, I have removed the front drivers and run the locomotive with athat massive boiler just hanging in mid air. Talk about strange looking! That being said, I'm not sure having all of the wheels powered would have improved the pulling power very much. It would have cut the axel loading in half, and reduced friction to the single tire. Anyway, this beast pulls better than an AZL GP7, and much more than an MTL GP7. I think our clients will be pleased. Best, -Rob(A not K)
Rob, Somehow I have to figure out a way to afford one of these beauties whether it pulls a mile long string of cars or not. I'm duly impressed with your test results. Like Kim said, it's too bad both sets of drivers aren't powered, but maybe that is beyond disign possibilities by anyone. After all Z is so small....... With that said, I want to publically apologize to any who may have been discouraged by my comment questioning whether or not it would pull very many cars. Of course we would love to see it pull the couplers off a long string of cars, but physics dictates certain limitations. I had made that hasty comment in reference to a cab forward I once saw about two years ago and it wouldn't pull very many cars. I honestly don't know why this particular loco wasn't pulling very much and it could have been something very simple, (like not being broken in or maybe needing a little tweaking). I was thinking back to that moment and was a bit bummed when I said that. Other cab forwards have pulled a very respectable string of cars so my comment was out of line and I am sorry for making it. Kind of like toothpaste, once the comment is made, you can't put it back. Anyway.......for those who may be on the fence about a Challenger or cab forward let me say that these are truly beautiful locos and to be desired by anyone who wishes to show off the finest looking steam ever made in Z scale. My goal?.......to have a display case with one of each of AZL's steam that they produce. Only question now is. "how large do I make my display case?" I want to make it large enought to display every steam that AZL chooses to produce. So, Rob, I wish we could look into the Z crystal ball and know what is up your sleeve? I know it mainly depends on sales and the economic times we live in, so it is up in the air. Years ago, I dedicated a wall shelf and special track lighting to a futuristic N scale display, but then when I discouverd Z, those shelves became storage for product to sell. Someday that display case will have to be made and the AZL displayed prominently where it should be. Just gotta figure out how to get more money funneled in that direction...... Loren
OK Rob, lets make a deal. You send me two Challengers and I'll develop the all wheel drive conversion kit no cost to AZL (except the two promotional Challengers)... Lajos :0)
Rob, What is inside the boiler that is balanced carefully over the rear set of drivers? If it is empty, couldn't you fill it with some weight that would truly make this a beast of a puller? Loren
Alex, I believe those are the new hoppers that are presently on their way to us here.....which slow boat from China they are on I'm not sure, but you can bet that Rob Kluz will be down at the dock to greet the ship when she finally arrives. Loren
This is very promising, I´m really looking forward to it. BTW, the last produtzion status on AZL-website is from January, anything new about it? Mattias
I think it is a real gem. Great video of it in action as well! No doubt about it. I can't wait to see what small steam comes out though myself. ( I know I know I am the broken record for sure )
