Just got my issue and it looks great. Rob the cover shot is fantastic! Right now I am envious of all you that get to go to the convention and the train show in Cinn. I am stuck working I sure hope you guys have a digital camera and post pictures of all the sites and new releases!
Thanks! The cover photo was taken on my new modules. There is a fully functioning loop that services the mine complex. It is about 3 inches above the double main lines of the Z Bend Track standard modules. I thought a CSX locomotive would be appropriate for the cover since CSX is all over the state of Ohio. The modules are now done and will be at the NTS. The photo below shows the upper loop before the rest of the modules were completed. Here is photo showing the mostly complete module set. Total length is 8'.
Very impressive!!! It just goes to show how much trains to scencery ratio you can have with Z! By the way, how did you make that track look rusty and keep electric contact? [ June 30, 2005, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: JoeS ]
What I do is put the track together first. Then I hand brush rust colored paint in the sides of the track. I use a track erasure to clean the top of the rails after the paint has dried. Though hand painting can be tedious, it works for me. I have had no electrical problems doing it this way. I also think the Relcos and Gaugemaster I use help! Weathering the track has really made the Z track look much better. In makes the rails appear smaller. On my European layout, I blacken all of my catenary wires. Wow, what a difference that makes! When looking at 8' of Z, it is amazing how much train action you can have. I goal was to show that you can have two separate main lines, a yard, branch line and fully functional loop plus a ton of scenery! You can't do this in the other scales without a lot more benchwork. Rob Kluz
Rob, the green scenery is wonderfull. Just the way I like it. I am also handpainting my rails. And I think it is a very importent thing to do to ad realism to the layout. Here is a close up of my rails:
I've been looking for these hoppers too, but I can't find them anywhere either Rob, is it possible I haven't recieved this issue yet?
YEAH!!!! I am so glad to hear that the issues arrived. As for the hoppers, I am not sure who would have them. I would say check with Uncle Will, but you have already done this. I am not sure who would have them. Maybe try contacting Pennzee direct and see if they have any still in stock. Good luck though. I am not sure if Pennzee is out of the game, but most folks are telling me that they are not answering calls or e-mails.
I agree, the weathered track looks great! I can't believe what a difference it makes to weather the rails. I am a believer! You are right about Pennzee. I thought they would be 2nd only to MTL. They really seem to lost interest. We now have lost the three bay hoppers and steel sided reefers. What a shame. Fortunately, MTL and AZL are preparing to release new rolling stock. AZL is actually using Bowser, the same company Pennzee was using. Bowser is very interested in continuing to produce Z scale. I think this will be a good relationship. By the way, rumor has it that there are new Pennzee hopper releases sitting at Bowser, but Pennzee has not claimed them. What a shame.
Hello, I'm new to the forum, but I read all of your posts quite frequently. I'm still a newbie modeller and haven't gotten anything put togehter yet, but I'm slowly working on it. Was anyone still looking for some CSX hoppers by PennZee? I know where there still are a few left. some train store.com still has a few. I recently ordered a 4-pack from them, and as of a couple of days ago, they should still have (2) 4-packs left, plus (4) assorted numbers (some may be the same number). They have a good price on them also. Hope this helps someone. Later, Phil
Hi Phil, Welcome to Trainboard! I'm sure your info will help some of the guys looking for those cars. It's been a quiet week here, then today a bunch of posts. I have been busy working on my module, an hour or so a day, and playing with Electroluminescent Panels for lighted up signs. I will post my progress soon. -Robert
