Just for Fun

That sounds like fun-- hook up on this thread if you like. The MORE enterers, the more fun. Hobbies should be fun.
Fred

Hello Fred,
Fred wrote:

That sounds like fun-- hook up on this thread if you like.

I opened a new thread for easier recognition. So our two games won't get confused...

Another try-- Swiss Railways- tunnel- canary- I'm for the birds. Two gongs
Woopz-rong thread:S

Second flag down is flying from the skyscrapper crane.
Fred
Flags will have a big part to play on my layout as they will identify each state scene and certain time periods. Just like the "OLD" Canadian flag is proper in early scenes and the Maple Leaf for more modern times.

Fred, I remember seeing the flag before but thought it was a Marines flag. I know little about flags but enjoy knowing about them. I think I remember a thread with a link on site here to different flags but couldn't find it again. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Comparisons
Fred

Top - AZL, Middle - Marklin, Bottom - MTL

The top AZL is an E7, I think and the Marklin and MTLs are F7s. I prefer the look of the Marklin F7 over the MTL. I think the detailing and paint job look better. Which of the two F7s have the better pulling power, if you know? And also does the E7 out pull them both. I have one Marklin F7A in a green/white/yellow Southern theme. Do you know the difference of the F7 and the F7A?

The AZL are my favorites. They are brass, heavy, and have great detail, plus I like the tripple trucks. They really look good on the track. Haven't run em very much.
The Marklins are very light- some modelers have added weight inside to add pulling power. And they are quiet runners. I run these a lot. Drawbacks- No coupler in front if you use the enclosed pilot. For rivit counters, these models are not very accurate replicas of the F-7. But when pulling trains alone, with no comparisons, they look fine.
The MTL's are heavy, a little noisey and good pullers. They are more accurate to the true F-7.
We are sort of comparing Basket balls, baseballs and bowling balls. All three are orbs and very good for thier purpose.

Fred, Any thoughts on why there is such a disparity in these locos. What do these compainies use for 'templates'? This would bug me if I was into diesels, F7 in particular. Cheers, Jim CCRR:unsure:

Jim,
My Z history is a bit dim, but as I recall, Marklin started Z and used existing motive power to enter the North American market with the F-7. They took liberal adjustments to get the F-7 on track. On the whole it is a nice looking, sleek engine, but with claw couplers and inaccurate style, rivet counters were not impressed.
Nelson Gray made a much more realistic F-7, and in time sold out to Micro Trains. I really like both units as they are Z! and both make up neet trains.
AZL comes along many years later and with advances in technolgy, made the E-7's in brass.
They are three totaly different aspects of Z.
Marklin was satisfied if it looked ok and ran well. They never really got too prototypical until the GG-1. Although the tank cars and cabooses are great.
MTL ran with Nelson Gray gear until they saw the market expanding and of course they are releasing new body styles fairly regularly.
AZL is the really high end of Z. The Brass is unmatched with specific details for different railroads.. The cab forward and now the Challenger!! Now all we need is a little MOW track inspection truck- The Alfa and Omega.
Each sure has it's own following and gives the modeler a greater choice.
Fred

This was my first attenpt at a two sided train--The other train must be deep stowed in the Black Hole. Done properly ( No big lettering that gives away a mirror image-- or landscaping to see one side of the train in opposite directions) It works out really well.
Fred
The Hopper car is the granddaddy of Penzee hoppers- a scratch built by Alfred Godfrey

Interesting concept.

Fred,

Where do you get custom decals and signs made in Z?

Fred, send me an email. I can probably make what you need, or at least give it a try. I have a sign maker program as well as sheets of decal paper.

Update on Crazy Horse stone carving
The "crown" Scafolding allows measurements to be made by dropping plum lines.
Fred

Pretty incredible, Fred. It is massive.

Another view

I wonder if he will lose his nose in time?

Some more trains--- and a track truck.
Fred