It would be nice if “Model Railroader” would do a proper review of this model. I’d like to see Sunset sell out of these in a hurry, and maybe they will keep cranking out fine RTR and sound equipped models. This locomotive is about 60% of the cost of a high end brass from the likes of Division Point, Overland, or Key, and comes with a great drive, DCC, and sound.
It’s a handsome model. [4:-)] By the way, you did a wonderful job hiding the 3rd rail. Could have fooled me into thinking it was a two-rail, HO-scale model. [:-,]
Well, it’s obviously time for me to kick myself HARD in the Posterior, after seeing that video.
I had one on order, but cancelled it after doing some thinking and realizing that on my MR, it would only be acting as a ‘loaner’. So instead, I ordered a used Key Rio Grande 3400 ‘baby’ 2-8-8-2.
You guys are running those beautiful Z-6’s, and my Key is sitting on my kitchen table in pieces while I’m trying to fix the drive train. [:I]
Gee whiz, Tom, your posts last year indicated you were excitedly looking forward to the arrival of this model. You think too much. (Something I’ve also been accused.)
Wow, I forgot I was in my two rail world when I posted this.
I also model in three rail O scale, yup, a third rail, with pizza cutter flanges (for now), but everything converted to Kadees, and numbered switches, weathered track etc.
I have locomotive 5120 in O scale three rail, which was built by Sunset Models 3rd Rail Division. Got into three rail about six years ago because of the sound and and as a diversion to HO. I run with a modular group called Independent Hirailers Midwest Division, our web site is at {url]www.ihmd.org[/url]. We set up every year at Trainfest in Milwaukee WI and at i-Hobby in Rosemont, IL.
Here is a picture of my 5120 with some light photoshopping, showing the beast going through Wellmanville, MT, on a cold Thanksgiving day in 1952. [:)]
After retouching;
Before photoshopping
I know that the concept of three rail o scale sure won’t get much but yuks over here, but it is a valid way to enjoy O scale with less real estate than a pole barn if you like articulateds and 85’ passenger equipment. Here is another photo of a MTH Great Northern R-2 on a 44" radius. When the layout is built high, the overhang isn’t as noticeable, at least that is what I keep telling myself. [swg]
The dealers I normally use are asking from $1050 to $1200. I got mine for a little less since I reserved it last year and they honored a lower price. They are worth the money if you want a Z6 with sound installed.
Just read the review of the Z-6 in MODEL RAILROAD NEWS this month, and they gave it a GREAT overall review.
One thing they mentioned that has me curious, however. They mentioned that it picked up from the rear driver of each set and front and rear trucks of the tender, which has me sort of confused.
All the brass I have picks up from one side of the loco and the opposite side of the tender, which gives it a fairly broad field of pickup. Just two drivers and four tender wheels sounds kind of ‘skimpy’ for pickup to me, but it obviously doesn’t seem to affect the running quality of this loco. But that small field of pickup has me pretty curious.
Is it because of the DCC sound activation? Just wondered.
I have not seen the report you talked about, but I tested my Z6 with a set of test leads and all of the drivers on the right hand side pick up voltage. The left side also picks up voltage on four drivers via wipes on the two rear drivers for each engine. The tender picks up voltage on both sides also so the amount of wheels picking up voltage is more than a typical brass model.
When you consider the connection between the locomotive and tender ties all of those pickups, it has more than a sufficient amount.
Thanks for the clarification. You’re right, that Z-6 has MORE than ample pickup, by golly. [:P]
Actually, that got me curious, so I looked at my PSC 2-10-2 which is the ‘newest’ (bought new 2 yrs ago) brass loco I own, and there seems to be a similar pickup between drivers and tender wheels on it, also. I’d never really thought to check it.
So I’d say that newer brass is using a broader field of pickup than older brass. Good news for we brass runners, I’d say!
One thing that I got a kick out of in the MRN review was that the reviewer thought the Z-6 might be a little ‘light on its feet’ as without traction tires (chuckle!) it was ‘only’ capable of hauling about 55 cars on level track. Say, WHAT!? [%-)]
