AZL to Release Special GP38-2s

[ztrack]

It is with great pride that AZL is bringing back the Rogue Locomotive Works (RLW) GP38-2. AZL kept the original body and mated the locomotive with their new GP mechanism. A lot of small details are added or improved. The GP38-2 now offers window glass, AZL Auto- Latch couplers, standard fuel tank and accurate air horns. The handrails are improved and the locomotive now has a prototypical height.

As many of you know, Don Bouchard was the general manager and tool maker at RLW back in the late 1990s and was able to create the VERY first Z scale hood unit. Don sadly died in an accident in 2010. AZL will honor Don with a special SP and BN edition of the GP38-2. AZL and Ztrack Magazine will donate the net income from this special run to Don's family in Oregon.

Tonight, we have uploaded an online order page for the Bouchard locomotives. We have listed both the BN and SP version. For those of you attending the Z Scale National Convention, you can prepay for your locomotives and pick them up at the show. The cost for prepay with pickup at the Convention is $112.00 per locomotive.

You can also pay for your locomotives at the show. Please note, we will be charging 8% Colorado sales tax for all sales made during the convention.

If you are not attending the convention, but would like to order the locomotives, the cost is $118.00 which includes domestic shipping. These locomotives will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.

To order, please visit:

http://www.ztrack.com/offers/bouchard/index.html

Make sure to select shipping option 'Bouchard GP38-2". Thank you for supporting Don Bouchard's family.

Rob Kluz

[Catt]

Rob,when do we get to see pictures? Will there be a CSX version and if so which paint scheme?

[tom mann]

The price looks good!

[ztrack]

Below are two pre-production samples. Again pre-production!!! I am almost afraid to post these since you guys are scary when it come to prototype accuracy. 

AZL has asked for a few changes such as a smaller SP logo since the one shown is too large. So expect a few differences but this should give you a good idea of what the locos will look like. Note under the road number 167 on the SP, 'Don Bouchard' appears in very small print.





I hope to have more photos of the rest of the releases soon. Okay, now the really good news. The regular run of GP38-2s will have an MSRP of $99.00!!

Rob

[Catt]

Not bad though I can see a few flaws.Yes I saw where you stated pre production so I will go easy on them.

The handrail by the short hood needs some work and the Dynamic brake blister seems a bit undersized.Neither of which would stop me from buying a few if they run decent,and they come in CSX,preferbly Brite Future (blue,yellow, gray) or Dark Future (Blue,Gold) or maybe undec?

[sundowner]

Wow, those are nice, I will probably get the CSX ones when they come out.

[ztrack]

The CSX is planned in the dark future release. I like the selection of road names planned for the GP38s. A CSX is a must for me as well.

Rob

[Catt]

Rob, multiple road numbers?Do you know when the CSX will be done?

[ztrack]

Correct, there will be multiple road numbers for each road name. I 'think' it may be 4 road numbers, but I am not positive. AZL has not put together a release calendar as of yet. As with any new release, there may be another delay but AZL is pushing hard to get them out.

Rob

[ztrack]

Due to the large demand, AZL has made the decision to release the other three road numbers for SP immediately. The proceeds for these three additional locomotives will also go to Don Bouchard’s family. The only difference is these three SP GP38-2s do not have the ‘Don Bouchard’ imprint, only road number 167 has ‘Don Bouchard’ imprinted under the road number. At this time, we are waiting for additional 167s to arrive from the manufacturer. We do have the other 3 road numbers in stock for immediate shipping.

The Don Bouchard, Burlington Northern GP38-2s have been delayed. We are expecting these in June. We are accepting reservations for these at this time. To place your order, please visit:

http://www.ztrack.com/offers/bouchard/index.html

Rob