The Z-4000's are finally in. I ordered one around at least a year ago and I just got the call. I wonder if he will sell out of them as he said he was ordering at least 50. Will find out soon enough. JP
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I understand the problem with securing components but the cost is ridiculous.
Not in at Stockyard Express yet... anyday now.
Trainz has 2 for sale at $388 and coming down every 5 days. I was going to get one of these, but found a like new ZW on Mercari and grabbed it quickly for 75.
@NJCJOE posted:I understand the problem with securing components but the cost is ridiculous.
Did you factor in inflation as well?
Those of us who lived through it the last time it was so out of control (late 1970's) used to say exactly the same thing about price increases being ridiculous. I was a young lad in my teenage years so I remember it well. Because this was before the internet we got our updates on things either from monthly catalogs or flyers from the big hobby stores, or from ads in the back of magazines like OGR.
Every month prices went up, and up and up. Enough to make you sick to your stomach.
Whoever came up with the term 'ad nauseum' hit the nail on the head when applied here. Unfortunately, it's back.
Mike
How can you be sure your getting a just released new one? Dave
@Dave Nichols posted:How can you be sure your getting a just released new one? Dave
Serial number
@Dave Nichols posted:How can you be sure your getting a just released new one? Dave
This Z4000 version or "date" identification what just discussed recently. https://ogrforum.com/...3#164024807052071063
https://ogrforum.com/...-date-of-manufacture
@H1000 posted:Look at the serial number of the Z4000. The first two digits indicate the month of manufacture and the second two digits indicate the the year of manufacture.
A serial number that begins with 0398 was mad in March of 1998, this is the first run of Z4000's ever made.
Here is my honest advice based on experience of buying no less than 7 Z4000 transformers (4 for our local club).
#1 While under ideal conditions (price mainly) side by side, you would choose a newer version (serial number higher than 0398). However, given the high prices, paying significantly more for the minor changes does not make sense to me. The 2 differences that matter are the adjustable friction plunger system on the handles and the voltage leak fix are improved over the first versions. Neither of these features is worth hundreds of dollars in cost difference. Voltage leak can be worked around with something as simple as a light bulb as load.
#2 If it has to ship, you better have the original Z4000 box and foam inserts. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, crumpled paper are NOT enough to protect this heavy transformer in transit. You will likely break the control handles off or crack the feet and lower base housing during shipping if the original high density shaped foam inserts and box are not used. these are heavy and bulky and again, likely will break the housing, break the handles and maybe even break the heavy transformers free inside to cause serious damage. I had to write more than one off as a total loss and return to the seller as a pile of damaged parts because of improper packing materials and shipping.
Again, in my mind, the biggest factor and not talked about enough- you should choose one with the original box over one without the original box. That's true even if buying locally because if you need to fix it and ship it- this could come up again.
I picked up my new Z4000 today at Chicagoland Hobby. I preordered it a year or so ago.
Luckily, they had a few extra so I picked up another one as well.
@Harry’s Trains & @TRAINMANTIM tested the two Z4000 transformer to ensure that they performed properly. Thanks !!!
As for the price increase, I just have to remember that I became an O-gauge modeler because it is an affordable hobby where I can save lots of money !!!
CB&Q Bill
😆🤣😅🚂🚄🚝🚈🚅🚇🚊🚉
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:Did you factor in inflation as well?
Those of us who lived through it the last time it was so out of control (late 1970's) used to say exactly the same thing about price increases being ridiculous. I was a young lad in my teenage years so I remember it well. Because this was before the internet we got our updates on things either from monthly catalogs or flyers from the big hobby stores, or from ads in the back of magazines like OGR.
Every month prices went up, and up and up. Enough to make you sick to your stomach.
Whoever came up with the term 'ad nauseum' hit the nail on the head when applied here. Unfortunately, it's back.
Mike
Your point is well taken. I was a young kid in the 1970s and I remember the gas lines, my parents complaining about everything getting expensive, etc. The trains are no different but when I see the price some vendors are charging for the Z4000, for a little more money I would rather find the ZWL, and I say that as an MTH enthusiast who is relieved they will be around. Thankfully for my wallet, however, I need another transformer like I need another hole in my head.
I don't really know that the price is too high for what it is, but I think the price increase was rather large.
I'm a little leery about buying a used one.
