Aztec Mfg is closed - frame milling needed

[nickelplate759]

As DCC-ready models have become the default for new products, and DCC-preinstalled has become common, I see less and less opportunity for a business such as Aztec was to be viable.  In fact, I think even the market for simple add-in decoders will become challenging.  There are only so many old-style, non-DCC-ready models in the world, and even fewer people willing to spend the $ to retrofit them.

[CRL]

Thanks for the responses. I’m aware of the TCS and Digitrax options, but I’m concerned about the speed profiling accuracy on these brands. Since my layout is in the planning phase, I’m considering biting the bullet and using RR&Co Traincontroller with their Smarthand cell phone or pad controllers from the beginning. Using a single occupancy detector for each block requires the DCC decoder speed be programmed accurately so the computer can accurately stop trains under its control. Some users have reported less than accurate programming for Digitrax and TCS compared to Zimo or Lenz decoders. Of course, I’d be willing to do a test before committing one way or the other since I’d rather use the cheaper and easier to install options.

[peteski]

As I understood the business model, Aztec maintained a cache of milled frames so when you sent yours in, he returned a milled one and added yours to the "frames requiring milling" pile.

I believe that this is true.  As far as the missing itself, I never discussed it with John, but judging by the quality of the missing and repeatibility of his milling jobs, He likely  had maybe custom-made jigs and fixtures to hold the frames in the mill. Maybe even a CNC mill?

I guess no small (1- or 2-man) business ever lasts forever.  It is too bad though that someone else didn't take the business over (like it happened with Clover House).  I wish John happy retirement - he sure deserves it!

[nickelplate759]

Is Southern Digital a viable option?
https://www.sodigi.com/   (under DigiFrames)

I've no experience with them.  From the pictures on their website these seem to be castings, not modified original parts.
That may or may not be a good thing.

[JMaurer1]

He absolutely had a CNC milling machine. Even his pad printer was sweet and provided perfect stamps every time. He was a full blown machine shop.

[woodone]

Just noticed that Aztec Mfg just closed. Does anyone know if their N scale frame milling operation has been assumed by anyone? I’ve just re-entered the hobby and have many Atlas and Kato pre-DCC locomotives that I need to convert to DCC.

Sent you a PM

[peteski]

He absolutely had a CNC milling machine. Even his pad printer was sweet and provided perfect stamps every time. He was a full blown machine shop.

If he had a full-blown machine shop, and the model RR business was just a side-job, then that explains why he sold it as a machine shop (and not a model RR business).

[MK]

Is Southern Digital a viable option?
https://www.sodigi.com/   (under DigiFrames)

I've no experience with them.  From the pictures on their website these seem to be castings, not modified original parts.
That may or may not be a good thing.

I remembered reading waaaay back when, that they weren't that good for the primary reason that the frames are casted and not OEM.  Some were complaining about fitment issues.  Again, I'm not 100% sure as this is from memory way back.

[rodsup9000]

I've done over 100 old style Kato F units and probably just as many Lifelike "FA" & "FB". Also a few Atlas/Kato SD and GP frames as well
These are Kato's F's

[ryan_wilkerson]

Really nice work Rodney!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You guys may not realize it, but @rodsup9000 is a semi-quiet TRW mensch.

In addition to these, his Tortoise affixation devices are goddamn genius.

[rodsup9000]

You guys may not realize it, but @rodsup9000 is a semi-quiet TRW mensch.

In addition to these, his Tortoise affixation devices are goddamn genius.

 Thanks Ed. I guess I am kind of quiet most of the time. 

[nightmare0331]

Just buy a milling machine and associated tooling as necessary. 

They come in far more handy then you'd think and you end up using it for far more than what you're originally planning on.  (side note on that, buy one a size UP from the size you think you'll need...)

Possibilities open up when you're no longer Dremel Warrioring things. 

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[CRL]

Just buy a milling machine and associated tooling as necessary. 

They come in far more handy then you'd think and you end up using it for far more than what you're originally planning on.  (side note on that, buy one a size UP from the size you think you'll need...)

Possibilities open up when you're no longer Dremel Warrioring things. 

Enjoy!

Kelley.


www.dufordmodelworks.com

You mean like this? [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[rodsup9000]

 I know of three different people that use that mill to mill frames. Just take light cuts and you'll be fine.