Siegfried’s Santa Fe Layout, SP’s Combo Depot #22, Artitec’s 2026 new releases, Lighting a Rokuhan roundhouse, AZAR’s Magnetiz® coupling system, ColoradoZ makes grand showing, Redbank coaling tower now available, More truck colors from AZL, And so much moreand so much more!
Trackside Perspective | From The May / June 2026 Issue
Speculation
Speculation…
It starts out about a week before the first and fifteenth of each month. A thread will be created on the AZL Forum (https://azlforum.com) with speculations on what AZL might possibly release at the beginning of the month and again mid-month. Guesses will be made. Some are quite calculated by those tracking previous releases and bits of information shared by AZL. Then there are those who would love to see a personal favorite released. The momentum builds as it gets closer to the release.
For me, I so enjoy watching what the speculations may be. I get the distinct honor of planning the AZL release schedule. With this honor comes a deep commitment to try and spread the wealth. It is a delicate game that involves a mix of road names and products. I don’t want to overload any single road name or model version, and the same goes for East Coast versus West Coast and North versus South. It is all about a mix of products and roads that will appeal to quite a few. But with each release we have those who are excited and those left waiting for the next release.
Now for those who guessed right, they are awarded points and bragging rights galore! Sometimes those guesses are way too accurate. Hmmm, do we have an insider here sharing information? The cats look guilty... And everyone knows I won’t take bribes to share what is coming (cough, cough, bourbon.... craft beers).
The reality is this is all for fun and I’m loving it! The Z community is so engaged and passionate about the products we offer. That is special. I enjoy the speculations as much as those who are out there putting out their wishes. It also helps me in my planning. A few times I have changed up the plan based on the speculations. Hey, it is all part of the rich enjoyment of being in this hobby.
Ztrack Magazine is now available in print and digital formats for subscriptions and back issues. We've found that instead of getting their Ztrack through the USPS, many folks like the convenience of the universal PDF digital format. Of course, we still print so you can choose whatever works best for you!
Ztrack Magazine is now available in print and digital formats for subscriptions and back issues. We've found that instead of getting their Ztrack through the USPS, many folks like the convenience of the universal PDF digital format. Of course, we still print so you can choose whatever works best for you!
