Z gauge

[Anonymous]

Z has come a long way since its early days, and the number of hobbyists is growing at a comfortable rate, as are the number of dealers, manufacturers, and after-market suppliers.  Most of my trains are Micro-Trains and Marklin, with Micro-Trains overtaking the Marklin at a fairly rapid rate because they keep coming out with some great stuff, not to mention their new track system (with nuilt-in roadbed).  AZL also makes some great locomotives (made for them by Ajin), but they are a bit too costly (and a bit too large, in terms of the models they offer), for my tastes.

Z scale also has its own magazine:  "Ztrack".  I believe their website is www.ztrack.com

I buy from the dealers who advertise in that magazine, and from one dealer (Loren Snyder) who is active on the Yahoo Z scale forum and the aforementioned Z Central Station.

I have a Nock briefcase layout (they are not cheap) and several homemade layouts of various sizes and shapes.  Back in the 80s I used to custom-build Z scale briefcase layouts which I sold at shows, and may get back into doing that at some point after I retire.

I maintain my interest in Z simply because it is a fun scale populated by a lot of nice folks; affords a lot of railroading in a small space or a huge amount of ralroading in a modest space; provides ample opportunity for scenery building (my favorite aspect of the hobby); and will be a great scale to take with me on the road if/when I buy an RV at some point for my post-retirement travels around the country.

When you post sbout Z on one of the toy train forums, you'll almost invariably get snide comments about its small size, etc.   Pay no heed to those remarks because Z, like every other scale, has its own set of advantages and limitations.  And, as I noted earlier, it has come a very long way in recent years.  The Z modular layouts have proven to be huge hits at events like the World's Greatest Hobby shows and the NMRA National Conventions.

 

 

 

[BDT in Minnesota]

try a HotBot search,,,punch in Z scale train     ......There is a pile of  Z items  available....I spent a whole  afternoon a few weeks back exploring those sites... I have six different scales of trains myself, but not any Z--yet... Back in the 60s they  (if I properly recall, Marklin) made what they called a "briefcase train"... when the briefcase was opened, the layout inside was set up and ready to run....You simply had to put your cars on the track...Neat...and they are still offered,,,,,,A  very nice layout can be built on an area the size of a coffee table.....The more I look, the more they grow on me...And the nice thing about our modern electronics,,,they can be fit inside a Z....Enjoy...BDT

[3railguy]

You folks best beware and take care if ya have Zs.......If the county exterminator shows up at your doorstep with a can of raid and a flyswatter, don't let him near the Zs unless he is wearing his new glasses...You may still have to explain that those lites are headlites, not fireflys...

He wants to know where to buy more Z scale. He didn't ask for your opinion on Z scale. Go lay by your dish or something.

[BDT in Minnesota]

You folks best beware and take care if ya have Zs.......If the county exterminator shows up at your doorstep with a can of raid and a flyswatter, don't let him near the Zs unless he is wearing his new glasses...You may still have to explain that those lites are headlites, not fireflys...If your train ducks into a tunnel, ya may have trouble convinceing him it is a train,  unless  you furnish a good magnifying glass....I never thought of it,  but I have never had a locomotive de-railed on a spider web before....I wonder how many of those little Z scale people have been eaten by spiders...  The little trains sure are cute, I wonder how many Z scale ore cars would fit in a briefcase?? This is one thing that is fun with all the different scales of trains...You get to do your escape from the real world and walk around your layout on a mind trip....And someone tried to tell me I needed a Lionel Railscope---HA HA..............I do have passenger trains.... BDT

[3railguy]

Your best bet on Z scale is probably internet dealers for the best selection. It has a small following so a lot of shops carry very little or none at all. It is nice stuff. Especially Micro Trains.

[Anonymous]

I'm rather heavily into Z scale myself (as well as some other scales). Try:

http://zcentralstation.com/

[Anonymous]

Don't forget your microscope.

[lionelsoni]

You should post your question on the Model Railroader forum, which is where most of the Z-scale modelers are.  Most of the folks here are into S and O gauge toy trains.

[Anonymous]

Does anybody know the independence missouri area and if so do you know where i could get more z guage trains and equipment?