Z Scale

[Anonymous]

Can anyone help me on finding some ideas for a layout in Z Scale, I would like to try a basic layout in this scale for the novice level to get a feel for this scale and also due to a lack of space for an HO. Any help would be appreciated.

[tstage]

barkhook,

How big (or small) of a space do you have to work with? Z-scale is pretty tiny (1:220) and very small to work on. Have you considered N (1:160)? It's a nice go between Z and HO scale. You might also try to see if one of the local hobby stores (LHS) in your area has a Z-scale layout or test track that you can see first hand.

Just some thoughts...

Tom

[egmurphy]

I used to discount Z scale until I saw some examples during layout tours. I was really impressed by what those guys had done. Sure it's small, but like anything there are always trade-offs.

I'm in N because in the 3' x 6'-8" space I have I could barely fit an oval in HO. I have a small but acceptable layout in N, but have a lot of tight 9-3/4" radius curves. In Z scale I could really have space to have decent curves and open areas between my industries.

I don't know any site with specific Z scale track plans, but take a look at the following site. It is geared towards small trackplans for N scale. I believe Z scale layouts based on these plans would fit in dimensions around 3/4 the size. That is a 2'x4' layout in N scale would be about a 1-1/2' x 3' layout in Z scale.
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm

That may not translate exactly as I don't know what radius curves are standard in Z scale or what turnout sizes are available. But it should serve as a starting point.

One last idea. You might want to check out the Trainboard forum website. They have a specific Z scale forum, although there's not a lot of traffic on it.

Regards

Ed

[NZRMac]

Have a look at Model Railroader magazine Nov 2004 Z scale in three suitcases!!!

[DSchmitt]

This site has Z layouts: http://www.lattermann.com/amaZing/

While dedicated to much larger scales, this site has a lot of neat ideas for small spaces: http://carendt.us/