Do Any Of You Model Z Scale?

[Anonymous]

I'm interested in the reliability and quality of Z locomotives. What's the difference between Marklin and Micro Trains, the pros and cons?

[ddechamp71]

QUOTE: I don't recall seeing too many articles about Z in MR.

Check latest february's issue.

QUOTE: I guess it has been a while since I looked, sorry. 13 years ago I worked in a hobby store, back then we didn't bother to carry any Z, few American prototypes, few manufacturers, and expensive. Simply no demand.

You're right, it was true 13 YEARS AGO. But not anymore.

QUOTE:
One small thought here, and please don't take this the wrong way, but maybe part of the image and perception problem with Z is that people keep putting it in siutcases and briefcases. That certainly strikes ME as novel.

That was MR's idea until not a long time ago. But stay tuned, things could change. Myself I'm working on a Z-scale walkaround style layout, that will fit in a 6.5 x 4 meter room. My purpose, operating LOONNGG trains (ie 80 cars) on a layout showing chosen parts of the Tehachapi Pass. Impossible with all other scales, even N. For this reason I've been collecting for 7 years F-units, GP38-2s, Dash9s, SD45s, SD40s, an F45, + an E8, a PA1 and a GS4 steamer for my corporate / railfan passenger train, + 400 freightcars, 50 turnouts, 70 meter of Micro-Trains flextrack, and I'm currently working on the first section of my layout.
Cheers,
Dominique

[ddechamp71]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Joe Polska

I'm interested in the reliability and quality of Z locomotives. What's the difference between Marklin and Micro Trains, the pros and cons?

No idea about Marklin. But about Micro-Trains F7 (for the time, only available F7s, but we should soon have other stuff):
-one of the cheapest Z loco (about $100)
-shell detailing a little bit light: only one mold for shell + handrails + horn
-low speed operation VERY VERY reliable (about 5 scale MPH, even on turnouts)
-pulls like a mule (more than 50 freightcars on straight track).
Dominique

[Anonymous]

Does MT make a B unit for their F-7's? I only see A units on eBay and elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Joe,

Here are the Micro-Trains A units:
http://www.micro-trains.com/locomotives%20z%20scale.htm

and here are the B units:
http://www.micro-trains.com/b%20unit.htm

John

[FJ and G]

Briefcase Z layouts don't interest me. What would really be incredible is to have a 40X35 foot basement filled with a Z layout. Imagine the track, length of trains and scenery you could place in there.

Realistically, however, N isn't all that much bigger and besides is a whole lot cheaper. Still makes more sense to go with N unless you can afford Z.

dav

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
[One small thought here, and please don't take this the wrong way, but maybe part of the image and perception problem with Z is that people keep putting it in siutcases and briefcases. That certainly strikes ME as novel.

Well, I am one of those guilty of doing that... Beside the briefcase, I also have a coffe table and a cake tin....


http://www.heinepedersen.com/miniclub


http://www.heinepedersen.com/christmas

But this is only for fun. [:D] My "real" z-layout is under costruction in this shelf:



80-90 meters of track, 60 turnouts and room for long trains.






http://www.heinepedersen.com/hyllebane

[ddechamp71]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Joe Polska

Does MT make a B unit for their F-7's? I only see A units on eBay and elsewhere.

Dummy B-units only.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Heine Pedersen

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005
[One small thought here, and please don't take this the wrong way, but maybe part of the image and perception problem with Z is that people keep putting it in siutcases and briefcases. That certainly strikes ME as novel.

Well, I am one of those guilty of doing that... Beside the briefcase, I also have a coffe table and a cake tin....


http://www.heinepedersen.com/miniclub


http://www.heinepedersen.com/christmas

But this is only for fun. [:D] My "real" z-layout is under costruction in this shelf:



80-90 meters of track, 60 turnouts and room for long trains.






http://www.heinepedersen.com/hyllebane

Wow, now that's diversity! Both novel and serious, I like it.

Really gang, thanks, this has been a real eye opening topic for me. And given the number of years I've been in this hobby, that doesn't happen too often anymore.

Part of my problem is that about 20 years ago I made the decision to pick one size of model train and stick to it. Having been true to my promise to myself, I have misssed a lot of things going on in other scales in the hobby. I still enjoy seeing and hearing about all sizes of trains.

The truth is that I am an advocate for trains of all sizes, from Z up to FULL SIZE, even though my scale of choice happens to be 3 rail O. That's why my signature says, "If it has flanged wheels, I like it!!!!"

Perhaps the most ironic thing about this topic is who started it. You see, I am most familiar with Joe because of his love of "toy trains" like I run. It is well known around here that I will "cross the tracks" and come over to the scale side here at MR because of my interest in the modeling and operation aspects of the hobby. To see Joe do it, well that was a surprise, and a pleasant one at that.

Way to go Joe!!![swg]

[ddechamp71]

Thank you Big Boy, and congratulations for your open mind! And if one of these days you get Z scale addict, remember, you are the welcome on Yahoo-groups Z scale!
Cheers,
Dominique

[Anonymous]

Hello, Yes I model in Z-Scale.
I build modules in our own Norwegian ZMOD standard. www.zmod.no
And I think that Z-Scale is an upcoming scale that’s gone take off in the future. It's much easier to build convincing BIG layouts in a smaller space.



More images -> http://194.143.113.189/tjm/modelltog/Z-Scala/2004-06-06/index.htm



My homepage is http://194.143.113.189/tjm/ with lots of more photos.
(PS: It's in Norwegian but I'm planning on translating it in to English)

Regard.
Torsja - NORWAY