I probably know less about Z scale than you do, but if I were looking into another scale as to what was available for track, structures, rolling stock and locos I'd either go to Walthers on line catalog or go to my LHS and look at the Walther's N and Z scale catalog. Also, see if your LHS has other catalogs.
I am working on a traveling layout in HO. Problem is the van it was designed to fit in died and it's too large to go in the replacement, I think N scale would fit in our current wagon, but...! I have seen one clubs traveling N layout, compact and fit in a small wagon, but contained a decent amount of track and scenery. Z scale should afford you plenty of opportunity in a small space.
As for a name, that's a wide open topic. It could be named based on the location you choose to model, something on your layout, someone's name or a paridy on a name. Era and type of railroad might be based on what is available as a starter set or what is available at your LHS.
Good luck,
Z scale has been around for over 30 years now. Originally started by Marklin, who, for many years remained the sole supplier for any equipment, there are a number of suppliers available now. There is also US prototype rolling stock as well as locos available, if you google "Z scale" you will find many links. Fast Track also offers kits and jigs to handlay layouts.
If your eyes are as good as eagle´s eyes and your hands stable as a watchmaker´s, then Z scale can be lots of fun - just seen MR report on a huge (!) layout depicting the Gotthard line in Switzerland (Dec. 2007 issue).
For my taste, it is a little too small to give me that "railroad" feeling.
Btw, 6" radius in Z scale equals roughly 15" in HO scale - that´s pretty sharp!
That 6" Z-Scale radius equates to a radius a little larger than 15" in HO-Scale. Fifteen inches is even sharp for narrow gauge curvature. John Allen had 16.5" radius curves on his original Gorre and Daphetid; that radius is categorized as very sharp and is the smallest recommended and then only for the smallest of locomotives.
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
I think if you do the math a 6" radius in Z equals 15" in HO almost exactly.
This is my former Z scale show layout.The curve radius on the left end is 11.5" and 12.5" on the right end.The layout is curently in the process of becoming my home Z layout where the radious on the left will gain a inch and the other end will just become a large curve leading to the new "end" which will have a 11.5" radius.
I bought a bunch of Mini-Club stuff off CraigsList, incl the red trolley bus-like thing. I want to build a small town (Do they get any smaller?) for it to cruise around. I then experimented with some flex track and cut the little bridges of rail bed that connects each of the ties to each other. This let me bend the track further, even to an 7" Diameter! The fixed axles are close enough to take the extreme turns. Tiny town will be in business soon.
What is the smallest diameter a end can have and still allow Marklin locos and rolling stock to run ok? The inside of my track oval is 15.25 inches and I want to put a figure 8 inside it. Maybe I can use flex track. Any suggestions for steam loco and cars that will run on a tight turn? Thanks Ron