Do Any Of You Model Z Scale?

[Anonymous]

Hi Joe, we are more than many imagine :-) Z scale is now much more
than a briefcase scale but however here is another briefcase example from an Italian craftsman:

http://www.theprez.it/wine2.jpg

http://www.theprez.it/wine10.jpg

http://www.theprez.it/wine11.JPG

Or this my desktop layout:

http://www.theprez.it/zscale.html

Ciao,

Alex

[Anonymous]

Fact or fiction regarding Z scale? The following are comments The Rock has read or heard about Z scale:

1. Engines are generally unreliable and don't run well.
2. Continual issues with track problems, keeping it clean etc.
3. Extremely expensive.
4. Not many dealers carry Z scale.
5. Coupler problems, not compatible etc.
6. Marklin is now produced in China.

Please do not consider the above as criticism. As far as The Rock is concerned, Z scale is as legitimate as any of the other scales.

[Anonymous]

I really wish someone would have told me that Z scale was just a novelty before I invested in over 150 PRR Hoppers, 6 F7A-B powered combos, 8 Mikados, 2 kitbashed decapods and M1Mountains, and all of the structures and scenery to re-create the PRRs Elmira branch. I would try to do it in N or HO, but I would need to sell my house to buy pole barn to fit it in. Z is a viable alternative. There are multiple choices for rollingstock from transition era to modern. New manufacturers are entering the market regularily. Micro-Trains has decided to up its efforts in the scale as has Marklin. Z is the smallest scale that is growing every day. Of course, there aren't as many product offerings as there are in N. Yet. But it's coming.

[Anonymous]

You can take a look at my briefcase layout here:

http://www.heinepedersen.com/briefcase

[Anonymous]

Big_Boy,

The Best of Show at NTS 2001 in St. Louis went to a Z scale layout - that fit into three full-sized suitcases, and has over 10 scale miles of track in three interconnected, multi-track loops, along with dozens of turnouts and even a turntable. The modeler is on his way to achieving Master Model Railroader by next year, and he's done it all in Z. If you can't see the detail, it's there - but you may need to get better glasses or Lasik so you can see properly (probably not a bad idea if you drive, anyway! ;)

Check out photos of work that's been done in Z here (you may have to join the group to get into the Photos area, but it's simple to join):

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/z_scale/lst

Oh, and a Japanese guy scratch-built a Big Boy in Z, and it even runs! Photos of it are in the above section.

All Z BeZt,
Jim

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

I still think that even after all of these years Z scale is more of a novelty than a scale for serious modelers. N is large enough to have enough detail to be useful.

There are many extremely serious modellers in Z scale all over the world with layouts ranging from micro to massive. And serious manufacturers with high quality product, more and more all the time. This scale is growing by leaps and bounds. Do a web search on Z scale and check out what folks are doing, you may be pleasantly surprised.

But be careful. When people do this they can get bitten by a little critter called a Zedbug (also pronounced Zeebug). If this should happen to you, then welcome to Z!

[Anonymous]

You really should have a look at what's out there in Z, from user layouts to the new offerings from various manufacturers... it might surprise you! I believe you'll discover Z is well past it's novelty phase.

[Anonymous]

Big Boy, you obviously have not looked into Z scale recently. To Joe, yes, there are 1000s of Z scalers out there and they are doing some serious Z scale modeling. And no, they are not all Europeans. For those who are interested in Z scale and interested in US prototype, loco choices are growing daily. C44s, SD45s, SD40-2s, SD40T-2s, E8s, F45s, PA1s, GS3, GS4, GG1s, F7s, Mikado, Pacifics and more are available. Just today, Z scale F59PHIs were released. We should see a new GP this year and more modern diesels next year. Micro-Trains is releasing Z scale Gundersons. Plus numerous other manufacturers are quickley expanding their lines. It is a great time to be in Z scale. Yes, I am very active in Z scale. I am also the editor and publisher of the world's largest Z scale magazine. I would be happy to send a sample issue to you and others to share just what is happening in the Z world. You can also check out www.ztrack.com for an idea.

[Anonymous]

Big Boy,
Don't say that to the Europeans. There are probably as many modelers in Z as there are in HO or N over there. Not much O gauge that I'm aware of.

pax[:D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

I still think that even after all of these years Z scale is more of a novelty than a scale for serious modelers. N is large enough to have enough detail to be useful.

[simon1966]

I have a Marklin Z scale set. CB&Q of course. I am planning on incorporating it into my HO layout as a small scale excersion train for kids to ride on.

[Anonymous]

I'm interested in building one of those briefcase layouts. Do any of you model Z scale?

pax[C):-)]