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FloridaBoy
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« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2010, 12:37:02 AM » |
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Hey guys
I am a long time N scaler whose second passion is Z. I currently have one standing Z layout 3 x 4 1/2 with a double mainline almost with all track down right next to my N scale layout in my living room. I am new to any Z scale forum, and anxious to get caught up, as I have been only in a "run" mode using what I have since 1989.
Currently I have 3 MicroTrains PRR Tuscan Red F7a's and about 30 pieces of rolling stock. I have about 15 standard type railroad functional structures to be added to my layout when completed. I also have 2 American steamers by Marklin and I am a dedicated steam nut, but the Marklin units do not inspire me as much as the MicroTrains diesels, so I have decided to model diesel transition to modern. I probably will be trading off my Marklin units for some of the newer diesels made recently which is the reason why I am getting active in this scale. I saw them at a hobby shop and went well, bonkers.
I am 63, retired and living on a pension, 401K, and social security in a retired people community, separated from my wife, but we get along and live closeby, two children, and very comfortable. I spend a lot of time working on my trains and layouts.
I don't know how I will be considered, but hopefully you will consider me a Z scaler true and blue, as although I model other scales, N and Z are my top two time takers. Z does take up a lot of my energy, time, work and imagination. I have 3 Z layouts, two are stored in a closet, used for train show displays. The third is one that my former club received donated by an estate with no trains. My former club had no need for it and felt it couldn't sell it, so I bought it for a song. But it was quite the deal. Lots of track, several structures, 10 switches, 3 power packs, pre-wired and ready to run. When I received my layout, it was track glued directly on plywood, and since then not intending to, but acting from necessity, I took sheet cork and cut individual pieces, took up the track and switches and relaid the track with the cork roadbed, making the ride smoother, using a few track tacks but mostly glue. Every joint on the layout is now soldered, which was quite tedious but very rewarding.
It was just a couple of weeks ago at a run session and I was about to put them away, and I had so much fun, I said "no way" and since I don't answer to anyone, I decided to install it in my living room with my large N layout. I try to keep my living area from being too "trainy" as I socialize quite a lot, and want my home to be a welcome area to houseguests.
I am now using Marklin 9V power packs, but will change over to MRC Tech II's as I never run my trains fast, so not worrying about burning motors out.
There are some sources down here in Z, but certainly not many. Through this forum, I hope to meet new friends, acquiring the knowledge and resources to enhance my layout, and share my experiences with others. I still need a few few Z structures and trains, so progress on my layout will be slower now that most of the track is laid and I am running trains testing the track a lot.
Oh, just a couple of more things....I live in Deerfield Beach, FL near the CSX/Amtrak/TriRail tracks, and a mile from the FECRR tracks. Deerfield is just north of Ft. Lauderdale and immediately south of Boca Raton. I am lone wolfing it and have a few friends who have train layouts, but I am the only Z scaler I know, or have known in this area for a long long time.
Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
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