What can make Z scale better?

[sirenwerks]

From the tiny pics I was able to see it looks interesting.  I'd like to see more but ProBoard won't let me use my log-in.  I did see an indication that the Chesapeake Bay is in western Maryland though.  Due to my proximity to the Bay and, um, it ain't, hon.

[Denver Road Doug]

I did see an indication that the Chesapeake Bay is in western Maryland though.  Due to my proximity to the Bay and, um, it ain't, hon.

A few years ago it was trying to be, from what I heard...   

[tom mann]

The photos are excellent. I liked how they modeled a real remote place but added rail lines. The scenery is first rate - especially the water- but it doesn't quite capture that area. Science the modelers are European and probably are modeling from photos, it is a great effort.

[strummer]

It's been 8 years now (2015) since this thread was started...and ended.

Anything noteworthy happened/changed since then? I ask simply because I broke out my little collection of Z last week; everything still runs well... 

Mark (still) in Oregon

[Sokramiketes]

It's been 8 years now (2015) since this thread was started...and ended.

Anything noteworthy happened/changed since then? I ask simply because I broke out my little collection of Z last week; everything still runs well... 

Mark (still) in Oregon

Well, Atlas picked up the baton for track.  It is still Code 55, but atleast the flex is longer than MTL and the price is better.  They also released turnouts. 

Is there still room for North American Code 40 track?  Yup.  But its no different than where we are at in N scale.  The Atlas N Code 55 has gotten worse (larger spike heads, merged ties in the middle, less crisp) and we still don't have a Peco Code 40/55 North American option for bullet proof track and proper turnouts. 

Imagine the spark to the sales demand if something as ubiquitous as track was solved. 

[ednadolski]

Imagine the spark to the sales demand if something as ubiquitous as track was solved.

Has anyone ever tried a 3D printed tie (or turnout) strip for Z scale?  I guess it would have to be Code 40 rail?   

(Just thinkin aloud.... but afaik there isn't even an NMRA wheel/track gauge for Z.... is that correct?)

Ed

[Sokramiketes]

Has anyone ever tried a 3D printed tie (or turnout) strip for Z scale?  I guess it would have to be Code 40 rail?   

(Just thinkin aloud.... but afaik there isn't even an NMRA wheel/track gauge for Z.... is that correct?)

Ed

That's true, you're remembering issues DKS found when he was making Z gauge clearance templates.

Yes, it's possibly to model a lot of things, and 3D print turnouts.  But to build a big layout that makes use of big trains running through majestic scenery?  And doesn't take a lifetime? 

[Rivet Miscounter]

It's been 8 years now (2015) since this thread was started...and ended.

Anything noteworthy happened/changed since then?

Wow, this post has sort of bookended my Z experience.  (I was Denver Road Doug back then, before leaving the forum for a bit)

I'm not completely out of Z, but my focus has shifted back to N.

Anyway, noteworthy...
1. Yes absolutely the Atlas track has changed the landscape.  True, it wasn't the slam dunk it could have been, but still better visually than anything else by a mile. (notwithstanding handlaying)   Will be interesting to see if the "New and Improved" Micro-Engineering could get in the game with Code 40.   I would like to see Atlas do a #10 turnout in Z.
2. Speaking of Atlas, at least they don't seem to be "one and done" in Z.  They've brought back some of the BLMA stuff, and now are doing their streetlights in Z also.
3. AZL continues to lead the charge in Z, which is a mixed bag.   Their products are really nice, but their customer service approach and unwillingness to offer parts makes Z more challenging than it needs to be.
4. Product wise, AZL has done some amazing stuff.   Noteworthy: SW1500 is a transcendent little loco.  Has a few issues that are manageable (shell removal and--until very recently--no easy decoder option) but it just an incredible model IMHO and is something you could build a layout around easily.   Similarly the RS3 for an earlier time.   Lots of other new locos since 2015....ES44AC, SD70ACe, Alco PA's, P42DC's, et al.   Lots of new Amtrak equipment too...Superliners, Amfleets, etc.    Some great new freight cars especially Intermodal.  Maxi-I's and Maxi-IV's are nice little models that really solidify the ability to model legit stack trains in Z.   Some of other stuff that I like are the corn syrup cars and R-70-20 reefers.
5. AZL Product Part II...lots in the hopper, but never assume anything until it's in your hands.   Lots of promises that never make.   But SD40-2's seem like a good bet fairly soon.
6. AZL Part III...forgot to mention their "name train" iconic passenger trains.   They've really been churning out a lot of great stuff, just not necessarily my thing.   Super Chief, etc. and accompanying  locos.
7. The Archistories structures are worth mentioning.   Neat products including a nice diesel enginehouse.

Back to the track...it is quite amazing that there's just really no GREAT option for track in N or Z.   I feel like track and ROW details like signals and crossing gates are oddly the most ignored items in "small-ball" model railroading.

[EmdFan]

I was in Z for a while in the 90s then ventured off to N scale (and a little HO as well). About two years ago I decided to give Z another try. I had moved from a roomy house to a condo and was weighing my options. I could have done an "okay" layout in N but Z was really tugging at me. So I dove in head first. Here are some random thoughts in no particular order:

• Atlas Flex, #6 turnouts and 19 degree crossings are available and work well.
• The Z scale equivalent to Kato N Unitrack is made by Rokuhan. There is quite a variety of sections available. The ballast profile is high, and the tie spacing does not match US track. But if you're not liking the idea of dealing with roadbed, ballasting in Z, etc. it's a great option. I built a test layout with it while planning a larger layout using Atlas track.
• MTL freight cars are great and are a good value. The locomotives are hard to find, and are a bit wide bodied.
• AZL is the dominant force in Z. Their line of locos, freight and passenger cars etc. is very extensive. Every one of my AZL locos runs just as good, if not better, than my N locos.
• Small cottage type companies keep popping up offering structures, detail parts, vehicles, etc.

When I returned to Z I decided to depart from my normal Northeast US modeling and chose to model SP in the 80s. I was concerned about how much equipment was going to be available. Turns out I was able to get (as far as locos goes): GP9, GP30, GP38-2, SD45, SD70M, SW1500...all in SP. If I was modeling and earlier era I could have acquired RS3s, PAs, E and F units. Granted, some are short runs and you have to pay attention to AZL's announcements.

Speaking of Atlas, they have just announced street lights in Z and are working on at least one or two other Z items (don't ask me how I know lol)

Just my thoughts. To me it's a great time to be in Z.

Steve

[ednadolski]

Just a few random ruminations (again).....

Would something like a 3D printed tie strip be worthwhile for Z scale?   Does it have to be Code 40 rail or can it be smaller (without flange clearance issues, at least on most US-based rolling stock)?  Is an NMRA Nn3 gauge usable for constructing track/turnouts in Z?

(A 0.040" rail height equates to Code 55 rail for N.)

Ed

[EmdFan]

Just a few random ruminations (again).....

Would something like a 3D printed tie strip be worthwhile for Z scale?   Does it have to be Code 40 rail or can it be smaller (without flange clearance issues, at least on most US-based rolling stock)?  Is an NMRA Nn3 gauge usable for constructing track/turnouts in Z?

(A 0.040" rail height equates to Code 55 rail for N.)

Ed

I'm doing a lot of 3D printing in Z. My initial thoughts: How would the rail be attached to the tie strip? Depending on the resin used the tie strip could be on the brittle side. Drilling holes may not be an option. If everything is glued down it could potentially work. I'll try to design a section to see how it goes. Turnouts may be tricky.

Steve

[Jesse6669]

I'm doing a lot of 3D printing in Z. My initial thoughts: How would the rail be attached to the tie strip? Depending on the resin used the tie strip could be on the brittle side. Drilling holes may not be an option. If everything is glued down it could potentially work. I'll try to design a section to see how it goes. Turnouts may be tricky.

Steve

When I made my T-gauge (1:450) "prototypical" track (closer to US tie size and spacing), I basically buried half the rail in the ties to create a lower profile.  There's a web under the rail attached to the ties.  Same could be done for Z, I'm sure.
Jesse

[ztrack]

One major improvement in Z is actually track. Rokuhan has come out with an impressive line plastic roadbed track. The turnouts are rock solid, the plug n' play system works extremely well, and the selection of track far outpaces Marklin and others. They even offer both wood tie and concrete tie options. If you haven't seen their double crossover... it is amazing. The only complaints I hear is the look of the ties and their spacing. This is a fair callout. I weather by track and roadbed so it doesn't bother me.

Rokuhan also has done something unheard of in Z. Their Shorty Line allows folks to get started in Z at a VERY low cost. A Shorty powered unit (no shell) is around $21.00 dollars. Heck we offer a simple Shorty loop with a running loco for $56.00! And Rokuhan is not just Japanese. Their Shorty line includes F7 types... but off course.. shorter.

They do offer accessories such a grade crossings.. and yes they are US prototype. But they are static.

AZL uses Rokuhan is their starter sets. Rokuhan track and turnouts are also used to QC all AZL locos. If the loco can't navigate the test track and turnouts, we know it isn't the track. If you haven't checked out Rokuhan, you can see all that is available our Ztrack Center (www.ztrackcenter.com)

Rob

[sirenwerks]

Recently, I've been playing with the idea of a Z scale Japanese layout as a challenge project.  I've been watching a lot of videos on YouTube and am fascinated by the architecture and scenery and am interested in trying some of the paper modeling tactics of Chandwell (on YouTube).  The thing I noticed in ruminating through this idea (trying to research while not knowing the language) is that Japanese Z scale, while less assortment is available, it is significantly less expensive.  We're talking under $70 for a loco and $30 for a two freight car set.  That being said, Rokuhan is the only player in the game in regards to locos and rolling stock and there's only a couple structure manufacturers, but there's really no Japanese-oriented details, etc. on Shapeways or the likes (like appropriate Z scale Toyotas, Isuzus, Suzukis etc) - which is surprising to me. But my limited conversations with Japanese modelers has born that they consider Z much like HO scalers see N, as a toy.  On the flip side, the Rokuhan shorty chassis are being snapped up by Euro Z scalers, as alternate locos and trainsets are available on Shapeways (I looked at doing a Dutch project too) and the shorties can be used as power sets..


I posted a while back how I wanted to do a prairie line stretch in Z scale.  Modeling a Japanese mountain line would be a lot more economical, given the prices of MTL and AZL models.  Not that they're not beautiful models, but trying to amass a prairie line fleet of 40 foot boxcars would set me back a few mortgage payments.