Greetings all! I am wondering how many Z-scalers are located in South-Eastern Michigan, and who might be interested in joining/starting a Z-Bend Track Chapter. I realize the economy isn't the best here in Michigan, and hobbies are one of the first things that get cut from the budget. I feel that getting together once or twice a month to share ideas and skills is a great way to get your mind off the bad times. Plus it's a great motivator, and way to help grow the z-scale population. I have a couple of locations that might be possibilities for meeting locations in the Ann Arbor area. Sound off if you are interested! Thank you,
Congratulations Eric on helping to spread the fun! This is how we started in the SF Bay Area, by posting online. We used the Yahoo Z Scale group then, and although we have a half dozen hard core, there are another half dozen members that show from time to time as they can. I hope you can find enough for a good core group. How about you Eric, how many modules are you planning on?
Eric, Glad to see you waving the Z banner. I wish you the best and I hope you find a bunch of Z buddies. Robert's BAZ group is one of the most active in the US and I'm proud to say I've played trains with the BAZ boys. A finer bunch of talented, gung ho guys can't be found. The ZoCal group is almost as wild and wooley and also super guys. I only wish Joe and I could fins some new blood here in the heart of MTL country. Anyone want to move to Medford? I'll feed, clothe and house you.... ) Go get em Eric,
Thank you Robert and Loren for the kind words and best wishes! I can only hope to find a group of talented and dedicated members that rival you west coasters! I am in the process of creating flyers to pepper the LHS's in the area, as well as looking into starting a website. I'm stuck at my dreadful nemeses, logo design! Robert - I will be starting with couple simple end modules, maybe a T-module, and a larger balloon end module. Something to at least get trains running, until the addiction kicks in and I use every square foot of usable basement space! Regards,
Have you posted on Z Central Station and the Yahoo Group? There is some major overlap, but not everyone checks every group on a regular basis. Also, maybe contact Rob Kluz, he might put an announcement in Z-Track. Dan S.
Eric, Definitely on the announcement. We offer free classified ads for clubs or those looking to start clubs. Just drop me an email and with contact information, any text, etc and we will get it into an upcoming issue of Ztrack. Our email is: ztrack@aol.com Rob
Eric. John Kellett from Saginaw, about hour and a half north of you. I know I could not be at all of the meetings, but depending on day, time, and location, I could attend a few. (unless you desire devoted members) I have had the pleasure to meet a couple Z-guys in Grand Rapids, a couple Z-scalers in Macomb area, and three Z-scalers from Lansing. I think this would be a great idea, and it is time to get something going in Michigan. John K.
Rob - Expect an email soon, I'm still putting some details together, and would like to setup a website before we post a classified ad... Thanks so much! John K. - That is awesome! I will forward you the info as I get it. As I mentioned, I would like to get a website setup with all the docs, links, calendar of events, pics, videos, etc... I know the 40th Annual Train Show in Saline (by the Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club) is Feb. 21st. It's only a one day show, but I would love to have at least a something to show there. Since it's only a couple weeks away, I'm willing to pass out flyers and cookies and at least display some Z-scale items to draw some interest.... I have a friend of mine in the film industry working on some logos and "advertisement & promotional" items. Lets see what we can get done!
Eric, Great! One thought for you guys is possibly including NW Ohio. One of the most active and amazing Z scalers lives right outside of Toledo. It is David Miller. I am not sure how many of you are familiar with Dave, but his Z layout has appeared in Great Model Railroads and other publications (Ztrack included). He is happy to show off his work and may be a good candidate for your club. Rob
Although I live close...relative term. I am not sure I have the time commitment needed. Seems like a good idea, but I would probably be the once a year type of person with my new job, family etc etc... So I guess I can say I am interested, yet have to be very noncommital...if that makes any sense.
Go, and nothing should stop you. You'll be surprised about the level of positive responses to receive from the public. They're hungry for new ideas and true enthusiasm. Our group exist only for about three years, but we're the center piece of every train show since. Start to build modules, don't be afraid to show them even when they're incomplete and keep working on them during the shows. You'll experience a steady growth in your membership, train show by train show.
Thank you Eric. I forgot about the Saline show coming up. I am aware of the Gratiot Valley Train Show on March 7th at Macomb College Sports & Expo Center. The GVRR is a good sized show also with 400+ tables and lots of participation. And I know Thomas with be there with several of his Z-scale layouts. John K.
I know I could not be at all of the meetings, but depending on day, time, and location, I could attend a few. (unless you desire devoted members). -yeah what he said! I'm in the same boat as well.
Erik I am Steve from Grand Rapids. I have been collecting Z scale for about the last ten years and for most of that time thought i was the only one modeling Z scale in my area.I would like to be part of a michigan Z scale group. I checked out all the local groups and NMRA divisions near by and there was no one running Z. Until 6 months ago i found john from saginaw and Thomas (who is near john) on ZCS forum.Also there is Johnathan here in Grand Rapids that is now Modeling Z. I have serius health problems and wont be able to travel the 2 1/2 hours to your area, but i would still like to be part of the group if possible. Thanks Steve aka "Sluggers" :tb-cool:
Great to see you getting another group together. As you can see from the responses, a lot of sleeper-cells Eric, show them some of you #8 thru #20 turnouts you were working on way back when (and that great picture of the grand trackwork) and they'll come pounding on the door to get busy. .
This is great! I see there is a bit of interest in Michigan after all!! I started a Yahoo Group, and encourage everyone who is interested to join. I feel we can better organize some details of the group there, and hopefully get the party started! SoMichZbend : Southern Michigan Z-Bend Here's the pic of my #20 turnout... It would take a 4' module just to cross over one way! More to come!
Here's the pic of my #20 turnout... It would take a 4' module just to cross over one way! Eric, Are the points on that #20 stiff enough to 'not' bend if you touch them carelessly? Or do you leave them a bit stocky and cut into the main rail? I know main is not the correct term, so what is that rail called? Beautiful job. Was that scratch or are you using some jig, such as Fast Tracks?
Neveer mind Eric, I just went to the Fast Tracks site and learned a bit. Stockrail is the term I was looking for. What all would you advise a beginner purchase to make building turnouts? Gonna do it someday.
Hi Loren; I have No. 6 turnout plate now and I think the next one I get will be No 8. I might eventually get to a No. 10 for mainline cross over use but I think No. 8 would be very useful. No. six is great for yard and station area. Most of us do not have enough room for larger number turnouts. A No. 10 takes up about a 9 inches of room and you saw the No. 20 takes almost 2 ft. I think you have to scale your switch to the length of your layout as to how large you get. cheerz Garth
Loren, I built that #20 off a scaled down printed copy of the actual prototype Union Pacific technical drawings. The points on this turnout are so long that it requires two throws, and I did have to cut recesses into the stock rails. Even with code 40 rail, the tolerances are very tight, and if your wheel gauge is off on a loco, it will short out. I built this one more for a "can I do it" project. All my handlaid turnouts require a switch machine or simple toggle switch to hold positive pressure on the points. I highly recommend the Fast Track Jigs and the Point and Frog tools to start handlaying turnouts. With a little practice you can built perfect turnouts!
