Is there a collection of Z-scale layout plans designed uniquely for Micro Trains' Z-scale modular track? If not, it would seem logical that someone with the necessary skills might be well advised to begin this project. As we all know Micro Trains has recently expanded their offerings to include sharper cures and appropriate swithch machine for those curves. Thanks in advance for your guidance. Dick Brown
I don't think anyone did layout plans specifically for MTL track, however their track matches Marklin track, and I have ran across layout plans for Marklin track on the web. What is different is that not all the pieces available to Marklin out yet, so you would have to make sure those pieces are not used in the plans. Here is a site for inspiration: http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm#true_2x4
Robert, Thanks for pointing me in that direction. It would be great if MT could emulate Marklin in terms of providing plans that would work effectively with their limited variety of modular track. I have the necessary experience and skills to use their flex track but want to build two small layouts as Christmas gifts for my grand children and am seeking the easiest way out! Dick
Hi Dick, First I forgot to welcome you to Trainboard, and as far as layout planning goes, Atlas has a free track planning program called Right Track I think. I am looking for the link, but someone made templates for all the Marklin Z track pieces to use with the Atlas N Scale track planning program. With it you can lay out pieces to test out different layout ideas, then you will know exactly how big your board needs to be, and how many pieces of track you will need to get. This past weekend Joe D'Amato, MTL's Design Engineer, brought down the new electric powered turnouts to show at our NMRA meet, and they look pretty good. He also said the new 220mm radius curved track is about ready. This track looks so much like Kato Unitrack that it's scary. I am still looking for the links to those templates.
Layout Design Actually we are going to work up something in the comming months, but for the time being, the Marklin guide books are the best resource. Our 220mm Radius will be out before July I hope and with that, a whole world of possiblities opens up. Cheers Joe MTL
Robert, I do not anything about Z templates for right track..But I create an MT Z micro track library for Xtrkcad. You can download the program at www.xtrkcad.org (which is free) and get the library file from the yahoo group file area http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XTrkCad . If you or anyone try this out let me know if there are any change I need to make to the library file.
Thanks Joe and Dwayne I have already ordered the 13 degree curved set of track and the remote switch machine from Brooklyn Loco to use as templates when they are released. I have two 2' by 4' layouts to build between now and Christmas Eve for my grand kids. They will have to be exactly alike so I am not accused of favoritism! I figure with the great MT track available that part will be a [forgive the pun --"snap"]. Working on two at once will enable me to hone my new Z skills [I hope] and just perhaps rationalize my construction of one for my self to go along with the just completed after 5 years N-scale GN layout! I best send this off before the wife looks over my shoulder to see what I am up to train-wise now! Thanks again one and all. Dick Brown
Dwayne, First, thanks for the cad experience. That is my very first time ever in the environment. I took time to look at the various files after joining this group. I already had a Yahoo account so it was no prolem. Second, I went to the file you posted here in the forum and there was no plan per se. I assume that I need to learn how to put the Z scale file into the mix when I begin to "draw" my layouts with the cas program. I will need to work with this for several hour before I can understand it better. HOWEVER, thanks again for your help and direction. I figure if I taught myself how to use the most recent version of RR&Co software for my computerized N scale layout I can give this program a try! Dick Brown
There is a free demo version of 3rd PlanIt that has a Marklin Z track library. Just limit the track pieces you use to 4.33”(110mm) straight secions, and 7.68”(195mm), 8.66” (220mm), 19.29” (490mm) radius curves. Also the turnouts. http://www.trackplanning.com/3pi.htm As far as track planning goes for the turnouts, does the included straight section of track have to be used with the turnout? Can I place one turnout right after the other to build a yard like shown below? ||| ||/ \| .| It looks like the straight section has a tapered end so that the track pieces will fit together.
Dick, Sorry for not being more clear.. The template was just the individual track pieces. Once you get a handle on using the program..just duplicate some of the plans Robert point you to at Mike's site...in Z scale.
Dwyane, O.K. now I get it! XTrak CAD is a very sophistacted and powerful program. It reminds me in some respects to Foxy which is a programming feature associated with my Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS I use for "playing" my flight simulations. So much to learn -- so little time! Dick
Hello everyone: Well, I'm bumping this topic so our new members just thinking about track planning might see this. I was just at Micro-Trains | The Ultimate in N and Z scale model trains looking for the latest releases and lo-and-behold there is a "New" link to Z-scale track plans based on MTL Micro-Track. I watch these forums pretty much every day and I don't remember seeing a post about this. If I'm reposting something already published, my apologies. If not, enjoy the trackplans. I'm gonna build the 4'x5' inner loop option and the TimeSaver option today -- what fun!
Russ, We did... in this thread: Thinking About Layout Design - TrainBoard.com But, no worries. Charlie
Thanks for the bump Russ. I missed it the first time. I was on a businees trip when the thread first came out and got too far behind I guess. Randy
