Apart from the little class 89 0-6-0 I don't have any Maerklin steam locos. What would be really useful is a database of the range with center-to-center dimensions for the axles and wheel diameters. I will compile it if Z scalers out there can send me the measurements (mm please!).
I would be interested in a Heavy Mikado shell, a USRA 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 shell, and some Moguls and 10 wheelers. Why don't you start with a simple project like the USRA 0-6-0 for the Marklin BR89 0-6-0? These would be the perfect shell to get started with because people can afford them, and it would help bring in new guys to Z Scale. I'm thinking an 0-6-0 shell, slopeback tender, and small sheet of decals for several popular roads would make a popular kit. I would buy several!
Do those 0-6-0's run good? I admittedly don't know much about Z scale. When I was very young I had a Z scale 2-6-0 starter set and wasn't impressed. Later I had a 2-8-0 that was used to make a Nn3 C16, I though the chassis was pretty sloppy. Then again, now my skill are a little better and maybe the steam locomotives are also. I'm sure Mark is thinking of a NKP Berkshire, but I'll take what I can get. I converted this from a Life-Like Berk: Erie had 125 Berkshires.
The 0-6-0, pretty much have the same mech as the 2-6-0. Here is my experience with them. They can be made to run well, but the 5 pole motors are better. Make sure the brushes are not too tight. Sometimes that extra pressure makes the loco run less smooth. Make sure that the side rods are aligned correctly. Obviously oil and lube correctly. I tend to use oil on the gears, that is my preferece. Clean the wheels before each use. It is a little thing but goes a long way. If you do these things they will run better. Now if you use a gaugemaster and a Jorger they will all creep along very nicely with little if any stalling.
Mark, This has been done for you and then some. The Nn3 guys use Z Scale mechs for a majority of their motive power and have compiled extensive info including schematics and measurements of all (most at least) Z-Scale engines with an eye to kit/scratch building their locomotives. It's a wealth of knowledge for Z scale modelers too. Check it out at: http://www.fielder-rowe.freeserve.co.uk/nn3orghome.html ~Jimmy
I love using the Nn3 stuff from RLW. They are the only company out there that fits my era (1880-1890s) with items. John Bartolotto
Chris, that Erie Berkshire is just what I had in mind. I fancy offering it in the C&O and Virginian configurations as well. I have good photos of the C&O Berk at the Science museum in Richmond VA. First off, though, is to start small as others have suggested. There is a nice little 0-6-0 at the VMT in Roanoke. I can get Robbman to measure it up and design it - it's only 30 minutes from where he lives.
I have drawings of that Erie Berk from Mainline Modeler. Mine is a S1 (early) so the trailing truck is correct. The S2 & S3's had odd trailing trucks that were probably a "Erie only" item. I'm sure anything American would be a hit.
Mark, You said the magic word, "Virginian". If I ever do any serious effort in steam it will be Virginian. Of course I would have to do electrics too. A USRA 0-6-0 with tender to go with the Marklin 0-6-0T would be a great place to start. Randy
I have a good 3D battleship gon model completed. As soon as we have 6 wheel buckeye trucks available I can produce them in Z. I also have a NW/Virginian C2/C10 caboose done - just needs some fine tuning. We could also do the EL2B but I suspect that it will have limited appeal (although I would love one for myself). How suitable would the Maerklin Mikado be for Virginian's 2-8-2?
It was posted a while back that Z-Track makes them: http://www.ztrack.com/mrtsbcatpgs/ztrackaccess.html