Oh, by the way, I found that woodland scenics HO scale stone and cement culverts work very well for Z scale tunnel portals! I raised them on 1/4 inch blocks - just cant run double stacks through them.
I like this scene. It creates a very realistic 'train going away' from the photographer sensation. BTW- Hello from NW Montana!
Wow super work Brandon that crew cab and that Mustang is outstanding :thumbs_up: What camera did you use to shoot the video? Looking forward to more of your work!!
Very nice! I'm jealous. I had a Z-scale years ago, but the size intimidated me and I sold it. You've done awesome work with it.
Great layout. I am impressed so much with your automobiles. They are fantastic! I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Like everyone else, I am impressed! Excellent job on your first attempt! I can't wait to see more of your work. Rob
According to the pics of your former HO layout your skill level is pretty high so weathering your rolling stock shouldn't be that difficult! Maybe you should start with an old boxcar you don't need anymore....:ru-wink: Dom
Thanks! The video was done with a Canon VIXIA HF20 Digital Camcorder in full HD, and then downsized to a web format.
Well, thank you for the kind words. It still makes me nervous - maybe I just need to quit worrying and fire up the Badger and start spraying.
Funny you wrote this. While taking pictures of my layout wasn't going to happen with the rain and overcast sky in my area. I started weathering my boxcars using a technique that is simple and yields nice results. I take a thick brush and I dab some black paint on in. Then I blot it over and over until the black is just about not showing up anymore. After that I dip the brush in 90% alcohol and quickly paint the roof of the car and then down the sides. I do it evenly and quickly. support the car with something so you don't have to touch and leave a fingerprint on it. After about 30 minutes I take a stiff dry brush and rub it all over the car. The results is a nice faded sun bleached look that is not too overdone. In the next few weeks I will post some pictures.
Very impressive and inspiring too. I am a long time HO scale modeler who just made the leap to Z. I plan a very similar layout in my coffee table, but with a Pacific Northwest theme. I will be happy if it comes out half as good as yours.
That was a warp drive jump when you decided upon Z scale. You have made a wise choice my son. Welcome to the most exciting and challenging scale in the world. Share your adventures with us all. We love to see what each other are doing. BTW, your handle begs some explanation. You love ships too?
My other hobby is model ships. I run ModelWarships.com and cover the model ship world. But no matter how hard I try, I can't get away from Trains. Z-scale fascinates me. I actually have some ship scale 1/700 trains, but they are static for dioramas. I really wanted to build a small scale layout that the wife would allow in the Library to entertain my grand kids (and myself). I have been watching Z-scale develop and couldn't resist the chance to build a layout in my glass top coffee table. One like this is perfect for my needs.
Some nice work there Brandon. ModelWarships, please let us know if there's some Z scale ships you know about. Maybe start a new thread? -JamesTraction
The reason you can't get away from trains is that is is an integral part of American history. Our nation became truly one with the railroad spanning the continent. There is something invisible, but magical about trains. Don't try to explain it, just enjoy it and live it. And Z is truly fascinating in so many ways. More challenging than any other trail scale because of its limitations and need to often create from scratch. The scale will continue to grow if we all share our experiences and excitement with those around us. Best ways to do so are to join in train groups at shows and also share experiences here on train groups like this one. There is also Z Central Station, a laid back, easy going site dedicated to Z only. More of a social at times, but still fun and informative. Z Yahoo also offers much in the archives and there are those of us who frequent all sites. I was building a 1/96th scale model of the Missouri back in 2004 when I almost drowned testing it. I had blown a fuse and swam out for it on a cold November day. Wisdom said 'change hobbies'. Now the only thing I have to worry about is inadvertently connecting red and black wires. Some here would tell you I've had my wires crossed for a long time now. I can live with that. At least I can't drown my choo choos. Regarding the ship comment by James....it is true, Z would benefit any ANY Z scale water craft, and vessel.
If there is enough interest I know of some manufacturers who would be willing to produce kits in similar scales. The would most likely be made from media other than injection molded plastic. Most 1/200 (1/192) scale ships are designed for RC, but there are also paper models that can be resized to any scale. The trick with the paper model is to reinforce with sheet styrene to produce a sturdy model. I don't want to hijack Montana's thread so I will try to get back on topic. What is the minimum recommended radius for the typical layout. The 195 R stuff seems to be a bit tight.
The stock radius sectional track in Z scale is a bit tight compared to the proto and other scales. The vast majority of Z scale will work on 145mm R track, and 195 and 220mm R are considered to be mainline. Particularly with the availablity of larger radius track from Rokuhan, if you have the space, the 245 and 270 mm R track is probably more appropriate. Mark
