I must say - maybe to our common consolation - that the maker of both layouts, Karl Sinn, has turned z scale modelling into a (semi?) professional business. You may have seen the Moffat tunnel and East of Caliente modules he did for AZL. Check out his website: https://www.spur-z-atelier.de/ Matt
RRAY, You’re exactly right in regards to taking the game up another notch or two. I’ll step out on a limb and say that too many model railroad layouts I’ve seen as of late, be it HO, N, or Z, are toyish looking. In fact I will actually step off of that limb and say that I believe American Model Railroading has lost its way. We’ve settled for gimmicks instead of realism. While functioning aspects of a layout can add realism if done correctly, many are simply added to be “cool”, rather than an addition to the overall realism. We need some good North American examples of what our brothers and sisters over in Europe are doing. We need to follow their lead with what could be termed as “Precision Realism”. I know we have many on this board that are capable. Our European friends have charted the course, let’s follow it.
There were at least 3 layouts/dioramas of US railway: 3D printed interior of switching house equipment:
Diorama of scrap yard: Small layout: Steam yard diorama/layout Sea thunderstorm diorama One of dioramas presented by 1zu220 shop
Great pictures, Pawel, thanks. So, what did I learn from Altenbeken 2022? - lovely people in Z - z scale layouts come in all sizes and qualities - and all have their charm - I love detailed little scenes - for me, layouts with good lighting and a matching back drop stand out - btw, no disqualification intended of anyone's diorama or layout! Let me share a few shots of layouts / details I particularly appreciated. Booischot Statie: little chapel along a country road Booischot Statie: back drop with threatening clouds in the sky Diemeltal: perfect match of scenery and back drop; little reflection of TL-lighting in the back drop seems unavoidable. Diemeltal: hard to tell where the back drop starts... Das Chemiewerk: matching back drop shows continuation of the industrial scene. (Unknown): a small diorama can draw you into an imagined little world with the aid of a good back drop. Small diorama showing his amazing car models by Raffaelo Piccolo: perfect match of foreground and back drop! Btw, should you wonder, the Morris mini in green with the black hood, with the figure on the roof..? That is Mr. Bean, car and situation derived from one of his great comedy episodes. Wiesenthal: probably the best match I have seen of scenery and back drop. Pawel and others have shared much better pictures but I thought Willi's layout could not be left unmentioned in this respect. Matt
I am astounded by the craftmanship pictured here. I do like #Zscaleplanet's concept of "Precision Realism". Very thoughtful. I am inspired. Also, one's judgement of the "best of something" in no way detracts from the quality of others fine efforts.
The backdrops and lighting is quite excellent. Makes the scene have a depth of field which makes the modeling even better!
Yeah, I enjoyed this layout very much. Particularly the buildings, which were really realistic, detailed and to scale. Maciej and I had a little trouble communicating (my Polish is limited to about 5 words...) but I understand they were made by a friend of his who lasercut them especially for him. Thanks for posting, my shots of this layout were all unsharp Matt
Matt, You are right. All those buildings are custom made - as far as I know based on actual prototypes. Here are some photos of Swobnica station: https://www.bazakolejowa.pl/index.php?dzial=stacje&id=170&ed=0&okno=galeria The line is not in use any more for some years.
During Z-scale weekend in Altenbeken Marklin TV was making shots - I hope there will be a nice movie for 50 years of Z gauge. Some shots were done on my minimodules. I hope some will be used:
OT: DANG, we just home a day ago from 4+ week in Germany! Wife just tested Positive 2 days after our 4+ week in Germany! Then Me. None wore basks except compromise and the mandatory in the Trains, Subways and some museums. There are PCR/Antigen Results to Government, results in 15-90. We tested each week, nada, and 2 days before we do our 1-day-before you fly test. Found a nice on the Mall. Explained we MUST be able to get back as My medicine will be out and Wife few days later. (I had passport issues for 3 days s we started into the medicine reserves) Both Negative. He said We'll be fine. Chatted about allot, honest enough. Now, go to the Frankfurt AP, Check In, got to the lounge for a couple of hours, everything good. Get on the Plane, wifes Asthma acting up bad, I'm a getting soar throat feeling warm (temp normal), heads kinda swirling a bit. Land 11 hours late, drive 3 hours home. Both test solid positive! Saying that this team was good, I wonder if there was Q-tip swapping
It is time for last photos - from my mini modules: Two trains passing each other on mountain river bridge: LOTOS Rail (rafinery company) with the tank cars: General view of modules: Narrow gauge motorp-car on the bridge over the mainline: Small narrow gauge train waiting on the siding: Steam depot - diorama over the tunnel:
Last pictures from my modules in Altenbeken Diorama of mountain station - all steam engines and cars relettered into Polish PKP: More general view: ST44 diesel (Gagarin) is passing abandoned siding (Locomotive - 3D printed) Aerial view of steam engine yard: LOTOS Oil Company is passing bakery (Marklin loco and cars repainted and with custom made decals): Narrow gauge in operation (all models 3D printed on T-gauge chassis): Orlen Company (they sponsor currently one of F1 teams) is passing with gas tank cars. Loco 3D printed on Marklin chassis. All cars repainted into Orlen fleet. END OF ALTENBEKEN 2022 STORY !
There is new release of Trainini available - still only German version - with extensive coverage of Altenbeken: https://www.trainini.de/fileadmin/media/Magazin/2022/Trainini_2022-06.pdf There is also new Marklin TV film. The first part is about Altenbeken as well. In minutes 1.40-1.48 some shots made on my mini modules:
