Question New to this Forum and wondering?

I am new to this forum and was wondering if someone could point me in the direction of a modular set of rules for Z Scale. I have some Marklin and MTL stuff I purchased in the 80's while stationed overseas and would like to do a switching module with it. My main layout is N scale but I want to do something with the Z Scale I have too.

Thanks in Advance.


Jim

 

Hi Jim, welcome to TrainBoard.

Please take a moment to post an introduction of yourself in the member introductions area.

As far as the modular rules for Z scale, I'm sure someone will be along shortly with the information to help you out.

 

Jim, welcome to Trainboard! You can find the Z-Bend Track standards at the following link:

http://www.ztrack.com/resources/index.html

Rob

 

Thank you so much for the quick response.

 

So then the Z-Bend is the standard for the US? Just want to make sure.

 

Thank You. Will have to take a good hard look at those module standards before doing anything.

 

Jim,
Welcome to the group. From my research a while back, there are about a half dozen module standards each with a couple of variations. In the U.S. the standards are the Z-bend track and an NMRA. The major difference between the two is that the NMRA is a one-sided standard (track along on edge and the Z-bend is both edges. As you can see from the images, the Z-bend is by far the most popular.
Note that the Z-bend standard is primarily an interface standard: a set of rules that allow multiple modules from different sources to play well together. I personally like the additions to Z-bend that have come out from people like the Northwest Pacific Z scalers: http://www.retrograde.net/zed/bent-mods.html as they also address the "look and feel" and operability issues internal to the module. Also, while the Z-bend module height works well at shows, I find its a bit high for the home. I'm building my modules with interchangable legs that lower the module at home.
You also mention having Marklin stuff from the 80's. You should be aware that Marklin in that time frame used an oil that did not age well, commonly known among Z-scalers as HOS: hardened oil syndrome. So you should clean and relubricate any locomotives before running them.
Mark

 

Thank You. You mention here to clean and relube the locomotives. Is there a guide or instructions on how to do this posted here or somewhere else?

Thank You in Advance.

Shamoo - Thank You for the pictures.

 

Jim,
The details of cleaning HOS depends and the particular locomotive and you might want to post your model numbers. I know there are several good guides on line for the F7 style U.S. diesel. In general, if you remove the locomotive shell or the bottom plate of the trucks and the lub looks like butter, you need to clean with a brush and alcohol. I like using the Labelle 108 oil as a lub.
Mark

 

Mark,

The model #s I have are 8892, 8807, 8804 and 8802.

Thanks in Advnace for any information.

Jim

 

Jim,
I'm a U.S. modeller so the only engine I'm familiar with is the 8807. I'd suggest you check out http://www.zscale.org/articles/revival.html
to get started on the maintenance. Also from the model numbers you have the older 3 pole motor. Since you were saying you're interested in doing a switching operation, you might want to consider upgrading to the newer 5 pole motor for smoother low speed operation. A place to start for that is http://www.ajckids.com/TRAINS/MAIN.ASP?nr=82 .
Mark

 

Mark,

THank You so much for pointing me in the right direction!

Jim

 

Thank you for explaining what HOS means. I've seen several engines for sale that I didn't buy because HOS was in the description and I thought it meant "Hesitation Or Stalling" and I didn't want to chance a motor replacement! Hmm... I wonder if they're still available....

 

Peter,
Welcome to the group. HOS engines can be a good deal provided you are willing and capable to clean and re-lubricate. I've had good luck with my HOS purchases (mostly F7s), however I have heard stories of internal damage to engines have been run extensively with hardened oil and I look for units that have been verified as recently running.
Mark

 

http://www.zbendtrack.com/

Everything you need to know.

 

Thank You for the information you all have provided. I've downloaded the zbendtrack info and am studing it before continuing with my project.