I'm sold out of the 220mm track and Mark at Micro Trains told me they will be out of stock for at least 6 months. I do have the 110mm track in stock. Thanks Todd Small Wonder-Z
I'm in the same boat or train!! I have no clue what i'm getting into. I just love the way z-scales look and it will fit in my apartment. If someone has time to explain to me or take me under their wing for a few weeks, that would be awesome. I want to start slow, (so wifey won't notice!!! lol) but want quality and build off of that. I have about the same space 2x5 as above, and would like to start with some trains and some tracks, but not sure what i should go with. I hope someone replies. Thanks again and this is why i joined this forum to get the insights of the "pros" on here. Choochoocool:
Well, choo choo, I suppose a name would help, (the smiley means I am not trying to be rude ) welcome to trainboard. I will give you the best advise I can give based on my knowledge. Some will agree or disagree, but I will advise baised on what I have learned and if I had to start the hobby today what would I do. First off, track. Go with MT roadbed track. Sure 220 radius will look better than 195 curves, but it doesn't really matter unless you are running large expensive steam. If your pockets are that deep, then get som 220 radius curves, otherwise 195 will suffice. Second locomotives. Here is the deal, the best overall value is the AZL GP7. It will cost you around 180-190 bucks but it runs flawless and it is narrow in body as is to scale, also the pilots are filled in with couplers. It can negotiate any tight track. It is the best for the value. After that, I would go with the MT SD-40-2. It will run you 140-160 depending on the paint scheme. It has sweet looking plows and runs all day and night without a sputter. It is the best of the 3 axels bar far in terms of value and performance combined. Others have their opinions, I am giving mine baised on experience. If I lost everything I had, this is how I would start. As far as steam goes, just stay away. Unless your pockets are deep enough for an AZL GS4, cab forward, challenger, or MT mogul, or the Marklin Casey Jones. All of these look good and run well, but cost lots...and they require more tender loving care. If starting new I wouldn't want the headache. As far as controllers go nothing is better than the Jorger delux. Hard to find but it is the tops! Next best is the snail speed controller by Zthek. Slow speed is just not as good as the Jorger, but it is good. If a power pack is what you want and you are a gluten for punishment, go with the marklin. It is terrible. It steps speeds up and I wouldn't let my friends use them. They are in my mind the biggest rip off in Model RR history. The MT modified 1300 is much better. I would also get a gaugemaster as they truey make a world of difference. If going DCC then nothing in the previous paragraph matters. 2x5 is plenty of space. I have a 2x4 and many small layouts, here is a picture. Z is very rewarding because not everyone can and will do it, but the size is very awsome. All the best and Merry Christmas.
What part of California are you in? We have the state pretty well covered between ZoCal in the south and BAZ Boyz in the Bay area. If you were interested, go with the Z Bend standard. Or even half home layout and a removable Z bend section. http://www.zbendtrack.com/ The videos you can watch in the "Del Mar" and "Christmas tree" threads are all on Z Bend modules. Or just get some MTL sectional track and make a simple loop. Buy the Extension sets and add switches and more track. You can always just pull the track apart and put it away. Different layout next time. Check out the ZoCal and BAZ Boyz Yahoo groups for more information. And ZoCal will be at the Anaheim Great Train Expo January 22,23rd 2011. National Train Show will be the "Biggy" in July 2011 in Sacramento.
I agree with the AZL GP-7. Pulls well too. AZL SD70-i's and SD-70m's pull even better. About the steam - Tenshodo came out with a sweet little D51 Mikado. It will not pull many cars, but all but two of the wheels pick up power and the under $100 price is the best part. I have three of them. One DCC, one ready (disassembled) for DCC install and one plain DC.
Yes, I have heard great things about Tenshodo steam. I wish they would make North American steam as they seam to have it down right in terms or performance and price. Can you imagine? An baldwin 2-8-0 that runs well and costs around $100 bucks? Ding Ding...we have a winner!!!
Unless you look real close, you can't tell it is Japanese. And the public at trains shows doesn't know the difference. Kit bashing your own engine from the D51 is an option too.
Oh trust me I have thought about it. I have done lots of bashing...I just don't think I am talented enough to pull it off. I have looked at the boilers and it seems like extensive modification is needed. Problem is I am really a limited basher. I have no laser or etching available. Everyhting I do is styrene, blade, and glue. Possible, but not plausible. Let's just say I know my limitations. (That is why I saved for the MT moguls...because they look soooo good!)
Dirty Harry said the same thing about "a man knowing his limitations". Well do ya, punk? Merry Christmas Joe!
going to the show!! I will be looking forward to the anahieim show in a few weeks. Hopefully i'll have some trains by then. Do they sell trains and other items over at the show? How is the pricing compared to buying them online or at hobby stores? I'm all excited for this!!! jay
AWESOME!!! Hi JOe, This is exactly what I'm trying to do with my layout in terms of size. The advice is wonderful. Do you prefer that i purchase a train set which has cars and a locomotive? If so what should i go for? Better deals at trains shows or online and which store? Thanks Joe. Oh yeah. My name is Jay....hehecool:
Well Jay, I would say if you get a set, go with an MT set with the micro track oval inculed, as those ovals are pretty much sold out but still available in the set. (remember you'd still need a power supply) you can still get extra track for your needs. Stay away from marklin unless you want steam. (I know people love marklin and they are the originators of the scale, but they are just ridiculous in terms of looks. Performance is not bad but man Remember, they are overpriced, have bad power packs and the track does not have proper tie spacing.) If you want to piece meal it out that is fine too. As for train shows, I'd say fun to look, not really good to buy until you have the experience. My experiecne has been most train shows are there to turn a quick buck and once they are gone they are gone. (not all, just what I have noticed) On-line venders are better in most cases. I mean most hobby shops don't know diddly about Z. Bottom line is this, I can get what I want on-line when I want it. Here is a site that should help. Check them all out. The guy the made the site gets it and really has a clue. American Z Scale: A Resource for Model Railroaders
Jay, Only Wig-Wag Trains ever sells Z scale stuff at the GTE shows that I have attended. They were at the Del Mar show but not the Pomona Show. I doubt they will be at Anaheim. So your only choice will be your LHS (Local Hobby Shop) which usually has a poor selection (if any at all) or the internet stores. Your main choices are: http://www.normstrainworld.com/products/browse/groups/grouping/Z Scale http://zscalemonster.com/ http://www.ztrackcenter.com/ There are also the "garage dealers" who can have lower prices like Loren. I have bought from all of the above. Norm's has a pretty good price on a SD40-2 set (loop of track, cars and engine) from six different train lines right now (the UP looks good - I have one): http://www.normstrainworld.com/products/browse/groups/grouping/Z Scale/category/Micro Trains Sets No power supply with these sets. MRC 1300 converted to run Z scale would get you set up. http://www.zscalemonster.com/mrc/ I have actually been carrying around two complete train sets (one is the SD40-2 UP that UP Mike drools over - we can wipe it off the package) and 1300 power supplies and can bring them to Anaheim.
Cool!!! Sounds good guys. I am grateful that i was able to come on here and get some information that will help me out a ton!! Now i need to go see how much all this will cost! Now let me check out the websites!!! Here I go... Jaycool:
