I promise, this is my last post on this subject, but I wanted to share with you that I've actually had customers ask me to send their trains to their work place. They obviously had something to hide. That is kind of sad that there can't be more openness in those situations. Then again, I know all too well how husbands and yes, even wives can hide their purchases. Honesty, I have done that in my past long ago, but learned that honesty and temperance is the best way. We don't always get our way, but peace in the house is priceless. Now, back to thinking about trains.
Basically you can find 3 Geep brands wearing SP paintscheme. -MTL GP35 -AZL GP38-2 -MTL GP9 (Black Widow paintscheme). You may try there: At least they have still Black Widow -9s in stock. Dom
I am not sure if the MTL track will fit in a 12" wide case. I believe the starter pack has 195mm RADIUS track which is 390mm DIAMETER and that is about 16". You will probably need to use Rokuhan track for this project. I don't know if you can bend MTL flextrack down to the diameter needed without kinking it. Just a thought.
John Cubbin may be the guy to ask. Take a look at his new layout build. It sure looks like a 12" radius with MTL flex. Here is the link to his site: http://www.ztrains.com/ Rob
Ouch well I'll sure see soon enough; I already purchased the MTL Starter set. But if it doesn't then I'll go with Rokuhan. Thanks sorry I didn't read this first. Thanks I don't know the metric system that is for sure
With multiple flexing (dont do it all at once), you can get it down to about 3.5" radius (7" diameter on track centers). This is Loren Snyder's Silverware box. .
Well I guess it's on to plan "B" because I got the Briefcase today and that is too small to do anything inside of. I had to laugh. I also thought of a cardboard box about 20" x 16". It wouldn't be too large and heavy and wouldn't take up too much storage room. What are your opinions?
You could always start out with a cardboard box and shop around for a larger case in your travels. Maybe a older hard side suite case or a guitar case from a 2nd hand stores, thrift shop, yard sale, antique shop. And by looking in places like that your wife would have no idea its hobby related and in time your sure to find the perfect case at a excellent price.
I'll check to be exact in the morning. it's supposed to be 16" x 12"; but sure does seem awful small. And I placed the MT curved tracks on the lid and no way they would fit inside. But I'll measure exactly. Thanks Glen
Glen, The only thing that will work in a space as you describe is flex track which MTL is the right choice. However, then you are limited to Marklin short locos such as the 0-6-0 to negotiate the small radius.
Hi Glen and welcome to Z scale. I built a layout in a 12" X 16" briefcase using Marklin sectional track. I've even got 2 sidings in it. I run Marklin F-7s in it with 40' cars behind it. I used Marklins smallest radius sectional track. The transformer is under the mountain in the middle. I can remove the top of the mountain to gain access to it.
Love it thanks Thom, I'll just have to buy some of there track then and use the MT track on some foamboard. Thanks again you saved the day. Glen
Glen, for reference, Thom's märklin track radius is 145mm (5.7") radius. Rokuhan also sells this radius and also 120mm (4.7") radius. You could mix the 195 and 145mm radii to make a strange oval. Add some 55mm straights. Or lay it with flex. http://zscaletrack.com/track/curved-track .
After many different vendors I finally found my SP Loco; GP 35 Kodachrome;. Just FYI; reflected products that were still not on hand when they were Pre Orders but not stated on there site. Kind of miss leading. So just a heads up. Thanks for the many tips Folks they are much appreciated. Merry Christmas to All and to All a wonderful day
