Sorry if these questions have been asked a hundred times before but…. I’m thinking of setting up a small z-scale layout to go on top of my TV entertainment center (approx 52.5” x 19.5”). I love my N scale layout, but sometimes I just don’t feel like sitting in my dungeon of a basement to run trains. I want something I can enjoy upstairs. As far as track plan, nothing fancy, just a simple oval or dog bone will do. Now to the Questions… What would be the best track to use? I see that MT has come out with a Unitrack type product, how is this stuff?? What other brands would you recommend? In the N-scale world, we have Kato and Atlas as the top Locomotive manufacturers. What Z-scale companies would you consider the best of what Z scale has to offer. I was thinking of starting out with one of the new MT GP-35’s. How do these look/run?? As far as power packs, can I use a N/HO transformer with Z scale stuff? I have heard that N/HO transformer have too much power for Z scale, what if I just don’t turn it up that much?? Or is there something special about Z scale locos that require a specific type transformer?? Who makes the best looking rolling stock?? Is there any preference on couplers? I do like the look of the Magne-matic knuckle couplers on the new MT stuff. The Marklin couplers remind me of those ugly horn hook HO couplers….. Thanks All
hi dave, your instincts to ask the right questions also contain the right answers (in my opinion). Track -- the new MT track is great. i would begin with it and stay with it. MT will be releasing turnouts (un powered) late in the summer, and the turnouts look to be the same length as their straight track piece (so that will be easy to add/substitute later). power pack: you can use your N pack if you don't turn it up too high. i keep my MRC pack dialed into to less than 55 (marked on the power pack). if you have a volt meter you generally don't want to exceed 8 volts. There are more suitable packs out there, even a nice one that runs off a 9 volt battery. Micro-trains GP-35 -- absolutely wonderful.! one of the best locomotives in ANY scale (including Kato). mine will pull 10+ cars (one engine) quietly, smoothly, and slowly. these are absolute gems -- you will love it. so, that's my take. re: height of the layout -- you did say you were thinking of putting it on your entertainment center. mine (and most i've seen) are about 6-1/2 feet high. it may be a good place to put a layout, but will you be standing on a ladder the whole time?? ha ha ha. stay tuned. you'll find good things here and more to come. lots of good information in the Z group of yahoo too. have fun. let us know how you progess. dave f
Dave F Thanks for the replies, my entertainment center comes up to about my shoulders, so by the time I add track and what not, it should be just below eye level... I’m going to Springfield next weekend where I hope to see some zscale stuff up close and personal for the first time. I think I will start out with the MT track and Geep. Ill post some pics when I get going. Thanks
Hey Dave, Be sure to stop by both Micro-Train's booth and also the Tri-State Z Scalers modular layout at Amherst. If you are in the Tri-State NY Area, and I see the NH so I bet you are, feel free to come to any of our meetings as well. They are usually held in Wilton, CT on the Danbury line of Metro-North. You can vist our site at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nyzmetromail At 5', or 60" you are about 10" higher than optimal viewing height of 50", but what a perfect idea for the top of such an entertainment setup. Plus, you might just get addicted to the Z Dizeaze and sell off that N to make a huge Z Scale Empire! Remember, 24 feet=1 mile in Z Scale so large long runs at prototypical speeds are amazing... For a transformer, either a new modified MRC pack from Micro-Trains or else an old MRC 2800 Tech II with the older 8.5V output is great. Otherwise as stated, your N will work but don't go over 8V for a Marklin engine or 10V for a MT engine. The GP-35 is great as is the GG1 from Marklin (although you'll need both $$$ and weight for it to run optimally). I've pulled 30+ cars on the GG1 and I am sure I can do that easily with the GP-35. Best and Welcome Aboard, Michael
Hi Dave, like everyone else said, MTL Track; MTL, PenZee, AZL, and FR rolling stock; and the MTL and AZL locomotives are my favorites. -Robert
Although I'm pretty committed to N scale, I've recently returned to Z insofar as I built a modest L shaped, single track layout about 5' each way on the "L" and 2.5' wide. The biggest improvement this time is that I bought some of that Micro-Trains track, and the locos run much better on it, it seems to me, than they did on Marklin. P.S. The tightest-curved Marklin track is a disaster if you have a steamer with a one axle leading truck (e.g. 2-6-0 or 2-8-2). The front axle frequently derails. (In the case of MTL, they don't manufacture this sharp-curved type of track---maybe they heard rumors.)
I would agree with the above comments. The new MTL track is very nice. The GP 35's run great. Yes you can run your trains with your n-scale power supply just don't trun it up to high. The marklin steamers can be made to run well, but I would suggest using a gaugemaster, and a Jorger speed controller. It is amazing the range you can get with those things. But if you are just starting out and don't want to break the bank, I'd suggest the Gp 35 and MTL track.
Micro-Trains has come out with the GP35 in a set with cars and track too! Just get a controller and your set!
Actually, be careful with the N or HO power supply. In general just don't turn it above 8-9V, BUT Z locos don't like pulse-power transformers. I'm not an electronics guru myself, so I can't give you the details, but Bill Kronenbuger and Glenn Chenier discussed it in detail on the Z_Scale yahoogroups list and there should be info in the list archives there. Randy Smidt
