I'm thinking of starting Z scale. I'm going for a small switching layout for the beginning. Are there any tips out there? And what is the recommended layout size for beginners?
I think many of your questions are answered in this forum. Simply scroll through and review some of the topics and you’ll get more than enough info on Z-scale. The one tip I have is don’t assume just because it’s Z-scale everything needs to be small. Consider going larger in your layout plans. Small equipment affords you a larger layout.
Welcome to the Trainboard Z Forum Monke. If you are just starting, I would recommend getting an assortment of Rokuhan track and switches, and a pre-cut 2'x4' plywood sheet from your local big box store, then try setting up several different layout plans and play with the trains a while before actually finalizing any track plan. Try to have at least one big loop to run the trains around to keep motivated. And as always, make turns as large a radius as you can, so you can run the longer cars like passenger cars.
I’ll second what Robert says for no other reason than it’s good to understand how they locomotives run, how to clean track, etc. it’s a little different than other scales but rewarding. I’d check others layouts to get ideas. Play with different turn out configurations buy a couple of building kits and see where it goes. For me it’s like a fish tank. I enjoy just watching them run. Every now and then I get urge to do some switching so find out what you enjoy.
I also agree 100% on starting with Rokuhan. AZL offers starter sets that include Rokuhan track and controllers. These are a great way to get into Z. Another idea is to start with the T-Trak-Z modules standard. This way, you can start with a small switching layout, but easily expand it into a larger layout if you want. I really like this standard and you can get started very quickly with it. Companies like CRM offer Z scale module kits that are easy to assembled and offer a good base with guides for the track. The biggest tip I can give you is keep you track clean. Nothing special here, a soft cloth and plain old rubbing alcohol is all you need. Dirty track is the biggest detriment to good running trains in Z.
Curious that I am seeing several recommendations for rokuhan track. I've been collecting bits and pieces of z-scale for over a decade to build a layout sometime in the future. Originally I was going to use the micro trains micro track so have a bit of that with a couple of turnouts. At some point I made the decision to hand lay atlas track instead and use their turnouts so I bought 50' of their flex track and some turnouts. Just the other day I got the bug to setup the micro track on my 3'x6' table to figure out what is what. I have used just about every piece and am still not sure if I want to use it for a permanent layout but it would simplify the track laying process if I used as much as I could. The thing I am now considering is making a more complex layout than originally planned but I need more turnouts no matter which track I use. So I get to looking around online and it seems the MTL track stuff is hard to find. Are/have they discontinued their track or is this just a lull in the supply?
MTL Micro Track (with roadbed) as well as their non-roadbed flex track should be readily available at the Z-centric retailers. The lull in production was maybe 2 years ago and now not an issue.
For switching layouts, the new AZL "SW" series switchers are a must! Perfect for switching tasks, look awesome too!
Good to know. I just did purchase an AZL sd45 which will be my first of that brand. Thought I'd give one a try so anxiously awaiting it's arrival. Is there any room in there to install a decoder?
There may be more options and variety with ROKUHAN, but I cannot get passed the tie spacing. I prefer the more prototypical look that MTL or ATLAS offers, and as such am doing a pretty extensive layout with only MTL roadbed track. Although, you just have to be creative and flexible in your planninig. MTL roadbed track has been very much available as of late. There are plenty of available dealers, including the one three posting above this one. Regardelss of what track you chose, it is good to have options in Z-scale and we should be thankful we have multiple track manufacturers.
I totally agree Kurt! Just looked on AZL's page and it seems like a perfect fit for what I'm thinking of.
For a new Z Scaler I will recommend based off reliability, and huge selection. That's why I recommend Rokuhan to start. For myself, or people who have been modeling a while, I recommend the Atlas system, because of how close to prototype it looks. Someone new to Z who purchases Atlas might get turned off by the lack of track pieces in Atlas offerings, and might mess up ballasting, or otherwise have a less than perfect go of a first layout, then switch to HO on N because it's easier and more reliable. Remember that the bigger and heavier your loco, the more reliable the electrical contact. So recommending reliability, flexibility, and ease of assembly should be the choice for new people to the scale if you hope they will stay with it.
Thanks for the recommendation, and yes, I did look at the Atlas track. Atlas seems way better for using your own ballast and it has lower selection. I'm going to stick with ROKUHAN
