Fair Warning!!!!! This is going to be a rant so please feel free to not read it or delete it if you so desire. I have been asking if any Z scale module groups were planning to display their modules at the NTS in Grand Rapids, Michigan this year. I have received information that David George (Mister Dave) will have the only Z scale layout there. I love Mr. Dave's layout and enjoy seeing it every time I can. Mr. Dave has represented Z scale very well at every NTS I've been to. You should take any opportunity you find to see this layout if you haven't yet. I have been building Z scale layouts and trains since 1972 when Marklin introduced the scale here in the United States. I used to display a 3-module Z scale layout at some of the local G.A.T.S.(now GTE) shows in the early 90's. I stopped and dismantled my layout due to lack of interest from other people and loss of the vehicle I used to transport the modules. Having said that, here is my problem. There are 20 Z scale module and interest groups listed in Ztrack Magazine, the MidweZt HaulerZ being one of them. Of the 20, I know that one is just one person who has brought his modules to 1 show with us and joins us when he can at other local area shows and one other group which is listed as being in Germany. Of the remaining 18 there are: 5 on the west coast, 1 in Utah, 2 in Wisconsin who won't talk to each other, 1 in Ohio which is pretty much inactive, the MidweZt HaulerZ here in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, 5 on the east coast and 3 in Texas. It seems to me that the groups on both coasts can't or won't come over their respective mountain ranges to do any shows (Denver is still way up in the mountains). The module groups had a very good showing in St. Louis in 2001 where I volunteered to help since I was unaware that any module groups even existed until I read in Ztrack that they were looking for volunteers at the show. There was a phenomenal showing in Cincinatti in 2005 when it was accompanied by the Z scale convention in Columbus. I was sadly disappointed 2? years ago when the NMRA celebrated it's 75th anniversary in Milwaukee. This should have been the one place and time all Z scale model enthusiasts should have come together with the largest possible layout. Instead there were the 2 module groups from there with their own little spaces, since they won't talk to each other. Neither group thought to invite other module owners to join them for that show...at least I didn't see anything. The MidweZt HaulerZ have done numerous shows in: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri. Ellen and I even took our modules to Florida to set them up for John Mui and Uncle Will in Florida. I'm REALLY upset that nobody from Michigan or either of the groups in Wisconsin could find the time to try to organize a layout in Grand Rapids this year. Randy Smidt has always said that he would help as much as he could if someone wanted to organize a layout at the NTS and didn't know where to start. I don't believe that the MidweZt HaulerZ should have the sole responsibility of bringing Z scale to all of the states between the mountains, the Great Lakes and Texas, although, it looks like we've done pretty well so far. I realize that the people I know of in Michigan don't have any modules but one of them could have taken the initiave to find out what needs to be done to start something and started the ball rolling. I would have been able to bring all 3 of my modules to join the group...if there were one. I might have even undertaken the task of organizing a layout in Grand Rapids myself this year if I had known much earlier and if I weren't unemployed and living on what's left of my savings. It doesn't surprise me that major manufacturers don't want to take the chance of making Z scale versions of the models they do in other scales. I applaud the manufacturers who have taken the chance on Z scale and I buy what I can when Ican to help support their efforts. Maybe we could get a better response if the NZSC were the weekend before or the weekend after the NTS and near the NTS location. That should be the end of my rant. Thanks to those of you who read it all. This should not be taken as a personal assault on any one person or group.I just wanted to vent my frustration. Thanks again, Thom Welsch
When I retire, I'll get myself a trailer like the Zocal group or Mr Dave has, and drive my modules to all the NTS shows that will have me. I still have 10 more years of hard labor left though! Just getting 1 day off a week is hard enough to swing these days.
Thom, I think I understand where you are coming from. It is very frustrating when you are excited and it seems nobody else is. However, I think it is more a question of life in general. I have replied to a similar thread before, but let me do my best to perhaps make some sense of things. First off, I love Z scale. I run trains nearly every night. I kit bash, scratch build, fix loco's etc... Here is the cliff note version, I teach and coach football. I have 3 sons 5, 7 and 13. Our district is going to take a pay cut. My wife just started working part time once the youngest got into kindergarten. My boys are active, my oldest plays football, wrestles, and baseball. The youngest play baseball, and are into scouting. What this means is I rarely have a weekend for me. Me time is when I am coaching, which is quite a responsibility. My boys have wrestling tournys, scouting events, and many other activities. My train time is usually between 10pm and 2am. Really! I try and check the forum to stay as active as possible, but even then I miss much. What I am saying is this, don't think people don't have passion for Z just because they can't make time or afford the shows. I'd much rather buy a few kits then attend a show spending what it takes on gas as my budget is tight. And with the way the boys eat getting tighter! Life happens and trains are a hobby, but if my son has a wrestling tournament, or I am in season, the trains have to take a 2nd seat every time. I am glad some people have the time and the means to do shows. I really do. One day I hope that is me. Right now, family and job just take the front is all, and I suspect that is the case for many. (Bet your bottom dollar I'll get the first AZL mike or the closest to it though! ) Ha! All the best and I hope more people are able to support the hobby in the form of shows. Take care.
It's late, I'm sick, and I don't have the energy to match your rant point by point, but let me just say that I feel your pain. I'm currently in a frustrating dilemma myself regarding Z scale modules, and a trailer, and finances, and a club that has stagnated, lost members, and is struggling to remain viable........... I was one of those that came to Cincy, AND Philly for the National Train shows there. I really thought the scale had turned a corner after those two years, but the economy and stress and life seem to have gotten in the way for everyone. I just keep my fingers crossed that if the economy returns, then maybe people will be more willing to give up a little online time for some track time. I remain hopeful, but I'm not placing any large bets on it......... Thanks for taking the time, Thom. You are not alone in your frustration. Hang in there.
Hal an me would go. We have Rokuhan track track diorama we could bring. We were running maerklin f7 trains but a list member said they were a joke. So we now will run AZL. Mechigan is far but we will try be there. Bryan hope you no sick so we meet you.
I came to Z scale through the Z scale convention in2002 in Columbus and the NTS in Cincinnati and seeing Rob Albritton's fine layout that same year and until last year attended each NTS since 2002 and while I feel that in the east things are still a little dry and there appears to be only spotty interest, I got reinvigorated after seeing the west coast layouts in Anaheim and in Meaford. yes, times are tough, and Z is tough, and you have to vote with your dollars I still find it great to take my 2x4 layout to shows and run Z scale. It attracts allot of attention with 5 trains running and ditch lights on one of my locos and people really marvel at the Tenshodo steam engines. No I have no one close by and for group activities in Z, but, I am still active with an n-scale group when I need socializing, but as a retiree with medical problems which keep me from travelling like I did in the last ten years, I still find a great deal of satisfaction modelling in Z and doing my thing even if there is no local club for Z, Z still calms the soul, and It is great talking to the folks who come to watch my Z trains and ask questions when I run up "Z" flag. If you are not having fun with Z then get out and find something you can have fun with life is too short to get stressed about your hobby there are enough other things that are going to stress you that you might not be able to avoid, so your hobby should be something you can enjoy and de-stress with not get further stressed. still having fun with Z cheers Garth
Garth, I'm still having fun...I'm just disappointed that there won't be any modules there to display Z scale on a grand scale. I'll still go but I'll find something else to do during the extra days I would have spent at the NTS. Thom
