What is the most common material used for Z scale roadbed? I'm in the planning stages of building a rather large z scale layout, using pink foam board insulation. I have learned from my N scale layout, that when using foam board insulation, you must use some type of sound deadening roadbed. Because of the size of my plans, I don't want to use Itty Bitty Lines cork roadbed because of the cost. Any ideas?
I use HO scale roadbed for my Nscale layout. I like the higher profile it provides. 1/2 a strip of HO is wide enough for single track in N, so perhaps you could use 1/2 strip of N for Z scale?
You could also go down to the local auto parts store and get a roll of cork gasket material. Unroll it onto a piece of plywood and you can slice off however wide a strip you need with a yard stick and a razor. I have a metal yard stick but you could use a long strip of aluminum or whatever metal they sell at places like Home Depot or Lowes. A simple scissors or paper cutter can work too. After it is glued down a sanding block will take the sharp edges off real fast so that your ballast will slope down the sides.
I'm in the process of building a Z Bend Track module right now: I am using Midland N Scale cork cut down the middle. The track fits exactly on 1/2 strip. Some guys buy the Itty Bitty Lines Z Cork but you get your money's worth with the N Scale stuff.
By the way Mythman, Are you up for a trade of some Z Scale Centerbeam car kits for two Z Scale code 55 #10 crossovers? I need a left and a right to get from the outter main and back. Name your quanity! I also have better bulkheads for Z MT 40' flatcars: -Robert Ray
Robert, I'm using ME Code 40 for my Z scale turnouts. Are you sure you need C55? I was just working on a couple #10s tonight... Contact me offline...
Yes I need code 55 because I'm using Microtrains code 57 flex for the mainlines, and handlaid code 40 for the yards, branches, and spurs. I decided to go with 55 for my mainline crossovers because the modules will connect using the Marklin expanding track piece which is a code 60, and the Microtrains flex is code 57. I have to remain compatable with all the other Z Bend modules out there, and the other guys in our club are using Peco, Marklin, and Microtrains Z track pieces.
Oh, the other thing I forgot to mention is that the tracks are on a 1" track center. That is the Z Bend standard.
I don't really see why I can't build them out of C55. I'll have to free hand them, because c55 doesn't fit in my template, but that isn't a problem. Let me lay them out in CAD, and I will let you know...
That's great. Be thinking about what you want as far as centerbeams. I have 4 styles available, the NP/BN 66' diamond window (1969); Opera Window 60' in BN, MILW, BNSF, WP, TTX (1977+); Dual Truss in UP and Centex (1983+), Quad truss in UP and NOKL (1993+) as far as decal sets made up.
I am thinking of using Peco underlay (foam I think) with Peco track. Anyone got any experiences of this?
I used Midwest Z cork on my wife's Z layout, and Peco c55 flex. Dang, that stuff's expensive!!!!!!!!! Robert, this fall, I plan on finally building another GN X1-X30 series slant cupola caboose, with your beta-test sides... It's just been insane this summer, and I think I burned myself out this spring/winter from building like crazy... Speaking on MT 40' bulkhead flats, the real prototype is a 60-some-odd-change-foot-long car... Ayone kitbashed a pair of these to get a correct-length car? I only have one, so I can't try it out till I get a new car. It seems that sectioning a stock MT car just before the fishbelly jumps back up on one end, and same for another car, cobbling it all together, would result in a correct car.
I have tried the Midwest cork, but not the Peco roadbed only because I have a couple boxes of the N Scale stuff along with a couple boxes of Peco code 55 N Scale track, and about 30 pieces of Atlas code 55 track. I have enough N Scale track and switches for several N Trak modules and a small layout. As far as Z Track goes I only have 1 package of Microtrains track, and a few pieces of Peco code 60 Z flex. I have about 100 pieces of code 40 rail and 10,000 Z Scale PC Board ties though. I am going to make some correct 60'8" bulkhead flats in Z, after I do the 50' and 65' mill gondola's. Victoria models is making a 60' flatcar out of pewter that should be available any day now. I also am planning a some woodchip hoppers. Let me know if those slant sides need modifications Hemi.
I would still like someone to come out with a 4700/40/50 cf covered and a 4 bay cylindrical hoppers in Z scale...
Robert, The BN flat with the straight (not angled) bulkheads, if built to GN specs, would be a total of 64' 5" long, inside length of 55' 5". 70T cap, built in '63. GN series 160010-160059. Info from GN Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment
I got to get me those GN books! I have all the NP books and some UP, but I want the GN and SP&S books next. Then I'll move on to the Milw.
Allan Borg of SuZee Line models is making some 2 bay shorty and 4 bay hoppers. I have a few of his prototypes, and they make a nice addition to my freight roster. I just need to get a couple dozen more!
