Hi, Im new to the hobby of Trains and this forum. I am very interested in the Z scale size because I dont have alot of space. Im also thinking of starting with a Marklin set is this a good idea? Just curious about my options. Thanks, Bryan
Welcome to the Trainboard and to "Z"! To help answer your question, I have a few questions of my own! What type of railroad interests you? North American or European? Once you have answered that question, then we will know what best avenue you should take. North American : Micro-Trains has new starter sets with their GP35, track, and a few railcars. Or you can choose their older starter set that included an F7 Loco, the old type of track, and some railcars. They also have modified power packs to suit Z scale locomotive voltages. Marklin has two different Steam starter sets with a variety of contents. European : Marklin has several starter sets with a variety of locos and rail cars. Some with a power pack and some with a 9 volt battery pack. I would suggest looking on ebay for deals. Their are alot of US dealers of Micro-Trains and Marklin, but only a few that are really fair and into helping "Z" scale grow. Just post your questions here and we'll be more than helpful in finding you what you most desire! Tim
Tim is right, a lot depends on what you are interested in doing. If you are into N/A railroads, I would buy a new MT set with the Gp35 and the new track. Pick up a power supplly like the modified railpower 1300 and you should be off to a good start. At least if you do this you will enjoy the running of trains hassel free right off the start.
Hi Bryan, Welcome to Trainboard! What everyone above posted is true. If you like European trains, or North American Steam then a Marklin set is the best starting point. If you want US Diesel, then a Microtrains set is the best choice for a starter set. If you want the best running locomotive in your starter set, then get the Microtrains set with the GP35, as it's the best runner yet in a Z Scale Freight set. If you want to buy seperate parts, then you have many more choices. The AZL modern passenger trains pulled by the AZL F59PHI are a great choics as that locomotive is an excellent puller, is a quiet runner, and really looks great! Best bang for the buck for steam is the Marklin Northern Pacific 4-6-2 starter set, and for Diesel is the Microtrains GP35 starter set. -Robert
Welcome to Z, Bryan, from ANOTHER Bryan. You're off to a good start; at least you know how to spell!! I cannot recommend Micro Trains highly enough, if you're interested in North American railroading. Fine detailed rolling stock, and wonderfully running motive power. And then after you get your feet wet, we can start talking about American Z Lines locomotives..... Welcome, and feel free to ask questions! We're an enthusiastic bunch, and we love to help others catch the Z BUG!!
Thanks guys for the warm welcome and nice replies, my buddy Bayaar told me about this great site and im sure we will learn alot here. Im sorry I forgot to mention I do like the North American trains. I have my eye on the Marklin 81535 starter set. Is it still made in Germany? I just want to get a nice detailed quality set. I will also do a search for the AZL sets too. Thanks again for the help. Bryan
I think 81535 is the Northern Pacific 4-6-2 Steamer, and that is the best running of the Z Scale steamers I have. It pulls well, and has nice blackened drivers. Good choice. I don't know if it is made in Germany or not. -Robert
I think only a few pieces of Marklin rolling stock are not made in Germany still. Not positive though. Randy
I do have one other question. Do you guys make your on layouts or can you buy one? If I get a starter set, I guess that just means the track and train. Im going to look at trains tomorrow at some hobby stores. I hope they have Z scale. Bryan
Most people build their own layouts, as they have an idea on how they want their track to be laid out, where the preformed layouts do that for you. The guys who don't have lots of time or are busy with families and work, often by a preformed layout base, and are up and running trains in a couple hours. Those are really fun, as they can fit under a bed or be stored easy, and you can then build structure kits, plant trees, and work on the layout as time permits, yet you still have a place to run trains and take pictures that will still look great because of their base scenery. If you think you might be in a club some day, you might want to build modules that connect to other guys modules. Starting with 2 small end modules, you can build a basic loop, and use that as your home layout, then build more modules later to expand. This is what I am doing, and I connect up with other guys modules at train shows to make really big layouts to run on. It's great fun! -Robert
