Z Scale Check In

[E-8]

Z Scale model railroaders (or even wannabee Z Scalers), check in and let us know what is going on.

Any Z Scale projects under development (or consideration)?

What kind of new products are out there?

[Designdog]

It looks like you are trying to find some Z scale railroaders. I am one but I am also an N scaler as well and the N scale guys are winning the message board race right now for just about all catagories. We Zed heads are very few, but we have been quietly developing new products and expanding the scale.

The trouble is that our major manufacturers have just about thrown in the towel. Very few new locomotives and no new improvements in turnouts.

This may change. There are always rumblings of new products being testing in the back rooms.
But cars, planes and computer games are eating up the model railroad hobby. This is deliterious to all scales.

Oh well, where there's gropin' there's hopin'.

Reynard

[E-8]

Hi Reynard;

Thanks for the post. I have been hoping that Z would grow in popularity - not just the forum but the availability of products as well. I am interested in getting into it but until the items rival N Scale in being available it will be tough.

For some reason, I am most interested in getting into Z and G. It would be nice to have a large layout in one place and a small one in another. Like you I am mostly N right now but I have no layout at present http://www.trainboard.com/frown.gif

Charlie

------------------
http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/066.gif Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[E-8]

Time to refresh this 4+ year old thread. smile.gif

Charlie

[r_i_straw]

I need to get back going on this project. I was going to cast resin roofs to convert Marklin European passenger cars to more North American looking ones. Here is a shot of my prototype.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/Modeling-stuff-and-train-room/aag.sized.jpg

[pray59]

Ohh! Thats fantastic Russell! I want to do some heavyweights myself. I am still looking for drawings.

Last month I made 6 NYC 19000 series cabooses in Z Scale. Here is one of them on my Z Bend Track module:

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/p919a.jpg

It's kind of hard to see, but I got full brake gear underneath. In this photo you can see the Air Reservoir, and Triple Valve hanging down between the needle beams:

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/p919c.jpg

I have a bunch or Reynard Wellman's etched brass old timer cars and trucks I need to build to finish this side of my module. He produces simply fantastic etched brass stuff for Z!

-Robert :D

[HemiAdda2d]

Robert, that looks fantastic!
But those trucks need some dirt, or anythign to tone them down a notch...

Maybe soon I'll start that second GN X1-X30 series caboose you sent me sides for... And maybe I'll get a few turnouts for my wife's layout, and get that one rolling!

[pray59]

Actually that is the prototype. I never took photos of the finished model with painted trucks. I'll try and get that done this weekend.

-Robert tongue.gif

[Alan]

I am intending producing an Z scale version of my cast pewter 48ft spine cars. Hope locomotives are available to haul 'em ;)

[ 09. January 2005, 09:32: Message edited by: Alan ]

[pray59]

You mean Z Scale version? You already have the N ones out don't you? graemlins/222.gif graemlins/wink.gif

[Alan]

Originally posted by pray59:
You mean Z Scale version? You already have the N ones out don't you? graemlins/222.gif graemlins/wink.gif OOPS!! Post edited. Anyway a letter 'N' is just a 'Z' on it's side :rolleyes:

[Mike Sheridan]

Not sure if Z being what you get when you derail N, and vice-versa, is good or bad ...

[Alan]

:D :D :D :D

[William Cowie]

Russell, do you model Z scale too?

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by William Cowie:
Russell, do you model Z scale too? Not for me....however I do model Nn3 and "have" to hang out with a bunch of Z scale folks so I can run my trains until I build my home layout in Nn3. They let me run on their Z Bend layout if I make things for them. graemlins/wink.gif It is fun running N scale stuff through a Lilliputian land of tiny buildings, autos and people.

[pray59]

Well, Russell, I asked Bill to keep hammering on you from the Texas end, and I'll keep hammering on you from this end until we have you convinced that you need to at least build a Z Bend module. You could put down some metal plate under the scenery, and just change out a few buildings so that it can integrate into your Nn3 layout at home. Would'nt that be fun? :D

I have an N Scale layout, some Nn3 equipment, and a couple Z Bend modules, and they all play well together.

The plan is to run my Z Scale stuff on the Z Bend modules at the GATS, and walk across the isle to run my Nn3 stuff on Tom Knapp's Nn3 oNe Trak modules.

Tom had even suggested we could build an interface module to connect his club's Nn3 modules with our Z Bend modules. Sounds like fun, so we will probably do it down the road.

-Robert ;)

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by pray59:
Well, Russell, I asked Bill to keep hammering on you from the Texas end, And I have already recieved the first blows. graemlins/220.gif I need to send a heavyweight passenger train with him to National and maybe he will let up.

[Doc Hawk]

Does "Checking Out" qualify as checking in? :D I've run Z sporadically for about 10 years, but I've decided to let go of my collection to free up funds and space for N scale, which is my primary pursuit. I love Z, and I'm pleased with the continuing development with releases like 5 pole motors and increasing DCC friendliness.

However, I ultimately I can't afford to fully pursue two scales (maybe someday...), and I want to free up the split resources to concentrate on N. So that's why I listed my collection in the Yellow Pages forum (thanks Pray!)

In general, for folks who are staying firmly in Z, does it feel like the scale is still growing? If so, is it growing more or less rapidly now than it has, say, over the last decade?

- Doc

[JoeS]

Well, I would have to say I understand what it is like to split between two scales. It isn't easy. Lately though Z is pretty much becoming my focus. Is it growing? Yes, and it will continue to grow as fast as companies can produce North American products at reasonable prices. I think it didn't grow as quickly as N simply because there was not as may quality North American loco's. This year could be a boon for Z scalers if everything comes to pass that is being talked about. AZL is going to release plastic SD70's under 200 dollars, Micro-trains is going to release a GP35 and a line of track other than thier flex. It is this area, in particualr, that I am most interested in. I really believe if micro-trains produces a line of track like Kato unitrack, but with a more relalistic roadbed, Z might just swipe quite a few of the N and HO guys out there. I think model trains are kinda like cell-phones and computors, if smaller is better or just as reliable as big, people will go small! smile.gif

[pray59]

Originally posted by Doc Hawk:

In general, for folks who are staying firmly in Z, does it feel like the scale is still growing? If so, is it growing more or less rapidly now than it has, say, over the last decade?

- Doc I think Z Scale is just starting to take off. At our local NMRA meets, several people are now talking about N and Z Scale because of lack of space. Living in the SF Bay Area is one of the factors here, because layout space is so expensive, coming in at over $400 a square foot now!

Most of the talk is just concern about the demise of their favorite scales, and we are actually seeing a stagnation of HO and O scales out here, in favor of G Scale where people are building outdoor layouts in their "Patio Sized Backyards" and into N and Z where they can still build a small layout. Yes the trend here seems to be towards small bedroom layouts, and more towards shelf or switching layouts.

So how does that relate to Z scale itself? Well, in our startup Z Bend Track club, we have grown from 3 members last year to 8 so far this year. 3 of those guys are converts from N Scale, and 1 from HO. I still model in N myself, and am just building modules in Z, for setup at shows.

Product wise, Z is also growing. We seen 7 new locomotives last year. We got a GG1, a Mogul that is more Nn3 sized than Z but is American Style, and an F59PHI in plastic. Also in Brass, which is still to be considered, we got an SD45, an SD40 Tunnel, an F40PH, and an SP 4-8-4 steamer. All of these are currently available releases.

We also added several new Z Scale manufacurers last year, providing new etched brass rolling stock, laser cut structures and rolling stock, and cast metal rolling stock. All this activity reminds me of the early days on N Scale where small garage operations started popping up everywhere, and after a decade, many became major players in N today.

It has not hit critical mass yet, but that just happened in N Scale about 15 years ago with the advent of the split frame flywheel equipt locomotives. I think it will happen to Z within 5 years. I'm doing my part to contribute, although I will never venture into the mainstream, because I like to model more than manufacture, but to help keep the ball rolling, I'll give it a push now and again. :D

-Robert

[ztrack]

Robert, well put! There is no doubt that Z scale is growing. The push is operators. We have seen quite a few N scalers take the switch. Why? Because Z scale afford more in a smaller space. What other scale can you run 100 car train in your spare bedroom and still have space for a couch?

Yes, the manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and committing more to Z scale. Micro-Trains alone with the GP35, track and possible new piece of rolling stock will be a driving force. AZL is continuing to make a huge investment in Z. Yes, the injection molded SD70s are in preproduction. We will also see a brass AC-12 mid year from AZL. Plus, just wait to see what they have in store for 2006!

One of the criticism of Z was the lack of locos and rolling stock. This is quickly changing and I only see Z scale continuing to grow as more choices are made available.

-Rob Kluz

[Alan]

Rob, welcome to Trainboard smile.gif

There is even talk of a Z scale meet here in the UK with 15 layouts! I will be producing Z spine cars, and am looking for suggestions of other items of stock which would be suitable for casting in pewter.

Z does seem to be buzzing lately smile.gif

[E-8]

Rob,

Welcome aboard!

Charlie

[Fluid Dynamics]

I might as well chime in here too . . . Z could be an emerging market that could really take off if a company started up and made code 40 track and compatible Kato style modern locos for ~$100 each. A decent sized production run could get the cost down if one would be willing to wager six figures into the next GP40, SD40-2, etc.

Seriously, locos are simple. As an engineering student I can assure that the mechanisms of succesful N locomotives are elegant and simple, and have been refined to be cheap and easy to manufacture compared to the plastic frame locos of the 70s.

I'll keep my eye on this field of the hobby, because people will model in Z if it becomes affordable. Look at the cost of housing! N was like Z is now, 30 years ago. Just think, one of us could be the next Atlas or Kato.

Back on topic, I would convert my layout to Z if there were a few more affordable modern locos available, and a more realistic track than code 80. The surfliner and F59PHI sets that are soon to come out almost have me ready to make the switch, but the track issue is hard to get around.

[ztrack]

Alan, Charlie,

Thanks for the welcome! I would have been on board sooner, but my Mac didn't like the registration process too much. Alan, the UK meet sounds great!

The new F59PHIs are incredible. There is a big move towards cheaper locomotives. MT's GP35s and AZL SD70s are just the start. Another very popular loco is planned for 2006 (sorry, I can't share).

Yes, locomotives are simple, but, and this is a big one, the issue is motors. For instance, 8mm Faulhauber motors cost $50.00. That is before any flywheels or gears are put in place. This is a challenge when it comes to creating a less expensive locomotive. Until cheaper can motors hit the market, price points will remain arround $200.00

As for the F59PHIs, AZL used a 10mm Mabuchi motor. Cheaper than a Faulhauber, this is a wonderful motor. It does run slightly warmer than a comparable 10mm Faulhauber, but I will take it since the pricing is so much better.

Rob Kluz

[pray59]

Hi Rob! Welcome to Trainboard!

On the track issue... I remember reading the Z Scale article in Model Railroader last year where Lyn St Laurent mentioned his layout was just parallel loops of flextrack due to the lack of turnouts to match his MTL track.

It was a real eye opener for me, and I'm sure people at Microtrains read that one also. Yes I agree we need more North American styled track system, complete with at least 2 sized of turnouts to really get the Z ball rolling.

About price, I don't know how much Z can go down in price until there is a lot more people in the scale, and the Z manufacturers can make volume purchases at discount prices like your Athearn's, Bachmann's and Atlas's do.

However Z progresses, I'm glad I'm modeling in Z now, as it's still real easy to come up with something that nobody else has done in Z yet!
Did you know I single handedly doubled the worlds available choices of Z Scale Caboose Prototype by just offering 2 different caboose kits? And that was no accomplishment by any standard compared to what other guys have done in Z recently. That's how fun N Scale used to be back in the day. Now, it's all been done in N and Z is the last frontier in model railroading.


-Robert :D

[Ztrains]

Hi,

Just wanted to publicly say Hello!. I've been looking in to this forum for a few weeks now and it really looks active and the posts are well articulated... along with having some great Z scale photos. I hope it becomes a regularly bookmarked site for many current, as well as potential Z scale enthusiasts.

John
http://www.ztrains.com/graphics/ztrains.gif
http://www.ztrains.com

[ 21. January 2005, 03:57: Message edited by: Ztrains ]

[Comet]

Hi John. Welcome to TrainBoard. Great to have another Z fan on board.
Your website is excellent!

[Alan]

Hi John, welcome aboard. Your website is indeed excellent. Lots of info. smile.gif

[JoeS]

Welcome John. Your site really helped me get over my fear of taking apart and cleaning my loco's. Very good information there!

[pray59]

Hi John! Welcome to Trainboard! I'm really excited that the Z Scale forum is growing. The Yahoo list is really great, but having individual threads with the ability to post photos instead of just thumbnails is real nice, and it's much easier to draw in converts from other scales with a multi scale format like Trainboard offers.

Were on a roll now! :D

[Ztrains]

Originally posted by pray59:
Hi John! Welcome to Trainboard! I'm really excited that the Z Scale forum is growing. The Yahoo list is really great, but having individual threads with the ability to post photos instead of just thumbnails is real nice, and it's much easier to draw in converts from other scales with a multi scale format like Trainboard offers.

Were on a roll now! :D Hi All,

Thanks for the nice welcome, also for the nice words about my website. I agree Robert, it's nice to be able to see the photos right next to specific posts, and you have really posted some great shots.

I'd actually like to ask you about one of those shots, the NP 0-6-0 you have shown here. I'd love to see some additional pics of that if you have, looks like a beautiful job you've done there.

John
http://www.ztrains.com/graphics/ztrains.gif
http://www.ztrains.com

[E-8]

Hang around John and I think you'll be able to help some of us first-timers give it a go. I had not thought much of Z Scale until recently but now I am ready to give it a try.

Charlie

[Kurt Moose]

Hi everyone!! I just stumbled onto this site the other day and this is just great!! I have recently purchased a GN F a&b unit along with some GN rolling stock. I was looking for ways to build track, but now I see Micro-Trains is going to be making new track with roadbed this fall. All of the other things I have seen so far look very promising! I used to model the Milwaukee in N-scale, but ran out of room in my new house. So I am downsizing, sort a' speak!

[Stourbridge Lion]

Welcome to TrainBoard

[BoxcabE50]

Kurt-

Welcome! Are you still modeling any Milwaukee Road? We also have a Milwaukee Road Forum in our "Fallen Flags" section. Be sure to stop in and say hello!

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

Hi Kurt, Welcome to Trainboard! :D

The new MTL Z Scale track is expected to cost 1/2 the price of the Marklin track, and the pieces are supposed to be the same sizes as the Marklin's track. Ties are reported to match their flextrack spacing, and they are planning a turnout too.

The only bad thing, is we have to wait till later this year! :eek:

-Robert

[Alan]

Welcome aboard Kurt. Good to see another Z scaler here smile.gif Should be a good year for Z with various new items in the pipeline.

[Kurt Moose]

I have a whole bunch of Milwaukee Road N-scale that I wouldn't mind getting rid of. I just don't have the room and need to find a good, loving, MILW. home for it. Anyone interested? smile.gif

[pray59]

Hi Kurt, We have a forum you could use to list out stuff you want to sell. Just post it all in the Yellow forum, so people looking for stuff can see it. graemlins/wink.gif

I'm always keeping an eye open for stuff posted there. I found someone selling NCE Switch-it's cheap once, and a locomotive for a real good price another time. And it's free! :D

[JoeS]

Great to see the list growing. Welcome Kurt!

[E-8]

The more the merrier. Welcome Kurt. smile.gif

Charlie

[BoxcabE50]

Kurt-

Living in Covington, you should be modeling the NP! :D I'm a former Washingtonian, who grew up on the west side. In a Milw family that lived near an NP line! Perhaps we even passed each other at a show or swap meet!

Am curious as to what N you have? I know a couple of N scale Milw folks who might be interested. Please click on the "Message" button showing in this post, and drop me a note!

Or perhaps post a list over in the Yellow Forum. A maybe even a link to that in the Milwaukee Road (CMSt.P&P) Fallen Flags Forum?

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

Geez! You don't have to be living in NP territory to enjoy the many virtues of modeling the NP, you just have to have the passion for NP modeling! :D Like me! tongue.gif

-Robert

[pray59]

Here's a picture of my scratchbuilt Milwaukee Road Opera Window Centerbeam car in Z Scale. It's a prototype, and I made the design even better, but I have yet to find the time to make some more:

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/p913e.jpg

-Robert :D

[Jim Manley]

GreetingZ Everybody,

So, iZ this where we're supposed to check in for departing trainZ? Robert Ray and Rob KluZ know me (too smile.gif well from my long-winded postZ to the Z_Scale Yahoo group, and I'm a co-founder with Robert, Ted LaMar, and a few otherZ, of the Bay Area Z Scale Module Cooperative (aka The BAZ BoyZ or, more colloquially, the BAZtahdZ ;)

I started in O-27 with my uncle's WW-II era Lionel trains in the late 1960s, dropped down to HO when we moved to a house where the O-27s wouldn't fit, and then I went off to college and then a career in the Navy, when I built N scale modules, since I was moving around every 2 - 3 years, and living in military housing and aboard ships (if you can call trying to sleep under a flight deck with 24 hour/day takeoffs and landings by high-performance jet aircraft and helicopters "living"! ;)

I got into Z scale after I retired from the Navy about 10 years ago, so that I could "take it all with me" to connect up with layouts built by family and fellow Navy friendZ across the continent. I'm building "miniModuleZ" that are 12 x 20 inches that fit into a standard 22-inch rollaboard airline bag, and connect together along the edges to form Z-Bend Track compatible moduleZ that are 24 x 40 inches, or any other size I might need, and there are three-piece legs for 18, 36 and 50 inch display heights. Not only that, but I am building track, scenery and structure subModuleZ in multiples of four inches on a side (e.g., 4 x 4, 4 x 8, 8 x 12, etc.) that can be assembled on the miniModuleZ "benchwork" for various layout configurations, eras, and locales. I have been able to get eight miniModuleZ into a 24 x 80 inch layout into a 22 inch rollaboard bag, and 20 miniModuleZ for a 24 x 200 (or 36 x 120, or 48 x 100, etc., inch) layout into a large checked luggage bag. I will be taking a bunch of the miniModuleZ to NTS to connect up to the ZBT moduleZ that will have 500 ~ 600 feet of Z scale mainlineZ on them.

I'm looking forward to gabbing with everyone here, and if anything I type can be taken as humorous, that's the intent (even if they're horrible punZ or bitingly sarcastic).

All Z BeZt,
Jim

[pray59]

I'm still here too! Oh, that's right, i'm always here. :D

Next week is my 5 year anniversary as a Trainboard member tongue.gif graemlins/yippie.gif

-Robert

[JoeS]

Jim, I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your layouts! Welocme to the board.

[pray59]

Bump! Who's still here? It's still Z Scale season for me. :D tongue.gif

-Robert

[EDModels]

I'm still here!! Although I will be taking a short Z break. I have heavy travel in the next few weeks for work (I'm in Chicago right now!). I'm also getting married on April 16th and will be in Acapulco, Mexico for a week. But as soon as I'm back, I will be full steam ahead on photo-etched Bethgons, enclosed autoracks, and NS TopGons, as well as updating the website and stocking turnouts at few hobbyshops/vendors.

Busy, busy, busy. Good news is that I have 75% of my 14,400 wood ties laid on my layout!! I will post some pics as soon as I get home.

[pray59]

It sounds like you have a full dance card Eric! I did 10 years of Field Service, so I know how busy you must be, especially with a startup hobby business too!

I'm looking forward to your new Z Scale products, they sound like just what we need to kickstart Z Scale! :D

[Michael R, New York]

I'm here from Z_Scale and Tri-State Z Scalers

:D

Without going nearly into the same detail as Mr. Manley (only Stephen King could! ;) ) I will give some quick details.

My wife didn't know what she was saying yes to when I asked if she minded if I bought a Z Scale set on Ebay. The next thing she knew our beautiful Italian dining room table is now my layout space...at least until she says move it!

I am modelling the Northeast Corridor circa 1960 thanks to Marklin's incredible GG1. Add the Broadway Limited passenger cars and some incredible mix of Marklin and Micro-Trains box cars, and soon some F7's and you'll see a great lineup.

I also have European Era IV (with some III) going but I may make 2 layouts or a dual layout that can convert from North America to European, specifically Deutsche Bahn.

I will soon build a module or 2 I can store in my 2nd bedroom closet as we are expecting our first child, G-d willing, in July! I will miss the Z Scale Convention but it will well be worth it! The baby will be a boy so you can guess there will be a train theme---and as Rob Kluz has wisely advised, all Z Scale is a choking hazard!

I saw my first Z scale train in 1979, this kid Tobey brought into school , (I can't remember his last name) , during lunch in the 5th grade. I had an HO set forever at that point, my older brother had an old N gauge set. For me though, seeing Z was it.

Well 25 years later, I got my first Z set and have not looked back. I am single handedly helping the US & German as well as Ebay economies graemlins/226.gif

We live in a wonderful community but not near too many good hobby stores. I deal with online authrorized Marklin & Micro-Trains dealers but will go to some of the local Marklin guys locally on Long Island and in Manhattan.

Well that is all for now!

Michael

[Bill_K]

Add one more Z-Bend Track nut to those already on this board.

Bill K.
Houston

[r_i_straw]

Originally posted by Bill_K:
Add one more Z-Bend Track nut to those already on this board.

Bill K.
Houston Welcome Bill.
Looking forward to your participation in the forum here.

[pray59]

Hi Bill, Welcome to Trainboard! :D

For those of you who may not know, Bill is the man behind Z-Bend Track, the man who created the most popular Z Scale modular standard. If you are considering building your layout in modular form, I would recommend using this format, as there are Z-Bend Track clubs springing up all over now. graemlins/wink.gif

Several of the Trainboard members are already building ZBT modules, and there is a great gathering in Cincinnati this year, where it looks like a 50' x 70' space of Z-Bend Track modules will be assembled at the NTS!


-Robert

[JoeS]

I was unaware of that. Wow, this list keeps getting better. Welcome Bill! Heck we might just get a whole bunch more after the yahoo group changed its looks.

[Stourbridge Lion]

Welcome to TrainBoard!!!!!!!

Look forward to hearing and seeing some of your Great Z Scale work here soon...

graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif graemlins/notworthy.gif

[Chessie System]

Count me in as another Z scale convert. I still model O gauge but lately, my focus has been on Z. It's nice to know that you can build a railroad empire in such a small space. I'm also looking forward to the MTL GP35 this fall. Anyone going to the NMRA show in Cincinnati in July?

Doug

[pray59]

Hi Doug, I'm going to both the NMRA/NTS in Cinci and the Z Scale Convention in Columbus.

I have to register yet, but now that my taxes are finally done, I can put it in the budget for sure.

Are you going to both of these events?

-Robert :D

[Chessie System]

Hi Robert,

I'm going to Cincy for sure, Columbus maybe depending on my schedule. I haven't registered yet myself but hopefully I'll be going. I only live 130 miles away.

Doug

[Jim Manley]

GreetingZ, PilgrimZ, Your Journey HaZ Ended!

Me three for ColumbuZ and CinZinnati! I plan to fly my butt out there in a private plane, along with my collection of miniModuleZ, which will be part of the massive Z module layout at NTS this year.

Neither rain, nor snow, nor dark of night shall keep me from my roundZ ... and attendance at theZe eventZ. If it'Z snowing in Ohio in July, maybe I'll have bigger problemZ to conquer! :D

All Z BeZt,
Jim

[Dan M.]

Hey all, new to the board, not to Z. I've been a member of the Yahoo group on and off for a few years now (some may recognize me :D ), but I'm only just getting back into Z. I started in the early 80's with HO, and have dabbled in N scale as well.

I got started in Z in 1997 after ordering an MTL F7A powered and dummy as well as a couple of gons and a van (Caboose to you southerners ;) ) These were originally intended for use on an HO scale amusement park layout, but I soon realized the potential of these awesome little trains.

The store where I ordered it from also had a few other cars (couple of boxcars, couple of tankers and another caboose) sitting there all pretty, so I bought them too.

I added a couple of steamers and such to my collection over the next couple of years, but had to sell off most of my rolling stock awhile back. Only kept a pair of powered F7's, a rogue GP38-2 shell w/scratchbuilt chassis, a couple of freight cars and a caboose.

I was part of a small local HO scale group for awhile and got started on building a couple of modules. We did a few shows, but several members found it better to concentrate on their own layouts. My modules sat unfinished, and so I turned my thoughts back to Z.

A few years back, I came upon an article in Model Railroader on the Alaska Railroad complete with trackplan. That gave me the perfect prototype and I'm continuing with that theme now.

I've still got two 30" X48" modules that are going to become a pair of Z-Bend compatible end loops.

This layout isn't going to represent any particular location on the Alaska RR, but is going to be a test track after being out of the scale for nearly 4 years :D After seeing the new MTL GP35, I decided to venture back into the world of Z.

Will keep the board posted on my progress on the layout and my (current undecorated) motive power roster.

Take Care,

[pray59]

Glad to have you onboard Dan, and we are looking forward to hearing about your progress. Please post about your modules as you progress and share with us. Everyone here likes to see what everyone else is up to, and we all learn new tricks and tips from each other.

The Trainboard Z Scale forum has been seeing postings of all kinds of new Z Scale products and announcements, posted by manufacturers, publishers, dealers, and modelers who find the latest Z stuff available on the web to share. If you run into something new for us Z Scalers, be sure to post about it here.

-Robert :D

[Dan M.]

Definitely will Robert :D

As I said, I've been a part of the z_scale group on Yahoo for several years, and I usually get most of my NewZ from there. Will definitely post my progress on the board as well as the list as well.

[KCS]

Well, as an HO modeller I am thinking about building a small HO scale live steam park using Z as the park trains sense it's the smallest avalible.

[pray59]

That should work ok KCS, and people do that kind of thing alot. One guy has a Z Scale layout on his G Scale garden railroad.

[RSmidt]

And then there is the Mardy Modelers in the UK that have a diorama of a model railraod club with the layout inside (simulated with Z scale) and the club members are 12" GI Joe action figures. Pretty neat.

Randy