Z scale roadbed

[EDModels]

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?

[HuskerN]

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?

[r_i_straw]

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.

[pray59]

I'm in the process of building a Z Bend Track module right now:

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/zmodule_1.jpg

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 (http://www.modellbahnott.com/ibl/) but you get your money's worth with the N Scale stuff. :D

[pray59]

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!

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/bnopera4.jpg
http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/uptruss3.jpg

I also have better bulkheads for Z MT 40' flatcars:

http://raybob.boche.net/projects/images/bulkhead2.jpg

graemlins/wink.gif -Robert Ray

[EDModels]

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...

http://www.ericmenzel.com/images/zscale/DSC00643.jpg

Contact me offline...

[pray59]

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. :D

[pray59]

Oh, the other thing I forgot to mention is that the tracks are on a 1" track center. That is the Z Bend standard. ;)

[EDModels]

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...

[pray59]

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. :D

[Mike Sheridan]

I am thinking of using Peco underlay (foam I think) with Peco track. Anyone got any experiences of this?

[HemiAdda2d]

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.

[HemiAdda2d]

I think I'd have to repaint it in GN Big Sky Blue after the bash, though...

[pray59]

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. graemlins/wink.gif

[EDModels]

I would still like someone to come out with a 4700/40/50 cf covered and a 4 bay cylindrical hoppers in Z scale...

[HemiAdda2d]

As if I'm not broke enough????

[HemiAdda2d]

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

[pray59]

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. :D

[pray59]

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! graemlins/wink.gif

[EDModels]

Does SuZee Line models have a website?

[pray59]

I don't think SuZee Line has a web page yet, But I'll email and find out.

:D