Z-Bend Track.. Who has modules?

[pray59]

I am just curious how many Z Scalers we have that are into Z-Bend Track, and how many modules you have?

Also is ZBT planned in your future, or are you in a ZBT club already?

I am a member of BAZ, and have 4 modules. Our club has 5 guys building modules, and quite a few that don't have modules but come to offer support, run trains, and man the BYOZ tables.

Tell us about your Z-Bend Track experience?

-Robert :D

[ztrack]

Robert,

I LOVE Z-Bend Track! This was my first experience building modules and the standard worked very well. I did see it in person for years and could not wait to try building a set. I personally have two modules, but they are basically one. They are 8' in total length.

http://www.ztrack.com/RKlayoutpages/rkmodules/IMG_5228.jpg

The above photo shows the modules. In the back, you will see a 2nd tier with a fully operating mine train loop. The yard is a blessing for assembling trains.

These modules are not on display with the COZE's modules at Kingsdales shopping center in Upper Arlington Ohio. We are members of an O scale club. We have other modules on display including ones from Jim Thomas, Rich Petruska, Paul Peterson, and Carl Albrecht. I think our total length on display is close to 20', plus we have other modules not on display.

Rob Kluz

[Kez]

Robert,

I have two Z_Bend_Track modules currently, with plans for at least two more just for home. Before I build the next two for home, though, I'm going to build a two piece yard module for the club, so we can build trains on something a little larger than my small desert intermodal yard, seen in another thread here. It's tough to build 100 car trains five cars at a time. ;)

I'm a Z Bender!

Bryan

[shamoo737]

Is there anybody in South Florida that has a module. I dont think so, but I am still asking.

[pray59]

I seen Rob's and Bryan's modules at the NTS last summer. Great job guys!

I know there are more guys with modules on this list, so lets hear more!

-Robert graemlins/wink.gif

[RSmidt]

Hi Robert,

I've got a couple of ZBT modules as well. I'm in the same ZBT group in DC that Bryan is. Art Bildman in our group also has modules built already. Rob A. has modules built, but his are so large, he just leaves them set up in a garage now and he is contemplating building some more, smaller modules with a desert southwest theme (instead of Swiss) to display at shows.

There are another two or three people in the group currently building modules and numerour others that come out to run trains (some almost every show, others maybe only once a year or so).

I personally have plans for about another 12 modules to use set up as a layout at home, but I'll be lucky if I get one more module built before NTS this summer.

Putting on my official ZTrack hat as Z module coordinator, there are currently 14 clubs listed for North America in ZTrack plus another 2 or 3 not listed or just forming up. Of those:
12 use Z-Bend Track (or some modification of it)
3 use Z-Mod (or some variation of it)
2 use ZtrakZ

Additionally there are also individuals using ZBT standards for modular home layouts.

Some folks are also now experimenting with TTrak-Z.

Randy

[RSmidt]

Rob K.,

Are you planning on sending (or bringing) your module to NTS this summer? Please tell me yes. I tried to call you about this and another question the other night and got your voice-mail. Haven't had a chance to call back yet.

Randy

[RSmidt]

John, After NTS 2002 in Ft. Lauderdale there was some talk about forming a Z scale modular group in South Florida, but I never heard anything more about it going anywhere after that.

There did seem to be a number of Z scalers coming out of the woodwork during that show. The only one that I can think of off hand though is Mitch Brownstein (sp?).

If you are interested in trying to start a group, Rob Kluz is usually willing to put a flyer insert in ZTrack magazines mailed to subscribers in local zipcodes. Z scalers in some areas are very gung-ho about forming and joining groups, but in some other areas seem to keep to themselves and are very reluctant to join groups.

We here in DC have seen the local interest in Z scale increase after we started displaying at local trains shows and got out in front of the public.

Randy

[shamoo737]

Thanks Randy

[TimZBend]

I have three modules: the necessary two ends, plus a third for the middle. It was recently displayed at the local "Supertrains" show in Calgary.

[shamoo737]

Welcome Timz, and we want pictures.

[Kez]

Welcome Tim! Glad to have you here. Like John says, show us some pictures! smile.gif


Bryan

[pray59]

Hi Tim! Welcome to Trainboard! :D

That's great news that Z-Bend Track is taking hold all over. Please post some pictures!

I started with 2 end modules and a 4' straight module myself. I added a 15 degree bend module that is about 3' last year, giving me 4 total now.

At the last GATS we had here, we had the Y setup again.

Here is a leg of Jeff' Merill's Y with his mine end module:
http://raybob.boche.net/Shows/images/p603f.jpg


Here is Loren Snyder's mountain end module connected to another leg of the Y: http://raybob.boche.net/Shows/images/p603n.jpg


Here is Loren's 15 degree module, with Loren in the center. He drives down from Oregon to run with us:
http://raybob.boche.net/Shows/images/p603g.jpg


Here is my leg of the Y with my drive in module on the end. Behind the Y in the middle is Jeff Merill talking to Kim Vellore:
http://raybob.boche.net/Shows/images/p603d.jpg

Well that's what our setup looked like last month at the SF Cow Palace GATS.

-Robert

[TimZBend]

Hi All,

Thanks for the welcome. Here are a couple of pictures of the modules at the recent train show. I am in the early stages of creating another module...too many ideas.

I only started putting these together about 6-8 months ago trying out the scale and Z-Bend Track standard for feel. I must say it is fun.

My layout was the only Z-Scale at the show, so it had a lot of visitors. A few Z-Scale people came out of the wood-work and asked if I was planning on creating a club or anything. I think a few people who were shopping for a scale to work with were converted to Z-Scale as a result of my display.

If you squint at the photos, you'll see a ZTrack magazine, representation of the Z-Bend Track logo and decals on one set of intermodels from TNT'z (the other was bought in show, so now I'll have to get more) in addition to all the tiny animals the vistors to the show had great fun in tring to locate.

http://www.ee.ualberta.ca/~mullen/train_files/image001.jpg

http://www.ee.ualberta.ca/~mullen/train_files/image003.jpg

[ February 24, 2006, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: TimZBend ]

[Kez]

Holy cow, Tim!! That's mighty impressive for a one man operation. You've done a wonderful job already! Glad to hear that you had a successful show, and that you garnered some interest in our scale. Your show presentation looks very nice, and I can see why there was so much interest. I hope that you'll consider getting a club together up there, and maybe coming down to run with us in Philadelphia in July!

Keep up the great work!
Bryan

[RSmidt]

Very Nice modules Tim!

I would like to see close-ups of your trees (both the ones with leaves and the bare branched trees on the one end loop) as well as the grade crossing and the rock cut. They look good even from a distance.

If you are interested in starting a "club" or group, Rob Kluz will put inserts into ZTrack mailings to any local subscribers in your area for you and he will also send you a few back issues to hand out as freebies at shows (if you ask). I see you picked the issue with the CPRail GP35 on the cover. ;)

It's good to see the possibility of a group forming in Canada. I don't know of any z scale groups north of the border yet. If you need any help or ideas let me know (I'm listed as the module group coordinator in ZTrack).

Thanks,
Randy Smidt

[pray59]

Yes that is nice work Tim. You are a true Ambassador to Z, holding down the fort in Alberta! graemlins/notworthy.gif

I would like to see more closeups too!

-Robert graemlins/wink.gif

[HemiAdda2d]

Originally posted by TimZBend:
I have three modules: the necessary two ends, plus a third for the middle. It was recently displayed at the local "Supertrains" show in Calgary. Was it the one with a CP Geep35 running circles with a few cars, standing on a table near the entrance? That was a nice show--the book deals at Chinook were the best!

[TimZBend]

Yes it was HemiAdda2d. The GP35 ran from 9AM to 5PM non-stop, except for a few requests for pictures when I stopped it where the photographer desired. All I basically had was two ovals with a pair of switches between the mainlines. Saturday I ran the train counter-clockwise, Sunday I ran it clockwise for variety. *laughs* I really must start on another module...

I will have to take a few more photos for the detailed shots requested. The following one was for the decals (they make such a huge difference), but also shows the rock cut as requested.

http://www.ee.ualberta.ca/~mullen/train_files/image004.jpg

The rocks are basically painted foam board that was creatively sliced. The white things in the grass are the Z-Scale sheep. In the distance you can just make out the circle of logs that defines the play area of the camp ground, with the yellow being a tent and car.

[ February 24, 2006, 11:33 PM: Message edited by: TimZBend ]

[Phil]

I really do like your cut rock. I would have never thought of using foam board that way! Very cool! :cool:

How many "layers" of paint did you use to get that effect? It looks very realistic.

- Phil

[pray59]

Thats a really nice shot, and i like the rock cut too. Now I see I better get some decals on my containers.

Question on the track... Is that the new MTL sectional track that you added ballast to? It really has a nice ballast profile! graemlins/notworthy.gif

-Robert

[TimZBend]

Foam rock:

Yes there are a bunch of paint layers. Darker in the "cracks" and lighter on top, with a finish of dry-brushing. For more information see "Carving the Hill" at http://www.hirstarts.com/tips9/tips9.html#theory.


Track:

It is not the new MTL track (I have seen it but I have not used it yet).

It is Marklin flex track laid on top of HomaBed http://www.calroadbed.com roadbed following a method similar to that described in http://www.zscale.org/articles/ballast.html, especially his discussion on the Marklin flex track. I superelevated the track under the roadbed. (I used Itty Bitty Lines roadbed for the middle module--it is much lower profile than the HomaBed.)


Love that internet for helpful hints. :D

[HoboTim]

I have to concur, the cut in the rock is simply fabulous. Very nice scenery detail.

Oh, Look at the decals on the Containers! They look fabulous too! :D

Tim, did you have any problems putting the decals on the containers? They do make the Train stand out.

I Love Trains! Especially when you can barely Zee them! :D

graemlins/223.gif Tim

[TimZBend]

Hi Tim,

The decals were easy to use and your instructions were excellent. I followed them exactly (never used DecalSol before...it really does soften up the decal - it kind of startled me). A nice effect of the clear flat paint applied afterwards is that the sheen on the plastic containers is removed making them less plastic looking.

I plan to weather the containers (and the GP35, etc.) a tiny bit next. The essence of a hobby: always something to do.

[Larry D]

I have 1 ZBT module that is completed and one in the works. In addition I have 2 undecorated bubble modules

I am currently a member of the Northwest Crossing club in Houston and San Antonio Z (SAZ) formerly SANTRAK Z Division.

[Larry D]

I have 2 modules, both 3 x 6. One is completed and the other is under construction. A 3rd module is under consideration as an addition to module 1.

[JR59]

You guys just talking about your modules. Where are the pictures? Please no more small talk. I can't wait to see your work. graemlins/222.gif graemlins/222.gif graemlins/222.gif

Regards
Jürg

P.S. Welcome to Trainboard Larry.

[pray59]

Hi Larry! Welcome to Trainboard! We would love to see some pictures of your modules! :D


-Robert

[RSmidt]

Hi Larry, Welcome to Trainboard!

So, tell me the details about the change in the San Antonio club (off forum if it's too political).

And, putting my official ZTrack Module group coordinator hat back on, did you send Rob an update on contact info for the SAZ group? ;)

How is the T-Trak-Z experiment coming along?

Randy

[Adam Amick]

Nice looking cut and containers, Tim.


Originally posted by TimZBend:
Yes it was HemiAdda2d. The GP35 ran from 9AM to 5PM non-stop, except for a few requests for pictures when I stopped it where the photographer desired. All I basically had was two ovals with a pair of switches between the mainlines. Saturday I ran the train counter-clockwise, Sunday I ran it clockwise for variety. *laughs* I really must start on another module...

I will have to take a few more photos for the detailed shots requested. The following one was for the decals (they make such a huge difference), but also shows the rock cut as requested.

The rocks are basically painted foam board that was creatively sliced. The white things in the grass are the Z-Scale sheep. In the distance you can just make out the circle of logs that defines the play area of the camp ground, with the yellow being a tent and car.

[Adam Amick]

Pictures, Larry, show us Zee pictures! :D

Nice seeing you in Houston, by the way. Hope ya'll had a good time.

Adam

Originally posted by Larry D:
I have 2 modules, both 3 x 6. One is completed and the other is under construction. A 3rd module is under consideration as an addition to module 1.

[pray59]

I had a few minutes to spare, so I continued planting trees on my Timesaver/Trestle module:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/976/Module01.jpg

Anyone else working on their modules? :shade:

[JR59]

Out of this world work! Stunning!!!

[RSmidt]

I'm recouperating from NTS right now, but hope to start working on my modules again after I clear out some space in the basement again.

Robert, how deep are your modules, top to bottom with the mountain and the ravine?

As an aside back to the original question of this thread, I talked with a few N scalers at NTS who are now playing around with Z-Bend Track modules and one may have 14' of modules before NTS 2007. I didn't think we would have many folks to display in Detroit, but that my be changing.

Tom Gilcrest from Seattle (who unexpectedly appeared out of no where at NTS) and I are talking about building some lightweight "goodwill ambassador" modules that can be shipped from show to show so we can share modules with local clubs whether we can be there iin person or not. I was trying to do this for NTS 2004 in Seattle, but it was sent by private plane intead of as a package and it never arrived due to a change in the pilot's plans. :-(

Tom has been thinking about it ever since.

Randy Smidt

[r_i_straw]

OK, here is a photo of a Z-Bend module. Not my module but it is my train. The train is kind of oversize for Z scale. :) The module belongs to Northwest Crossing in Houston. I have track rights on it for my Nn3 because of the favors I keep plying Bill Kronenberger with.:teeth:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/585/ahj.jpg

[Michael R, New York]

I'm recouperating from NTS right now, but hope to start working on my modules again after I clear out some space in the basement again.

Robert, how deep are your modules, top to bottom with the mountain and the ravine?

As an aside back to the original question of this thread, I talked with a few N scalers at NTS who are now playing around with Z-Bend Track modules and one may have 14' of modules before NTS 2007. I didn't think we would have many folks to display in Detroit, but that my be changing.

Tom Gilcrest from Seattle (who unexpectedly appeared out of no where at NTS) and I are talking about building some lightweight "goodwill ambassador" modules that can be shipped from show to show so we can share modules with local clubs whether we can be there iin person or not. I was trying to do this for NTS 2004 in Seattle, but it was sent by private plane intead of as a package and it never arrived due to a change in the pilot's plans. :-(

Tom has been thinking about it ever since.

Randy Smidt


Hmmm....I do have a Civic Hybrid and could probably fit a bunch of modules in the back seat if the car seat is out....
645 mi (about 11 hours 16 mins) that could be 1 tank of gas each way ;-)

[RSmidt]

Now you're thinking Michael. Let me know if you are serious. I am actually getting more interest than I thought we would for Detroit since there are no organized Z groups in the Detroit area to pick up the ball. So far, I have gotten pretty solid interest from 4 other Z scalers and there is a chance a few more will join up in the effort.

Randy Smidt
ZTrack magazine module coordinator

[Loren]

I seen Rob's and Bryan's modules at the NTS last summer. Great job guys!

I know there are more guys with modules on this list, so lets hear more!

-Robert graemlins/wink.gif
Robert,
Well you know I have my 45 degree and end module I call Big Bertha, (it is coming along nicely) and now I'm working on two large T modules to have ready by February in Portland. So a total of four.
Loren

[Kez]

Ok Loren, I'll be the first to say it: "PICTURES" We want pictures!

hehehe. Get used to hearing that......it's why we like it so much around here.

[pray59]

Robert,
Well you know I have my 45 degree and end module I call Big Bertha, (it is coming along nicely) and now I'm working on two large T modules to have ready by February in Portland. So a total of four.
Loren

Hi Loren! Welcome to Trainboard! ;)

Do you have any recent pictures to share with us? I have not seen you modules since the Cow Palace in January!

[HoboTim]

Welcome Aboard Loren! Good to have another familiar face, or at least a name, here!

Hobo Tim

[TimZBend]

Hi All,

Here is a module I am working on that should be done for our local Calgary Supertrains show this April. If you look closely you'll see items from some of the others who frequent this forum.

[RSmidt]

Neat idea! Should attract lot's of attention while folks are trying to navigate the maize maze. ;-)

Randy

[shamoo737]

I see Tim's Maxi III, Andrea's tower, and Robert's station.

[N2Z]

Has anything come out of the Detroit area modelers that was mentioned earlier in this thread?

[pray59]

Nice module Tim! :D

[RSmidt]

Has anything come out of the Detroit area modelers that was mentioned earlier in this thread?

I think that was Stu Sonta. Haven't heard anything in awhile. Stu, you still out there?

Randy

[N2Z]

Are there any pros/cons to the other mod groups? I've never acutally seen any Z mods. Ntrak, Ive seen quite a bit...

[SJ Z-man]

Tim,

Thanks for putting in a passing track and, the 'bend' in the back track !!

Too many modules are straight tracked !!!
.