Last Spring, I was invited to visit a local modeler's Z Scale layout. I met Clyde Queen Jr. first in the late 1980's at an NMRA meet, and over the years he has built layouts in just about every scale. I met Clyde again a couple years ago at an NMRA meet in Boise, and he said he was interested in Z now. Then Covid 19 hit, isolating people inside, and giving them time to do some serious modeling. These photos represent a fraction of what Clyde has accomplished in one year:
Since the time I took these photos, Clyde has started on the superdetailing and weathering of his layout. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes over the winter.
One is always tempted to say lock downs are a good thing Amazing set of houses. Finally get to see some kits that I've only seen on suppliers websites. Never seen the prison before, nice details. Thanks for sharing. Matt
It’s nice to see Z-scale modelers starting to “go big”, and large layouts like this will bring more credibility to 1:220 scale. Granted, not everyone has the physical room to build such a layout as this in any scale. But the beauty of Z-scale is that you can put a lot in a small space -and- you can put massive amount in a large space. Part of the challenge though has been to find buildings with a large footprint, which adds realism to just about any layout. But it’s nice to see suppliers and manufacturers coming to the table to fill this void. The only thing is, if you see a building you really want, you better buy it now. Because as quickly as suppliers come on to the scene, they just as quickly disappear.
Clyde has definitely been busy. A lot of those buildings are kits. It's good to see them being put to great use. I think I even see the strip mall that I designed on Shapeways right across from the movie theater. GREAT JOB Clyde!
Yes, the funny thing is ALL of these kits were purchased recently, so this is what can be accomplished with what's available now. This goes to show that if you are willing to buy from sellers foreign and domestic, and use ebay and other internet sources, you can find just about build anything the larger scales have. And yes, there ARE some larger structures out there.
Aside from the trains, that is a really cool town!! ...and I'm pretty sure that's the first prison I've ever seen on a model railroad of any scale!
That is really nice modeling. I like how he snuck a Sean Brennan paper hardware store in the mix. It blends in. I've never seen a prison in any scale. Is it two Nansen St. kits with some modifications? Great idea, in any case. I think we all have boxes and bins of many of these kits. It is another thing to see them all laid out like this. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing the photos. Jim
Outstanding Layout very interesting and lots to look at! thanks for sharing! I see you have a few of my 3D printed pieces! Good to see someone has gotten some of my work! I have enjoyed seeing what you have done!
Clyde said he had collected all the cars from various ebay sellers, but that he liked the painted solid metal ones the best.
JeepFan, There are a couple of Z scale vehicle producers on this site. Here are some links: Eric's Truckworks JMC Scale Models Scott
JeepFan, I forgot to add Carlos Pintos vehicles: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174997019105?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 Scott
I went to Clyde's place today to do some Corel Draw training, and went upstairs to see what's new on his layout detailing efforts, and was surprised at the next level detailing going on. It's apparent Clyde has found a lot of new products from Samtrees, Z & US Models, and assorted Shapeways details as well as having been making his own 3D models. Here are a few shots I took: Please right click, open in a new window and zoom into these photos to see the level of detail! His Main Street has some really impressive detailing going on, as well as many recognizable businesses not available in any other scale: I spotted the headquarters of Wile E. Coyote's favorite mail order warehouse in the industrial district: The Discount Tire distribution center has some bright red Fire Standpipes and Alarm Bell on the corner of the warehouse, making them compliant with the city's codes: The UP Hotel across the street from the Parking Garage towers over the downtown area, and has great view of the Palm Trees around City Hall. The local economy looks prosperous these days: Along with a booming economy we have to expect a bad element to be present, however there has been constant upgrades to the Corrections Department Facilities, and local news agencies are always there to report on the latest developments: Here's another view of the ACME warehouse, with new cyclone vents freshly installed on the roof: And the UPS facility looks very busy these days too. If you are ever in the Boise area, Clyde's layout is an absolute Must See for Z Scale fans, and is a model railroad photographers dream. There is just too much to see, and every angle reveals more of this town's story!
Wow! What a neat layout! And I think I spied a few of Robert's builds in there, too. Dutch Bros, Motel 6, the tall turreted building, and maybe a lit U-Haul sign? He does great work!
WOW, Clyde has definently been busy. Lot's of interesting scenes to take in as well. Nice to see a Z layout of this size. And indeed, the Robert Ray Construction Company (RRCC) seems to have quite the "racket" going in regards to the local construction projects in this city. "You dont'a use'a our construction services, we breaka' u Z-scale legs....!"
