It would work well. Of course, you would want to use z-scale buildings, and all, but the scenery ratio for that layout in Z would be fantastic.
Hi Scott, I have that layout in N scale. it's a very fun kit, but you will need to be careful with the grade. you will need to get Z scale risers otherwise you will end up with a 4% grade that some of my n scale trains hade trouble with. I also added a small yard in the front of the layout. Good luck with it.
Maybe too late...? I was wondering the same thing as ScottMitchell74 back in 2014: would Woodland Scenics Scenic Ridge layout work for Z scale? On a 3x6 layout, in Z scale there is so much more room for wider curves, landscaping and - an issue that came up more than once - for inclines with 2% max. Anyone ever make a z scale layout based on the WS SR kit? Since the nice weather caused me a terrible hayfever, I stayed in and played with my layout design software. I came up with these designs. The first one sticks to the original track plan, with Atlas N scale replaced by Rokuhan; using mostly their R=270 mm curves, some R=245 mm in the tunnels. And even the R=490 mm curve. This will ease the inclines and look better (I think), especially with passenger cars. You might even use short couplers. No flex curves, little use of flex track needed to make straight track to fit. A layout for landscape modellers. Downside: it is a bit dull… One could easily add extra sidings and a second circle, with a little siding of it's own. Enhances possibilities a lot, I think. Still wide curves, still inclines of max 2%. No flex curves. Get the WS kit, replace the inclines that come with the kit (4%) with the WS 2% inclines and get Z scale tunnel portals and Z scale buildings, and you're all set. Should you not shy away from using flextrack for curves, the possiblities are on a 3x6 layout of course much greater. The last pic is just an option, with the double dogbone design allowing for realistic train traffic (no roundy rounder - not that there's anything wrong with that). Includes lot's of room for several trains. My favorite seems the second option. What do you guys think?
I have a 32 x76in layout based on your first photo not a dog bone with 2% grade and it works fine for me but I used Marklin track. The dog bone would have made it more interesting. I have a tunnel two over passes and double track in front of the station! your last photo would be good for switching. Looks great!
Mdvholland I like the second track layout. I have been contemplating getting the scenic ridge kit and converting it to Z gauge myself. I have very limited space in the room where my layout will be going and I really want to have more than one consist running a time which I don't feel like I can do with N scale and that kit. I do have a question however I was wondering if your track program has a list of the track that I need to purchase to start this project. Thanks for any direction that you can give me in advance. If you want I can give you my email so we can correspond more.
Hi B / Barmstrong, Thanks. This layout will allow you to run two consists simultaneously with simple measures (separating inner and outer loop, and giving each its own controller). The inner loop is long enough to run more than two if you are willing to work with blocks - I would not start with that... In total you could have 4 longer trains on your layout and have them running two at a time while changing them once in a while. In addition you could "park" up to 4 locos and/or some cars that could be put in service to change with the others. My track program doesn t work with Rokuhan track unfortunately, so I drew it with Marklin track, using flex track to "simulate"R245 and R270 curves, that Rokuhan offers but Marklin doesn t. So it took some math but I got a parts list, see the spreadsheet attached. It lists part numbers for Marklin, not for Rokuhan because I could not find them. However, two other attached file gives an overview of Rokuhan curved and straight track, so you will see that all used elements are offered. In fact, Rokuhan copied and offers all track sizes Marklin does, and added two wider curves in the Radii 245 and 270 mm; the ones I used here. I planned flex track for straight stretches only, however, they will need to be cut to length. This is not to hard and instructions can be found on the net and probably also on this forum. I have added a file with the same layout plan, including a better representation of the track sections and showing the proposed the elevations in millimeters. I planned the base on 10mm. All curves NOT R270 are marked with their radius (e.g. 245, 490). Have fun planning, building and playing. I would appreciate a build thread Matt
