I'm a very long time N scale model railroader. I've decided to switch to Z scale to try something new (plus Z scale is cool!). I'm trying to decide if I should start my railroad with Marklin or Rokuhan. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Are the 2 interchangeable if I start with one and decide to switch to the other (or mix and match and one layout)? Is one more dependable, have better electronics or finer fit and finish? I'm guessing this questions has been asked before but I did not see any threads that are recent. I appreciate your help. Thanks.
Welcome to the group and to Z. What you ask is a bit complex. I would say that there are 4 major manufacturers in Z: AZL (American Z Lines), Märklin, MTL (Micro Train Lines) and Rokuhan. AZL and MTL focus on North American prototypes, Märklin on European and Rokuhan on Japanese. All run on standard gauge (6.5mm) track. In general, AZL and MTL rolling stock can be mixed. Märklin uses a hook type coupler which needs to be exchanged with a knuckle coupler to work with AZL & MTL. Another generalization is that the fit and finish of the more recently designed products is better than older ones across all manufacturers. Three manufacturers produce track. Märklin, MTL and Rokuhan. MTL makes the only North American prototype (tie size and spacing) in both a flex track and sectional with plastic roadbed. Märklin produces a wide range of sectional track (no roadbed). Rokuhan produces the widest selection of roadbed sectional track with both wood and concrete ties. Most people find Rokuhan the most dependable and visually pleasing turnouts. The different tracks are somewhat interchangeable. Rokuhan produces an adaptor to Märklin sectional and MTL flex. MTL & Rokuhan sectional will work together with some effort. MTL sectional track is rather limited. Märklin electrical sections (turnouts, uncouplers and such) are rather toy train-like. Feel free to ask more and I hope this helps, Mark
This is very helpful. I know this will sound odd but I'm not overly concerned about the prototype as exact realism is not what draws me to the hobby. I like making large(ish) layouts of my own design along with the accompanying scenario (buildings, trees, brush, rail yards, ...). As such the Rokuhan seems appealing. Given this, does Rokuhan have good electrical accessories for the turnouts, rail power, signal lighting, ... If not, what do you recconend? My N scale layout was all Kato. I found it easy to use and had a lot of accessory variety. Is Rokuhan similar? What do you suggest for the controller and locomotives? I envision having many turnouts across the layout along with other electrical accessories. I'll need a controller that's powerful enough to satisfy this without straining. I live in a very rural are with no access to a hobby shop to purchase things. The N scale store I used does not sell Z scale. I know this is a delicate question but who's a well known and reputable, online Z scale dealer? I understand if you don't want to answer this last question. Thanks.
Micro-Trains makes all of their cars, trucks and couplers in Oregon and has sponsored our N Scale weathering contest
I use Kato track in N scale and I use Rokuhan in Z scale. They both have the same kind of traits in design and reliability. When weathered and ballasted, the Rokuhan track is very nice. I have pruchased a couple ofRokuhan trains, and they run very well. I mainly run AZL locos but also have a few MTL. So far, not happy with the MTL, as they have need a lot of tweeking just to get them running. That being said, this is Z scale and it requires some tinkering. The smaller things get the more finicky they seem, but it is totally doable. AZL and MTL both produce nice rolling stock, with AZL in my opinion being the nicest. AZL comes with metal wheels to start and for me that is a good thing. I have not gotten any marklin gear because I just have not seen anything I can't live without. I am currently using Rokuhan controls, but just got my first batch of decoders and will be switching to my NCE powercab. Anyway this is what works for me and my goals. Jump in, the water is just right. Trey
I haven't wandered too far from Z scale in a long time, but my understanding is that Rokuhan is very similar to the Kato N. They work to have a complete solution, check out: http://www.rokuhan.com/english/ For locomotives. AZL is currently the major U.S. loco manufacturer, producing GP7/9/30/38-2, E8/9A&B, and others. MTL also has several older designs in production. As for Z scale e-retailers, I've not run into one that I'd avoid. I've personally had good experiences with Zscalemonster , Rob K's sites (ztrack, ztrackresale, etc.), needtrains. Mark
Welcome to Z scale! Yes Rob Kluz is the best... wait that is me... umm never mind. Actually I get your question quite a lot. Here is my recommendation. If you are starting out, I would definitely go with Rokuhan. Out of all the track lines, they have the most options, and an impressive line. Marklin is also extensive, but lacks some since it does not have roadbed (thinking beginners here). MTL track is limited and the turnouts have had issues. AZL has the largest selection of US locomotives. Quality is outstanding. MTL is also very good, with a great line up of rolling stock, though their current loco offering is only F7s at the moment. AZL is currently offering starter sets that come with a Rokuhan controller and track. The two companies have partnered to offer these packages. It really gives you the best of both worlds. You can find them here: http://www.azldirect.com/starter-packages One of the nice things is you can mix and match AZL, MTL and products from Full Throttle and InterMountain. Only MTL offers the Magne-Matic uncoupling. Full discloser... I am the distributor for AZL, Rokuhan and Full Throttle. But I also offer MTL and InterMountain. As for dealers, yes we offer the products, but we also supply products to a large dealer base. So you can work with us directly or through any of our authorized dealers. If you have a local dealer that you would like to work with, have them contact us and we would be happy to help them establish as a Z scale dealer. Rob Kluz
oboeman - thanks for asking the question. I am just starting Z scale, some limited experience with N but I seem to lack room to leave a larger setup in a room to work on. I thought Z scale would be more portable and had the same questions as you and want to learn from the experienced folks here.
I appreciate everyone's thoughtful answers. It is very much appreciated. I'm going to start with Rokuhan and go from there. Two last things (for now!): 1. Rob K. I've heard good things about ztrack so let me k ow the URL for your main site. Also, I'd like to find a time to chat about ordering 'stuff'. Maybe next week so what's the best way to reach you? 2. I'm interested in DCC and have some experience with digitrax. Does it work well with z scale and are there issues to be aware of? Also, are there good alternatives to digitrax worth considering? What is the right way to get started with DCC on Z scale? I guess what I'm asking is, what do I need to purchase to get started. I'd like to have remote capabilities so I'm not tied to a wire tether.
Hi Oboeman, I'm still pretty new to Z and this forum, but I chose Rokuhan for my track and power. It is pretty user friendly in my opinion, easy to find online and seems to have a lot of variation for adding on. I only have MTL Southern F7 loco, so far, but my next would be an AZL as they get great reviews. My first loco would have been an AZL Southern Mikado, but they are hard to impossible to find and I got in after they were released. Also, I love my Uncle Will's hoppers. Whatever you buy check the couplers as they are different. This was a good read about couplers for me: http://www.zscale.org/articles/couplers.html#coupling Good luck and welcome to Z! Best, Ray
oboeman: Digitrax as well as TCS have "drop-in" DCC for many of the AZL units and some MTL. I believe AZL is offering DCC'ed locomotives. I'm still using a wired NCE unit, so I can't say much for wireless. You should be able to find the discussions here. coshnz: Welcome as well. Yes, Z is more portable. There are a number of briefcase size commercial layouts available. You might also want to check out the Rokuhan site for some of those and their layout sets. Mark
Dang, forgot all about Full Throttle. I got a hopper set last month, first rate stuff. Lots of good info from everyone. They AZL guys offer some of the best customer service anywhere. Z scale has more to offer now than probably ever, certainly since I was infected with the bug several years ago. Trey
Here are the URL to my sites. We have a few! www.ztrack.com www.ztrackcenter.com www.ztrackresale.com www.zscaletrack.com www.azldirect.com Rob
Two good Z scale links: top one is for a dealer who stocks tons of Z scale - second is for our Z Scale Forum [Removed] and [Removed]
Welcome to Z I will say the one nice thing about Z there is very little junk out there. Most every product is good, but because of the size will require more maintanence than N. Like you I was in N and used Kato track. I can tell you the quality of Kato is not unlike any other. I started late 2003 early 2004 in Z so my experience was a fun journey as I think that was the start of the Z scale mainstream movement. Marklin track is great, strong, and very reliable. No roadbed though and tie spacing is chunky. MTL track with roadbed is very nice. Tie spacing is great and the turnouts work well. (I've used all three marklin, MT and rokuhan and all their turnouts need tweaking) I've played with rokuhan track and turnouts and it is good track. If it had better tie spacing, I'd be a bigger fan, but next to MT is looks like narrow gauge. Paint and ballast will go a long way to hide that just like kato in N. I do not feel mating the different brands is easy for most, and each type operates best on its own. My advice is stick with one brand and go with it. For powering loco's most everyone here knows I am a huge fan of the Jorger delux with gaugemasters. Quite frankly they are the best for DC period. I have literally tried just about every other (they are from Germany and almost impossible to find today). The only controller that comes close is the snail speed controller. It is more easily available but I have used these with good results. Now understand that I say this because I run some old marklin 3 pole motor loco's. Today's loco's from AZL snd MT are so much better that even the old white marklin power pack is good with them. I can not help if you are going DCC. As for locomotives you are very lucky as the selection is fantastic today. I often go back and forth as to what I think is the best, but you'd be hard pressed to beat the AZL gp9/7 or the gp 38's For the price they are just fantastic runners. Sure you'll have to keep track clean, but they are very nice. What is nice about AZL is the locomotives are as close to true scale as you can get. Very nice. MT makes 3 good locomotives. F-7, a very solid runner just loud is all. If you can find an SD 40-2 or a GP 35/9 (they are same mech) they are really great runners. Understand though that they are a little chunky. Not bad, but I just can not mix AZL and MT as they do not look right. Everyone's personal opinion is fine, I just can't do it. Marklin makes some great locomotives. I am a huge fan of their steam locomotives. they run great, but be ready to clean and lube replace brushes and such. Rolling stock MT is the best value by far and the have those magnetic couplers. nice. AZL has filled in the gaps nicely offering many types not already done by MT. A bit more costly, but the quality is very nice. I find marklin rolling stock looks toylike except their cabooses. The nice part is everyone is helpful and any issues or questions you have someone will help. Welcome again.
If you liked KATO track, you will love Rokuhan. It takes the best of KATO & Tomix and combines them. Anything that youd use to control KATO turnouts will work with Rokuhan. I switched from N to Z in 2014 and been having a great time.
