I am a dedicated N-Scaler, but this spring I attended the Z Scale Convention in Medford, Oregon, because it was closer to my home than the N Scale Collector Convention which was going to be held in Houston, Texas. To my pleasant surprise, I discovered that many of my N-scale friends were also Z scale modelers. I was really amazed at what the Z scale community was doing to promote the scale. I was very impressed with the many outstanding layouts and incredible craftsmanship on display by the very talented people in Z-scale. (You would have to very talented and patient to model in Z scale) The clinics were well done and very informative, and I have applied much of what I learned to my N-scale projects. I met some wonderful people, I had a great time, and I came away with a lot of Z scale stuff that is presenting a bit of a problem for me... it doesn't run on my N scale layout. A few of the things that I got at the convention I have listed in the Train Store, but most of the items I will keep because I am a "collector" as well as a "runner." I'm even thinking about building a small Z scale layout, but I'm having trouble convincing myself that it is a good idea at my age to go to an even smaller scale. (I changed from HO to N in 2000) I'm hoping for another Z scale convention to be held soon in a city not too far from me. I'm looking forward to attending.
Rett, welcome to our scale. I say, give it a try, and you will see what you can do. Z scale will give you the ability to build a great looking layout in a small space, or a realistc looking one in a big space.
i attended a train show in ft. worth , tx. about 4 years ago and there were 5 z scale layouts, 2 n scale and one HO. i was surprised how popular z was then, even more so now. since micro-trains is really into z now, its just that much better, my opinion. i really like their track along with the engines and cars. those darn open pilots bug me though, im sure it just takes a little getting used to. i have n scale around the walls, 10x12 ft. on an 18 inch shelf. i have already been thinking that i could go around those same walls with z and only a 1 ft. shelf. one question....what radius is considered to be a broad curve in z scale?.....thanks
When I was an HO scaler and would look at N scale layouts, often I'd get bitten by the bug. As an N scaler looking at Z layouts, I don't get bitten by the bug at all. I'm still impressed nonetheless, but the space you gain from N to Z isn't as much as from HO to N. Still I can totally appreciate what's been done. The same modeling advancements that make N so great these days have no doubt also helped Z.
Well if you make the plunge you will find the water warm and comfy. I made the switch in 2002 at age 60 after attending the first Z-scale convention in Columbus Ohio and helping on a Z-scale layout at the National Trains Show in Cincinnati. You just have to start and now since 2006 I have been selling off my extensive collection of N bit by bit.
Garth, You have gone through a time warp....you are now in the twilight zone. The Cincinnati NTS was in 2005, are you counting backwards? I'll vouch for Garth being there in 2005, but I don't know where he was in 2002...... I have the pictures to prove it. But Garth is sure right about jumping in and finding warm waters. Try Z and you will not likely go back until it's too late anyway because your hands shake so bad you can't hold a loco, no matter what the scale )
Rett, it was a pleasure to see you at the Convention. I hope you can make the short drive to Sacramento next July because it will really open your eyes to Z. The volume of modules will be far greater and the quality of work and detail will be even more evident. With a 1-2-3 "Best of" in 2008, we hope to repeat in 2011. Fluff, most of use (with modular layouts) use the Z-Bend Track standard. This uses 9 and 10" radius which is actually greater than Märklin and MTL track radius (6.7 and 8.7" equivelant). This is because it is based on a 2' frame standard. Many of us 'balloon' it out to 10 and 11". It looks a little tight but everything runs fine. A lot of us build on 3' end modules open up to 15" radius or about 21" in N or 38 in HO. Yeah. This allows greater flexibility in the trackwork like symetricrical ballon or asymetrical left or right (and looks better with long rolling stock like passenger, autoracks and others. Other manufacturers continue to enter into the Z market. Intermountain announced several different types of rolling stock with pre-orders for 2 types of covered hoppers first. AZL will have a slew of stuff starting about year end with. .
Guess your right Loren I guess its an age thing short term memory is poor. Hasn't been long enough for long term memory retention. cheerz Garth
..plus a "couple" of a pretty nifty fireworks display off the backyard in 2005. I am curious though, how you "prove" WITH photos where he was in 2002 if you don't know where he was... ...d
Almost all Z Scale Modelers were into another scale before, very few actually starting with Z. The common theme seems to be the challenge to hone their modeling skills. Where other scales are (Yawn!) been there done that, Z has presented a challenge for those that are up to it. I started dabbling in Z after many years of N, and it brought back those fond memories of the early years of N, and now I am re-living them through Z. Few scales allow you to be the first to do something, and Z is one of them!
Well, you know what I meant....I have photos of Garth at the convention in 2005. And I do know where Garth was in 2002....he was where I wasn't ) I well remember the fireworks.......it was almost 'run for your lives'......loved it. And who can forget the flood while we ate under the tent at the convention.....just too much fun that day.
I don't know how I should consider this statement. Actually I started with HO (french prototype) as a kid and a teenager, then I all gave up when I became an adult. Not enough time, not enough room, beeing fed up with ultra tight radii (sectional track) that implied many derailments, beeing fed up with stalls of my locos (picking up juice with only 2 axles) on the insulated frog turnouts, all this preventing any switching operations, etc.... When I came back to modelrailroading 15 years later I came directly to Z. It was after I discovered north american prototype railroading that appeals me far more than european style. I chose Z because my initial project was building an accurately scaled down replica of the famous Tehachapi Loop and considering the available room for me, Z was the only option. However I remained a long time armchair modelist before I actually started to build something. So I was nearly a newby, except I remembered all the issues I had with my former and long gone HO layout. Even after I dropped the idea of building the Tehachapi Loop I sticked to Z scale. Too much stuff, and too much love for that scale prevented me to switch to another scale... Dom
