I have about a 3' x 5' space I could put a layout. Originally I was just going to make a small Z layout in a display table. Then I realized I do have the space for a small layout (more than the tiny display table). In the past I had a layout with HO down low, then N up in the mountains, and I thought, hey why not do the same with N and Z. I'm a passenger train guy (mostly European), so switching and complicated layouts are not my thing. Mostly want a few loops I can set trains to running around while listening to music and having a few drinks. At first I was just going to do two double track ovals, one N, one Z, but I figured I had space to spice it up a bit with the Z. So this is what I've come up with the past couple days. Basically it'd be a mountain scene, with a big mounton on the left, and a smaller one on the right. There'd be a lake taking up a good portion of the middle, running under the bridge. Most likely there'd be another bridge in the back where the N scale crossover switch is currently, as that is not really necessary, and I like bridges. This is with Kato and Rokuhan track. I already have almost all this track but I did order a few odds and ends to fill out this design. Honestly I wish I had the space to do something more like the Z level in N, as there is not much variety of rolling stock in Z. I'm considering the possiblity of breaking up the moutain a little and having the Z tracks peak out from their tunnels briefly in the middle of the back, so something like this: Opinions? Ideas?
I like the plan, choo choo. I’m not a fan of mixing scales for forced perspective but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Have you considered using Kato N scale trams on the upper level? Kato makes 150mm (5.9”) and 183 mm (7.2”) radius curves that the trams run on. I found a couple of photos of the trams. There are a number of different ones but these give the general idea. I don’t know if they look European or if you’re interested but offer it as a possible alternative. I think it’s always good to have options.
Thanks, yeah, that could work on nicely. Tunnels break up the "loop" look which I don't really like, even though I just need simple loops to run some passenger trains, but too much tunnel equals not enough train. As an... aside, the sidings in the Z area are just long enough to store one of these (not out until later this year): I was happy with the mixed HO and N layout I had before. I basically just want a place to run trains, and I was just going to put these on a table temporarily. Realism is not my main goal. I actually had considered one of the Kato MyTram or more expensive modern trams (Centram and there is another). They do look European, or American - all those kind of lightrail/streetcar/tram are the same these days. Thanks for reminding me about that, maybe I will consider placement of such at the lower level. I don't know if I have room though, as the lake is going to be quite large, and I am not planning many buildings for the N scale level, just a castle on the lake and maybe a few more if they fit in. I think I am going to 3d print as much of the scenery and details as I can. Opens up a lot of possibilities, and will save a lot of money I think. As to the construction of this, I'm going to test it all just on a 3'x5' piece of plywood, possibly with another piece of board in position for the Z scale riser, but I do ultimately want to go with open benchwork to enable access from the bottom for lighting.
That's cool and that will be a neat train when it comes out. The artwork looks pretty spot compared to the cars I saw in Zurich a few weeks ago.
I love double decker trains with cab cars. I have an N scale Fleischmann model of something very similar from Germany. I've ordered a complete N scale Kato Rhaetian Bernina Express set, headed by an Allegra car and with 7 observation cars with the big windows. Famous and popular train in the Alps. I'll run them all on the same layout, I'm not super worried about whether a particular German train actually ever runs next to a particular Swiss train, it's just the Alps... I love getting trains I have seen or ridden on IRL. I wish there were more Dutch trains in N scale because they are my favorite. There aren't even all that many in HO, but enough. I have some in HO but absolutely no space to run them. I've been a passenger train guy since I was a kid. Aside from a Tyco Silver Streak set, my first train set, I have been pretty much all passenger. My mom and aunt got my HO and N (of both so 4 trains total) French TGV and Amtrak "Metroliner" (not Metroliner but the Amfleet coaches based on them) when I was young. Another thing I had and remember running on an N scale board layout in my room was a Concor RDC.
Looking at BNSF FAN's layout I am considering going with the foam design rather than an open benchwork. That seems much more modern, and practical. And rather than lay a piece of plywood on top of a table as I was going to do (just to test the track before building benchwork), I may remove the table's top and put the plywood directly on its legs, so I can drill through it for wires.
Oh man, I am working on that same set. I have the 3 car main coach set so far. Kato has done a fantastic job Oh, the tins were given to us aboard the train. When we rode, the power set was a Yellow, Cream & Green, White & Blue set instead of the traditional red We did meet our opposite direction counterpart and it had the red power set. Was hard to get more than this pic of it And I have found that power set a source for the red set which I hope to get next. Here's Kato's pic Then that will just leave finding the 4 car add on set at a decent price. When you get yours, share some pics and what you think of it
Fantastic. Absolutely will show pictures. I ordered straight from Japan. In transit right now. I also picked up two 6-packs of Kato lighting kits. I would like to convert it to DCC but it sounds like a big hassle so I think it's just going to stay DC.
Fun idea. Two items for thought: 1) 120mm radius is TIGHT, even for Z scale. It can be done, but you've really got to be very selective on power and rolling stock. 2) The R023 turnouts are also VERY tight. You might have to look into Rokuhan's shorty series to be able to run reliably on that. Usual minimum radius recommended in Z 195mm with longer stuff at 220mm. Tighter stuff can be done, begins to heavily limit options. Good luck! I'd loved to see the forced perspective.
Thanks for pointing out the short radius! Kind of slipped my mind. The advice I got on a German train board was that 145mm was the minimum for something like the SBB train pictured above. I should've kept that in mind. I've already ordered all that track (and most of it has already arrived). I also ordered an AZL RDC which is reported to run (alone) on as tight as 140mm. I could do something like this instead:
I think I am going to stick with the original design for the Z section and try it out. Unfortunately the SBB train isn't out until later this year. I will try the outer loop with a single RDC for now. If it just doesn't work I'll look at something else. For the inner loop maybe the Märklin railbus would work. Part of my reason for sticking with the original smaller design for the Z section is that the tunnels (particularly for N) are getting to be unmanageable to extract derailed trains from. I need to put a rerailer in the design somewhere as it is. Another part is that I am more of an N scale guy. If the outer 145mm loop of Z scale works with the SBB train (which it should) then the 120mm loop is just a bonus. I am going to play with some more design variations though. At one time I had a very tight N scale flex track figure 8 in some mountains (as tight as it would humanly flex) and I was able to run a few different things on there with short cars. I think a Kato F8A/B pair ran no problem on it, along with some short hopper cars. This might work better (also have a variation with the Z at an angle saved as an attachment): Update: I've ordered the additional track (just a few pieces) to make this latest variation of the Z layout with 170mm and 145mm curves.
Arrived today. Extremely well detailed set, I was quite surprised at the roof of the Allegra. A little bit more delicate and light than European made (or made in China for European companies) trains but I expected it to have that light weight Kato feel. Haven't run it yet. It does appear to be 1:150 instead of 1:160 which is surprising if they wanted to sell this to a European market. Will run later this week probably once I get the table set up. Sorry my camera is terrible. Doesn't do the detail on either of these trains justice. It's hit or miss and I got tired of trying to get the perfect photo. Again, not a freight guy, but I love these MTL graffiti cars.
Thanks for those photos. That looks like really great set all together and some other nice goodies there too.
I'm not sure what I think of the Kato close couplers. I've only seen their US market couplers (which are not as good as Kadee/Microtrains by a long shot). They seem like they are realistically shaped for a certain type of coupler, but possibly very fragile. I could hardly even see the details of them with a magnifying glass. Only other Kato I've had is the old TGV model which is a one off custom design.
Well here's the Z track I have... I have some extra due to changing from 120mm minimum to 145mm minimum. I went a bit nuts ordering but I was worried about possible import duties taking effect on these made in China goods. I have one of the 2-switch controllers (RC03 I believe) and another on the way. And extension cables. Oh, yeah, I said I wasn't a freight guy? I changed my mind. I am going to do Swiss freight along aside passenger. Got some on the way. So the extra and new freight options got me to thinking, maybe I could do something like: Or even: Opinions?
Got some Z scale rolling stock in. Not the one I'm waiting for but hopefully this will go well on the inside loop. I decided just to stick to my simpler 145 + 170mm radius curve design.
