I’m in the process of making some isolation sidings and would like to know some dimensions. What is the length of the MTL’s GP-35? And what will the length of AZL’s SD-70? Just for my curiosity what is the length of the longest z-scale loco available on the market? Thanks Tsa
Hi tsa, and welcome to Trainboard. I don't know the length of the new AZL Cab Forward, but it will be the longest Z loco I know of. If you had a 135' turntable, you would be able to turn the longest locomotives, so that would be a 7.5" turntable in Z. I'm at work right now, so I don't have any loco measurements on hand, but I would think 5.5" would allow for a scale 100' long locomotive, which is longer than any diesels I know of. -Robert
Robert, thanks for the welcome. It was you that got me over here from Yahoo z-group. I still read the postings there. So from what you say, if I use one Marklin 8500 track (4.25”) for isolation track per loco, it should long enough for "most" loco, right? Thanks Tsa
Robert it correct. I don't have a SD70 yet to measure, but I am thinking one section of 8500 track should work. You may want to double it to be on the safe side or too allow for double heading locomotives. Rob Kluz
Yes, more room is better. I tend to make my sidings as long as I can for the available space. If you consider the length of a 2-8-2 steamer with tender, you need 2 track sections to fit it, as it is 5" long. I measured some of my locos for you. The GP35 is 3.5" long. the SD45 is 4" long. The F7 0-8-0 steamer with tender is 4" long. Most of the locos will just fit on 1 piece of track, but the longest ones need 2. -Robert
Rob, I would “never” have thought of (consider) double header. This is really good you mention to me about that. Robert, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do the measurement for me. Right now it is very easy for me to add addition isolated track. Do you know if the SD70 will be longer than SD45 (4”)? You guys are great!!! Thanks
I would say go with the 4" mark. I am thinking the SD70s will be more arround the size of a tunnel motor which is 4 1/4" from coupler to coupler. Rob Kluz
Rob, Will the SD70s be the longest Z scale modern disel when it is released? What is its height? John Bartolotto
Hello John! Good to see you on the board. Sorry, I don't yet have a sample SD70 so no measurements at this piont. Rob
