My protable layout with pics.

Ok, here is an overview of my old layout now completely portable. Notice the directional switches and Jorger speed controlls on opp sides for each loop.

The next one is a close up of the changes
This one is more of a flat view
This one shows the nitty gritty under the board, yup 100% portable!

And of course a front view

In all of the pictures I have no vehicles or trains because that is all removable. The pictures show the layout as it is with everything glued down solid. I can turn it upside and nothing comes loose. I have to say I really like running trains at a smooth slow speed on this layout with the jorger. I have found most of the bad spots where ballast got in the inside of the rails and my stalling is almost eliminated. I hope you guys enjoy!

[ November 28, 2005, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: JoeS ]

 

Very cool... I like it. Thanks for sharing the pics. What are the board dimensions?

John
http://www.ztrains.com

 

Okay. What is this "jorger" thingy-doo? And how can you run a train on a nine volt battery? Is that possible?

Am I getting another lesson in electronics?

I do like that scenery and everything about it. Great job! I like how the track is much darker than the surrounding scenery.

 

the jorger track controller is a controller that makes the trains go mutch smoother than with other controllers. z-scale is running on max 10 volt so the nine volt battery vorks just fine!!

 

Thanks for the kind words guys! The track was painted with grimy black before the ballast was put down. That really helped it blend in. henrikH pretty much explaind the Jorger. I must say I am really impressed with it. In fact, Lately I am playing more with the portable layout than the bigger one I am in the process of building!

 

So it is a train controller? Is it just a rheostat you can buy at Radio Shack? Thanks.

 

The Jorger Deluxe controller is much more then a rheostat. There is some information on our web site. I would also download the PDF instruction form to learn more:

http://www.ztrack.com/mrtsbcatpgs/ztrackaccess.html

Long story short, it uses back EMF to keep locos running smoothly. It also also slow speed operatiosn and braking feature built in. All in all, a great little device.



Rob Kluz

 

I’m thinking about converting to Z and I want to build a small portable layout like yours. However, I want to fit it into a case of some kind; like a rectangular guitar case. I just can’t seem to find one wide enough. A Jorger speed controller ran off a nine-volt battery would be a nice way to power it all. Nice Layout!

 

I like this layout a lot, the closeup pictures I saw earlier with the steam engine on it look awesome

It just shows the strength of Z-scale, doesn't it?

 

Curn,

Year ago, Marklin had photos of a Z scale layout in a guitar case. The trains ran around the base and a yard ran up the neck of the case. It was really a neat layout! Small layouts are very possible in Z scale. recent examples include cigar boxes, humidors and silver ware boxes. I think a rectangular case would give you enough room to run a smaller Z scale train.

Rob Kluz

 

Cool a new form of DCC

 

Joe:

That's a very nice layout. The base looks very familiar.


Stay cool and run steam......

 

Thanks again for the kind words. To answer some of the questions. The batteries must be a higher quality like duracell. I used chepo dollar store brand and the batteries new out of the box didn't have the charge to move the loco! The Jorger has a red light, if the light is blinking twice, the battery power is low and not strong enough. Now I have used duracell and ran trains for a little more than 60 minutes and I still do not have a low reading. I must say the midrange slow speed controll is amazing. Better than anything I have used. But the track must be clean. Now the layout is about 2x4. I built it on a cork tack board and used wooden slats accross to give it more stability. The track is marklin, painted and ballasted with woodlan scenes fine cinders. It is really fun to operate. especially given the fact I can bring it into any room I want!