I find running z scale to be a science, specially if you are running long trains. I find some cars just doesn't do well in the front of the train, some cars doesn,t do well in certain turnouts, and just some cars are at risk for derailment. I also have a set of Marklin wheels that will derail any car that I put it in. I also have a question. What does the flywheel?
I hope I don't run into that problem next weekend. We are setting up our Z-Bend Track modules next weekend at the GATS in SF, and our track is kind of iffy at best. We will be bringing lots of trains, so if some dont run well, we can pull them in favor of others. -Robert
What type of cars are you running? Are they Marklin, Micro-Traiins or Pennzee? Also, what is your motive power; Marklin, MT or AZL? Here are a few tips. Run heavier cars up front. I usually put a very heavy FR car right behind the locomotive. It acts as a buffer between the long AZL locos I run and the lighter Z cars. Mt coupler pins are notorious for catching on turnouts. By pushing the pins up, this allows them to clear turnouts. Marklin couplers can droop and cause coupling issues. Sometimes, it is a matter of trial and error to determine which cars work with others well. I have to do this all the time on my layout. When you have the right mix, your trains will run very well. Likely, the Marklin wheels that are causing you problems might be out of gauge or the sideframes may be a little warped. First, make sure the roll free and look for dirt or lint on the axle. Flywheels are typically brass wheels that are attached to the motor shaft. I am not an expert, but I know that these devices store momentum when running. So when the power is killed to the loco, the propel it forward. It helps to keep locos running smoothy, especially when electrical contacts on the track may be iffy. Marklin and MT locos do not have flywheels. AZL, SZL and FR locos do. - Rob Kluz
I know! I always seem to be buying more train stuff. I justify it by any means possible, then I buy more. It's like a craving, and when I get my stuff home and open it, I feel the satisfaction of a thirst quenched... Until the next time. At least I was productive today. I ballasted 1-1/2 modules after work, finishing all the balasting of my 3 modules, then started building mountains on one of them. Tomorrow after work, I have to carve the foam mountains that I started on today. I used 2" blue foam, cut up, and glued together with "Great Stuff" minimal expanding foam as a glue. When it sets up, it will in effect be 1 solid piece, ready for carving. Happy Railroading, Robert
Thanks you for the suggestions Rob. I thought that is what the flywheel was for, but wasnt't sure. By the way, I run only Markin trains until March. Then my f-59 and surfliner should join the fleet. Today I found out the class 120 loco is the only Marklin that can Pull 5 passenger cars up the grade by itself. pray59, I wish to see your and others module in a show one of this years, but unfortunatly I am in Florida and dont have time to up north or west.
I'll be going to Ohio for the National Train Show this year. Still a ways away from Florida, but I will be attending the first Z Scale convention there, then a few days later we have the NTS in Cinci, so it's going to be a fun vacation. -Robert
mmmmmmmmmmmm I am going to be in Detroit in July for vacation. Just maybe I can convince my family to move up the date, and make a little detour to Columbus. I will be in z train heaven if that happens. By the way, how far is Detroit to Columbus?
Hi everyone! These shows are the best thing for me! That's what finally pushed me over to Z from N. I went to the GATS show in Seattle where I live and was overwhelmed at what I saw!! I'm hoping that by running just strickly Micro-Trains stuff that my layout will run pretty smoothly. I'm holding out for the MT snap-track in the fall.
Shamoo737 - Depending on where in Detroit you are staying, Columbus is around 180 miles or so. It's takes me just over 3 hours to drive. If you decide to drive down to Columbus, be sure to stop at Fostoria, OH for some great railfanning! Hang out at the Amtrak station, where two double mains cross (NS and CSX). Tons of trains go through there daily.
Last summer I went to the NTS in Seattle, and they had 5 Z Scale layouts. It was a lot of fun hanging out with all kinds of Z Scalers and talking trains. I missed out on the big Z Scale Dinner, because I went home Saturday Night, but I sure had a good time. This summer the NTS in Cinci will have a Z-Bend Track modular layout with over 600 feet of track, and promises to be the biggest Z layout to date. I can't wait!
