Hello all, I recently took the plunge into Nn3 scale and bought a Marklin 88036 to turn into a little narrow gauge 4-6-0. I'm 95% sure I want to do point to point with it, but my final layout design will have to depend on how well the loco runs. I do plan to replace the tender with the RLW SP whaleback model (https://www.republiclocomotiveworks.com/show_item.php?ID=451) and add a decoder, and possibly pickups if I can figure out how... Anyway, my question is, can I expect this engine to reliably go backward and forward through turnouts to the point where I can make up and break down a train with it? Or should I keep that to a minimum and focus on the line between the points? Thanks for the help!
Welcome to Trainboard. I think it could be done, but you need a good running engine. I also suggest fastrack switches. They are lot smoother then commercial brands.
Another important aspect of switching are the couplers. They don't always work like it supposed from the factory. Always make sure they work like it supposed to and maintain it that way.
Switching in Z-scale is fun, just keep wheels and track clean.... It keeps me from finishing my layout.
Yep, I do recommand using power routing turnouts in Z (or Nn3) scale. Fast Tracks are the most prototypical of these, even if it's time consuming (but fun) to build these. Otherwise the only RTR power routing turnouts in Z are Rokuhan's but they're not so prototypical. Dom
I don't recommend power routing in DCC. (my definition of power routing is powering the through or diverging routes, not about power to points and frog) FastTracks when built right are very nice, and trouble free. Our club used Rokuhan in a huge switching yard, and they can be a bit fragile if not powered right, or people try to ballast them. There are internal power routing contacts in the Rokuhan, which can easily be damaged by a derailment and a subsequent short, and then the switch seems to be "dirty" but what has happened is the points now depend on touching the outer rails for power pickup, and it's not good. Greg
FRANK ! You are driving me crazy !! I built many of the Z Bend Track modules with turnouts . . . just so we could switch here and there. Thanks for the vidz. Just have to wait until September for the next show
I do agree with Frank, switching in Z scale is fun if track and locos are clean. I use rolling stock with (mostly) MT couplers on Rokuhan track. But I agree with Greg too. While using Rokuhan switches I found they are tricky. Some of them seem to have power pickup only by touching the outer rails. Other perform quite good. And you have to be very careful regarding ballasting. For the tenwheeler (with new motor generation) I am surprised how good it runs with only 2 axles for power pickup. Nonetheless I will try to install additional power pickup in its new tender. Steffen
I've been an n scaler forever,but an considering switchi to z because of lack of space. Watching these videos is great. Question how does the uncoupling systen work? Kdee magnamatic uncouplers?
