Z scale Newbie

OK so I've been thinking about this for a while and would like to make a small Z scale layout. Something like 2'x3' with a trackplan very close to the April 1985 MR Z scale project layout.

I know Z is not as detailed as N, but I will still be trying to make it as realistic as possible. I don't mean by going nuts and adding wire grab irons to the rolling stock just in general.

I want a pair of MT F-7's a trains worth of cars and a caboose. Not sure yet what RR to model.

I have heard and asked here before about the MT F units, how bad are they again? and can they be fixed to run good? (2 A units ran together)I don't like the look of the Marklin units.

Also since I'm new could you guys hook me up with some great Z scale links. Is there anywhere to buy Z scale at a discount? or at least the F units?

I'm deciding weather to buy a starter set and add or just start buying pieces.

I have no idea what track to use, probably MT flex.

Thanks in advance. I keep checking this board along with N scale and I just like the idea of having an even smaller layout.

 

hi chris,
welcome to Z light! you'll find a load of N scalers here.

MTL track all the way, in my opinion. turnouts coming this summer. F units are probably cheapest on the auction web site. MTL is reportedly going to redo the mechanism to be as smooth and quiet as the GP-35. who knows when, but if true it would be a real benefit.

frankly, you're missing the boat if you don't get one of the Geeps. just suberb! outstanding runners. one could easily convert the GP mechanism to an F unit body, though i don't know that anyone has done it yet. don't know why not. truck centers are about 1-1/2' longer on the geep (not enough to matter for a good running F unit).

i just remotored one of my Fs with a faulhaber 816 (dual shaft) motor. still noisy (it's the drive train) but smoother and a less noisy than stock. i plan to do another one as soon as i can get another motor.

as you may have seen, craig martin at BLMA is going to release an engine detail kit sometime soon (real soon i hope). YOU won't have any problems detailing engines or cars.

welcome. look forward to seeing what you come up with.
dave f.

 

Dave,
Thanks.

I really wasn't thinking about the GP35. I want to model the 50's era, but I do like your idea to swap chassis.

The noise wouldn't bother me too much as long as they run smooth and slow.

About that new MT track, can you pop the track off of the ballast base?

And wasn't there someone making 2 bay hoppers in Z scale, I can't find them.

I see some train store has F7's for $80

 

Welcome, Chris 333! I am an ex-N scaler who saw the light as well! I have a 2x4 layout and it has a lot of detail and track for the small space!

 

Thanks,

Not sure how far "in" I am, but I did just buy 2 boxcars.

Am I correct that MT flex track only comes in 12" sections?

Say it isn't so : (

 

Yes, it only comes in 12 inch sections. The new sectional track which is like Kato Unitrack does not come off the bed, so you would have to paint/weather/ballast it like people have doen with the unitrack. Although I personally think it looks better than unitrack. Now, the long and short of operations. I will tell you right away, you can make ANY z loco run well at slow speeds if you purchase a Jorger controller $35 and a guagemaster track cleaner $45 both available from Z-track mag. I can't imagine using a regular power supply after using them. In short, when you look at the cost involved for the track, and loco's spending $80 up front is not that big a deal to get smooth operations. Trust me on this, those that have used them together like me will agree 100%

 

chris,
robert ray makes nice 2 bay hopper kits,
z-track website and z scale monster have them. check this out: www.zscalemonster.com/z.htm

MTL is coming out with a covered hopper soon, as well. you'll have to go back and do a search as i don't recall if they were 2 or 3 bay. i believe they were PS2 - 2 bay.

there are some really wonderful cars being made by individuals. the new cylindrical hoppers are the rage right now. "uncle will" aka "full throttle" sells them, and they are available from the above mentioned sellers.
dave f.

 

Welcome Chris,

Look again at all the pictures posted in this forum, and THEN tell me that you think Z is not as detailed as N. These guys are CRAZY about details.
But I DO know what you're saying, in that the history of Z is mostly Marklin, and Marklin's attention to detail on their North American offerings is haphazard, at best.

Which is why I'll strongly recommend that you go with MicroTrains. The F7s are generally pretty strong runners right out of the box, but some minor adjustments and the addition of wheel wipers ( www.teetertottertreestuff.com ) can make them the star performers of your roster. My 15 year-old Southern Pacific F7, recently tuned and wheel-wipered by the owner of the aforementioned website, will pull upwards of 50 cars by itself, on level track, with minimum 10" radius curves. I highly recommend them.

And if you can stretch your era at all, the new GP35s, as already mentioned, are fantastic runners, and they are very well speed matched, allowing their use as midtrain helpers in long consists WITHOUT DCC.

Enough out of me for now. Welcome to our world. We think you'll love it.

Bryan

 

Also, check out THIS THREAD for some online retailers, as recommended by this forum.

Good luck, and tell us what you decide!

Bryan

 

Looking at all the great z scale stuff here has got me in a Z scale mood as well. If Chris models Z scale, I'm sure we will see some Erie Z models never before seen. I Look forward to seeing that!

I'd like to do the New York Central along the Hudson River in Z.

 

I'm not sure if I will model the Erie or not, it would mean making my own decals. Plus they ran F units in ABBA fashion, that wouldn't look right on a small layout.

I checked out Z scale monster, they look like the way to go.

I will be checking out Roberts hoppers, but the 2 bays I was talking about are just like MT 33' 2 bay open hoppers, someone even made 55T hoppers, but I can't find them for sale anywheres.

 

just by asking, the information will flow to you. just watch. if it's out there someone here will know where/how.

you might also look in on the yahoo groups (Z group). another resource of modelers and info many from "over seas". they provide links to other modeling sites and ideas that benefit us all.

joe d'amato from micro trains often posts there, and you'll often get some advanced information on upcoming MTL projects through him. i read both sites daily ... ok ... hourly!
dave f.