Z Scale Layout Plans?

C

Cannonball

More Trains Than Brains
Dec 4, 2006
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St. Joseph, MO
Yeah, I'm already thinking about my next layout.
The train part of my brain needs something to do. :D

I've pretty much decided I'm going to do a small Z scale layout. Probably around a 2x3. (Perhaps on an old coffee table or something like that.) I've been trying to find ideas online for track plans but Z scale seems to be fairly elusive in that area. Does anyone have any good resources for track layouts in Z scale I can use to inspire some ideas?
 
I don't think you really need a z-scale specific plan. Rather, just look at an n-scale plan, and multiply all measurements by 1.375. I curve radii can get down under 8" in radius...which can be used anywhere a track plan calls for 12" radius curves in HO or 22" radius in HO. Track plans, for the most part, are not really scale specific.
 
How tight of a curve can I get with Z? I might try my hand with flex track and I was wondering how tight I can get. Is 8 inches the standard? I'm wondering if I can get a double track in Z scale worked into a 2x3.......

The madness continues. :D
 
Cannonball said:
How tight of a curve can I get with Z? I might try my hand with flex track and I was wondering how tight I can get. Is 8 inches the standard? I'm wondering if I can get a double track in Z scale worked into a 2x3.......

The madness continues. :D
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I had a double track 2x4 layout in n-scale...so I'm certain it works just fine in Z.

Just looking around a little bit more, I've also found:

5.75", 8.67", 19", and the previously mention 7.67" radius curves.

You might also want to check out the nn3.org website. Nn3 uses Z-scale track and mechanisms...which means that the curve requirements are the same as z-scale.

I've long watched z-scale stuff on ebay...either to acquire for a z-scale layout or an Nn3 conversion...but so far I've been able to keep my brain functioning and avoid bidding.
 
nkp174 said:
I had a double track 2x4 layout in n-scale...so I'm certain it works just fine in Z.

Just looking around a little bit more, I've also found:

5.75", 8.67", 19", and the previously mention 7.67" radius curves.

You might also want to check out the nn3.org website. Nn3 uses Z-scale track and mechanisms...which means that the curve requirements are the same as z-scale.
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Thanks for that link.
I'll check it out. :thumb:

I really wish I could find some Z specific layouts.
I'm trying to design in RTS but it doesn't have Z and it's confusing me.

nkp174 said:
I've long watched z-scale stuff on ebay...either to acquire for a z-scale layout or an Nn3 conversion...but so far I've been able to keep my brain functioning and avoid bidding.
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I've looked at a few things on eBay as well.
The prices for Z scale just amaze me.

If I remember right, it seems like I saw a couple of small Z scale sets at Hobby Lobby awhile back. I might go take a look at those and see how their priced.
 
Sometimes it really too bad. I've seen the 8800 model go for a little more than $25...a fraction of the LHS price.

I just picked up a Bachmann Big Hauler set on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It was $96...Internet Model Trains has the same set for $260.
 
nkp174 said:
Sometimes it really too bad. I've seen the 8800 model go for a little more than $25...a fraction of the LHS price.

I just picked up a Bachmann Big Hauler set on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It was $96...Internet Model Trains has the same set for $260.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Hobby Lobby is strange.
On some stuff they are over internet prices and on others they come in under.

Isn't the Big Hauler a G scale?
If so, that's a pretty good price for a whole set.
I'd like to do a G scale outside someday.

Then again, if I had the money for all the train projects I"d like to do, I could afford to go half scale or bigger. :D
 
Catt said:
Micro Trains has some Z scale layouts you could check out too. :mrgreen:

http://www.micro-trains.com/
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Yeah... The price of their starter sets really brings me back down to Earth on this project. Almost $300 for an engine and 4 tiny cars with a small oval of track. I could get a couple of diecast Lionels for that. :eek:

Then again.... I couldn't do a Lionel layout on a 2x3 board. :D
 
Yeah... The price of their starter sets really brings me back down to Earth on this project. Almost $300 for an engine and 4 tiny cars with a small oval of track. I could get a couple of diecast Lionels for that.

Then again.... I couldn't do a Lionel layout on a 2x3 board.
__________________
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You asked for layout ideas,you got layout ideas. No law says you have to use their track.:mrgreen:
 
Is 8 inches the standard?
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You can't assume there's one standard for any scale. 8" in Z equates to 20" in HO.

For a long time, all Z layouts were designed with sharp curves because there was no big power available. At one time (or am I getting the release order wrong?) there were only the Marklin F7, 2-8-2 and 4-6-2 and the Rogue GP38-2. Then came the brass C44-9W, and then a whole succession of 6-axle power. Also the Daylight and Cab-Forward, and a Challenger's coming.
 
Triplex said:
You can't assume there's one standard for any scale. 8" in Z equates to 20" in HO.

For a long time, all Z layouts were designed with sharp curves because there was no big power available. At one time (or am I getting the release order wrong?) there were only the Marklin F7, 2-8-2 and 4-6-2 and the Rogue GP38-2. Then came the brass C44-9W, and then a whole succession of 6-axle power. Also the Daylight and Cab-Forward, and a Challenger's coming.
Click to expand...

OK, so what's considered "sharp" in Z scale?
And how do I shrink down an N scale layout? Is a 9-3/4 curve going to become an 8 inch curve?
 
Marklin designed most of their equipment, including the F7, to run on 5.75", and many old Z layouts were designed for that. I would call that an extra-sharp curve. Their American steamers required about 7.5". This is about equivalent to 18" in HO or 9.75" in N; the traditional "sharp" standard.

IIRC, Marklin (and Micro-Trains, since they have the same geometry) turnouts are designed for track centers of 1".
 
Triplex said:
Marklin designed most of their equipment, including the F7, to run on 5.75", and many old Z layouts were designed for that. I would call that an extra-sharp curve. Their American steamers required about 7.5". This is about equivalent to 18" in HO or 9.75" in N; the traditional "sharp" standard.

IIRC, Marklin (and Micro-Trains, since they have the same geometry) turnouts are designed for track centers of 1".
Click to expand...

Belated thanks for this.
I've been doing some research and talking with a couple of the guys over at Z Central Station. I think I'm starting to get this.

I guess we'll see if I start building a Z layout. :D
 
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