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Post by husafreak on Mar 3, 2019 11:49:31 GMT -5
I am a scale modeler and once ran my own architectural model shop in NYC. I've built some furniture. Anyway, I always wanted to build a glass top coffee table with a Z scale train inside. I know almost nothing about model trains. Frankly, I'm more interested in the scenery and buildings but you have to have the trains to bring it to life! The trains are fascinating and illuminate the scenery. I feel Z scale is the best for giving a sense of depth and the only option at say 24" x 40". Anything larger would look toylike at this size.
I've been perusing the threads and become quite concerned about the reliability of Z scale. Luckily my design would be in a sealed environment here in a dry state. I don't really want a control panel on a coffee table so switches would have to be remote controlled, or not used at all. I am beginning to think two lines of track that do not connect would be the most reliable solution. I just want to flip a switch and set the trains to running. Maybe a passenger train and a work horse type train. I am also hoping that the layout could be battery powered. Car batteries or big home made packs would be fine they would be hidden in the table.
So any advice would be welcome. Thank you.
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Post by markm on Mar 3, 2019 12:18:32 GMT -5
Hi, So you're looking at doing something like this:  A very common use for Z trains and often discussed on this forum. I believ this one is from Tommy. Z track requires very little power and there are a number of battery-powered controllers available with about 4-6 hours of operation using a 9V ore 8 AAA batteries, about half as long using NiMH rechargeable batteries. Many of the tables I've seen use a drawer to contain the controller. It's hard to build a completely sealed layout. Z scale rolling stock, as in most larger scales, has problems staying on the track when the table is bumped. Mark |
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Post by husafreak on Mar 3, 2019 20:38:06 GMT -5
 Actually this is the layout that I want to use. It is by NOCH. But yes, that is what I want and I am happy to hear that it can be battery powered. I intended to have a glass cover that provides access but now I think I better make it an easy to operate hinged lid so that it will be very easy to open and reset the trains. Are some tracks and trains better at staying "on track" than others? It is interesting that they all have issues, all scales that is. I visited a friend yesterday that has a very large (to me) scale Lionel train set built into a room and while there one of his trains derailed and the wire from the transformer to the track burned up (a poor connection that we easily rectified). I have seen his trains many times so the short was something that had operated well for many months. Well, my primary hobby is RC planes and helis, they are destroyed when stuff like this happens! |
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Post by markm on Mar 4, 2019 12:42:19 GMT -5
For what you want to do, you probably should look into the Rokuhan system (www.rokuhan.com/english). They have a complete solution of track, controller and accessories. The track system is very reliable.
I'm not very familiar with the NOCH products, so I can't comment on availability. The Rokuhan track should work. This is the point when z.scale.hobo should chime in. He's our resident expert on NOCH and is a "Top NOCH dealer" (his pun...no mine).
Mark
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Post by husafreak on Mar 4, 2019 23:19:18 GMT -5
Thanks, here's hoping that he will. The NOCH product is just a 3D geographic layout though. All the track and landscaping is added by the buyer. I think!
I'll wait a day or two and PM him, thank you.
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Post by husafreak on Mar 4, 2019 23:34:57 GMT -5
Oh boy! I just searched NOCH Cortina and got a You Tube video of the layout as built and run by the man himself! So it certainly looks like I can do this with his help and experience. Perfect. Now to find him...
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Post by zscalehobo on Mar 5, 2019 7:43:45 GMT -5
I'm not very familiar with the NOCH products, so I can't comment on availability. The Rokuhan track should work. This is the point when z.scale.hobo should chime in. He's our resident expert on NOCH and is a "Top NOCH dealer" (his pun...no mine). Mark Thanks for mentioning me Mark! Sorry, I'm not intending to toot my own train horn in adding "Noch Top Dealer" ... but it's a sales level designation Noch assigns - they even put a logo next to my business name in their dealer listing saying "Top Haendler" ("Top Dealer" in English). Aside from Walthers (distributor) and z.scale.hobo, the only other "Top Haendlers" in the USA are all wargaming suppliers. Dealer listing at Noch's website: www.noch.de/de/haendler/(see attached screenshot of the page and "Top Haendler" logo) Husafreak: Nice to hear from you ... reliability ... I run Z trains on a daily basis and while there are things to look out for - it's a viable scale for certain. As you mentioned, each scale has some sort of issue - it's just a learning curve to understand what to look out for and your running will be enjoyable. Attachments:
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Post by husafreak on Mar 5, 2019 11:08:50 GMT -5
Thank you. I will contact you via your shop then. Thanks for posting the link.
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Post by crstevent on Mar 8, 2019 12:27:50 GMT -5
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Post by husafreak on Mar 10, 2019 12:09:49 GMT -5
That is a very nice feature for a train that is always on display.
After a lot of research (reading the forum and talking to other z scale modelers on this site, especially Frank at zscalehobo.com) I decided this is certainly doable and worth the effort. In other words, it looks like it's goin to be a lot of fun! Certainly there are lots of beautiful architectural structures available. I started my collection yesterday: Austrian Passenger/Freight Train Set (Marklin), a test track and controller (Rokuhan). I will definitely be doing a European scheme. The little train combination looks great for a start, the Stiegl brewery logo is instantly recognizable all over Europe, how could I pass on a train I would want to ride on! Anyway that is primarily so I will have a train of my own to bring to the train show in Pleasanton later this month. And, don't laugh, so I can see just how small a Z scale train is, will I be happy? Or shocked and dismayed! LOL
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Post by modelwarships on Mar 15, 2019 13:52:22 GMT -5
I converted an existing coffee (approx 30" sq) to a Z scale layout several years ago.  It's kind of busy, but I wanted min of 3 train operation. I ended up with Rokuhan track for reliability. I recently bought two double crossovers to replace the ML single crossovers.
I've had very good luck with my AZL fleet of loco's but I usually MU them to help ensure there is no stalling on dirty track. I don't have problems with dust! Layout is built into sliding drawers that provide access. Glass can also be removed. Layout is DCC and turnouts are wired to a set of DPDT momentary switches just inside the bottom drawer. Power is a Digitrax Zephyr that I retired from my HO layout and a DT400 that I borrow from the same HO layout. I've logged many hours mostly trouble free on the engines. I find that if you run them at least once a week, things run smoother. Mountain tops are removable to access the interior in case of derailment and for cleaning.
Some video of the various trains I run are here: Overhead shot showing 3 trains moving. Two can run dedicated on ML 1 & 2, while a third works the yard/coal branch or shares ML 1. Normal viewing angle seated. |
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Post by husafreak on Mar 17, 2019 20:49:05 GMT -5
Terrific, loved the kids reactions.
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