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Post by husafreak on Jun 15, 2021 21:16:44 GMT -5
My experience was that before I started spending money on trains I went to a big train show, a little over two years ago. I knew I was going with Z or N. I just thought Z scale looked the most realistic. By a large margin. And that was huge layout, the Baz Boyz actually, with great long trains and massive terrain features. My choice certainly had nothing to do with real world issues like availability or reliability! Now I would not change because the small scale of it is so manageable in my home and because I love the camaraderie of Z and the incredibly talented "artists" here.
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Post by zman on Jun 16, 2021 5:34:15 GMT -5
I have only been in the Z scale hobby for about 18 months. As most of you mentioned it is addictive. I joined a local N scale club about a year ago and get my DCC fix during its operating sessions. I have rebuilt one Z scale layout and built two Z scale layouts from scratch. I do not even attempt DCC on my Z scale layouts. I use block isolation to run different locomotives at different points of the layouts. Yes, I only run one consist at a time and it is like operating one big switching game. I really enjoy the scenery building and have learned a lot from both Z and N scale layouts.
It was a while when I first started that I was frustrated with the layout operations. The learning curve was steep concerning conductivity and keeping both track and locomotives clean. Once I crossed that hurtle I really started enjoying my z scale layouts. Have fun, that is what the hobby is all about!
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Post by churro on Jun 16, 2021 11:20:51 GMT -5
I wanted to start in Z because I wanted to try something new and different. I like to run long trains and Z seems to be the perfect scale for that, especially if you don't have much room. I have a N scale layout currently but need to downsize because I need to free up space for other things. While I don't plan to switch over to Z entirely, I would like to have a working layout that allows me to work on scenery and run somewhat long trains in a smaller space. I found that Z works better than N does for what I need. Looking around on this forum, I'm impressed with what is possible and what is being done in Z both by the modelers and manufacturers like AZL.
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Post by shalom72c on Jun 16, 2021 14:05:15 GMT -5
Personally I have basically tinkered off and on with Z for many years. I didn't decide to try to build something up till last month. Having also been into N here and there as well I like what I can do with Z now that there are more locomotive choices ( Especially by AZL) . My apartment is small so I have to keep size to a minimum. For the moment a basic 2X4 will have to do . And I thought ham radio was addictive!! One of my unmarked boxcars may end up with my call sign being put on it ! Having been licensed for almost 10 years I decided I needed a small break of sorts from my ham radio activitys. Trains is that !w.c.
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Post by CNE1899 on Jun 17, 2021 9:53:22 GMT -5
Although I cannot offer the OP any insight due to the fact that I am a newbie in model trains, I do appreciate all the comments that are helpful for me as well.
I decided to get into Z scale after looking at my father's collection of scales, G thru Z. Z scale seemed the most practical from a size standpoint.
The most challenging aspect is having to make all the power and most of the rolling stock for the era I am interested in. So far I have started three locomotives, five freight cars, and a layout.
I still have a lot to learn about model railroading and railroading.
BTW, I am modeling the CNE, CNJ, BRSS, and UTCo.
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Post by neverland on Jun 21, 2021 9:57:55 GMT -5
Personally I have basically tinkered off and on with Z for many years. I didn't decide to try to build something up till last month. Having also been into N here and there as well I like what I can do with Z now that there are more locomotive choices ( Especially by AZL) . My apartment is small so I have to keep size to a minimum. For the moment a basic 2X4 will have to do . And I thought ham radio was addictive!! One of my unmarked boxcars may end up with my call sign being put on it ! Having been licensed for almost 10 years I decided I needed a small break of sorts from my ham radio activitys. Trains is that !w.c. Ah, I know your problem well! My boyfriend is an avid ham and we could easily fill a large space with radio equipment and train layouts. Two great hobbies! Enjoy both. |
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Post by baumback on Jun 26, 2021 8:21:07 GMT -5
Rick, Has anyone mentioned to you computer control with DCC? Check out JMRI. If you think you’re hooked now. Mark I had previously used a Sprog IIv3 with JMRI for some N scale locomotives that I have. For fun, I ordered a Pi-Sprog 3v2 with a Raspberry Pi 4B to run the Linux version of JMRI. I received it a few days ago and have been testing it and trying to learn its capabilities. Seems to be a capable device and even includes the capability to use WiFi throttles. Mark |
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Post by Rob Albritton on Jun 26, 2021 8:57:21 GMT -5
Rick, Has anyone mentioned to you computer control with DCC? Check out JMRI. If you think you’re hooked now. Mark I had previously used a Sprog IIv3 with JMRI for some N scale locomotives that I have. For fun, I ordered a Pi-Sprog 3v2 with a Raspberry Pi 4B to run the Linux version of JMRI. I received it a few days ago and have been testing it and trying to learn its capabilities. Seems to be a capable device and even includes the capability to use WiFi throttles. Mark |
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