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Post by zscalejohn on Oct 13, 2015 14:21:11 GMT -5
I have recently retired and want to get started in model railroading. Due to space limitations I looked at n scale first and then started reading about z scale. I am leaning toward z scale but I am concerned about the following.
1. No local dealers carrying z scale.
2. I want to use DCC but there doesn't appear to be but a few DCC equipped locomotives. I don't want to have to try and install the boards. N scale seem to have a lot of DCC equipped.
3. Only appears to be a few Internet sites to purchase z scale.
Any helpful comments will be appreciated.
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Post by ztrack on Oct 13, 2015 15:28:46 GMT -5
Definitely! First, where do you live? If you do have a local dealer that you work with, we would be happy to work with them. They should contact me at rob@ztrack.com and we can go through our dealer terms. We make it very easy for small dealers to create accounts to purchase AZL products. AZL does offer the GP38-2s, SD70s and GP7 series of locomotives with DCC decoders installed. Your dealer can quote pricing for these locos. Adding a DCC decoder to any of the new series of AZL diesels is very easy. TCS, and Digitrax both offer drop in boards that replace the PCBs. These boards can be used for the GP38-2s, SD70s, E8, F3 and GP7 series of locomotives. There are quite a few Z scale dealers who offer Z. The following link with download a PDF with the current listing of authorized AZL dealers: www.ztrack.com/images/AZL_dealer_listing_102015.pdfYou can also purchase AZL direct at: www.azldirect.comRob Kluz |
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Post by dave on Oct 13, 2015 21:09:48 GMT -5
John,
Here is my take on Z-scale as I am also a beginner. First, I will list what I think are the challenges with Z-scale.
1. On average, it is at least 50% more expensive than N-scale. Some people may argue with this but if you compare apples to apples, that number is pretty close.
2. For the average Z-scaler, there are only three manufacturers of locomotives (AZL, Micro-Trains and Marklin). I will certainly credit AZL with bringing out a very nice variety of locos, though. I myself bought an AZL GP7.
3. Regarding U.S. style rolling stock, you are pretty much limited to two manufacturers (AZL and Micro-Trains). AZL is great at newer, more modern rolling stock and Micro-Trains covers everything from steam era to very modern. The average MTL car will run about $20 street price and the average AZL car will run about $40, but for that extra, you get metal wheels and more detail. All of my rolling stock is Micro-Trains, simply because of era. I did pick up an AZL Wide Vision caboose, though.
4. One thing I look at with model trains is the secondary, or used, market. You simply don't find a lot of used Z-scale out there, at least compared to N-scale. I am sure this is in direct proportion to number of Z-scalers vs. N-scalers.
5. The simple fact is that there are significantly less Z-scalers than N-scalers, so the variety of locos and rolling stock is much more limited. With that being said, Micro-Trains still releases a few new things each months and AZL releases a lot every month. The gap is definitely closing.
6. Track. For the most part, there are three choices for track. Marklin sectional track without roadbed, Rokuhan roadbed track (Japanese or European tie spacing) and Micro-Trains roadbed track. Rokuhan a great variety of track pieces and their turnouts work really nice, whereas Micro-Trains has a much more limited selection and their turnouts can be problematic at times.
Now, for the pros of Z-scale.
1. The coolness factor. Seeing something this small, with this much detail and running qualities, is simply unmatched in any other scale.
2. Obviously, the space required. You can get significantly more in the same space with Z-scale vs. N-scale.
3. Power, you can realistically run a small layout with a 9V controller.
In my opinion, Z-scale is a great option or secondary scale to N-scale. That is the route I am taking. I can't give up N-scale yet, but who knows down the road. Figure to spend $300 to get started. That will get you an AZL GP38, an oval of Rokuhan track witha turnout siding, a Rokuhan controller and three or four pieces of rolling stock. It is definitely worth trying out.
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Post by zscalejohn on Oct 13, 2015 22:35:50 GMT -5
Rob,
First thanks for your reply which raised another question. I am looking at NCE controller, will it work with your dcc equipped locomotives you mentioned?
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Post by zscalejohn on Oct 13, 2015 22:51:50 GMT -5
Dave,
Thanks for all your comments which were exactly the information I wanted. I am going to continue to research both scales but your comments have me leaning back to z scale.
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Post by shamoo737 on Oct 13, 2015 23:06:10 GMT -5
A lot of us use a powercab for dcc in z scale.
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Post by dave on Oct 14, 2015 11:10:08 GMT -5
John, a couple of other things to note.
1. If you are looking at the NCE DCC system and the recommended power supply, it provides an output of 13.8V DC to the track which it too high for Z-scale. You don't want any more than 12V DC to the tracks. I am not sure how people that are using DCC are regulating this; maybe someone will chime in.
2. Even though Micro-Trains makes locomotives, the only ones currently available are F7s (the GP35s and SD40-2s can be found if you look hard enough, but not many roadnames). I am not impressed with the F7s; they are noisy and in my opinion, don't run very well. I would not recommend the MTL F7s but rather stick with AZL locomotives. They currently make F3s, E8s, GP38-2s and SD70 series locos. You can still easily find most GP7, GP9, GP30 and Mikado steamers as well.
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Post by dawdawes on Oct 14, 2015 13:28:53 GMT -5
I am just starting on my second Z layout here in the UK, it's only 55x26 but a proper layout. I have modelled in N as well, but now we have the superb AZL locos there's no contest goto www.dawdawes.com to see my layouts especially California Coast which was Z and 8' x 18" I run DC as I only run 1 train at a time cheers DD |
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Post by tjdreams on Oct 14, 2015 16:39:56 GMT -5
First welcome to the forum zscalejohn
The NCE Power Cab is a good choice for Z scale. Wiring is easy and if your worrying about the voltage just pickup the Digitrax UP6Z Voltage Reducer. If you can't find the locomotive your looking for, in the road name you want with a Decoder in it, Ask for help finding it. Most of us who are into Z Scale will be happy to help you out in any way we can. Their are people here who will install a decoder for you, rebuild or repair a old locomotive and still others who do a excellent job repainting them (for a small fee of course).
Yes it may cost you a little more out of pocket to have someone install a decoder for you but you are going to pay a little more for a model with a decoder already in it anyway. So why not just pay a little extra and get exactly what you want.
David
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Post by zman215 on Oct 14, 2015 17:58:58 GMT -5
john, let me also welcome you. I have be involved with the Z scale community since February 24, 1990 (1:15PM to be exact). Everything previously written here is factually accurate but I feel one important point has been overlooked. During my years of collecting in other scales I was a collector but little more. With Z scale due to its small numbers of both manufacturers as well as collectors we are part of a close community that is unlike the other scales. If you choose you can get to know many if not most of the manufacturers well. Many manufactures are avid z scale fans working from their homes or small shops and simply want to share their skills and enthusiasm with the rest of us. And in most cases are very excited to talk to you about their products as well look for input for future releases. A few months ago I asked one manufacturer if they could produce a single axle flat bed truck. A few weeks ago they introduced a single axle flat bed truck. Try to get that service in N or HO scale. I would not get hung up with the fact that your local shop does not carry z scale. Being a contributing member of this community can be much more rewarding than the convenience that you think you may be losing.
Don
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Post by zscalejohn on Oct 14, 2015 22:44:55 GMT -5
Does anyone know if the DZ123Z0 decoder in AZL locomotive is compatible with a NCE Powercab?
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Post by shamoo737 on Oct 14, 2015 23:09:43 GMT -5
Yes they are.
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Post by domi on Oct 16, 2015 4:26:58 GMT -5
Welcome zscalejohn.  I won't add anything about Z scale as my fellow colleagues here have said it all, but I just say Z scale is worth trying. Dom |
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Post by markm on Oct 16, 2015 12:16:06 GMT -5
John,
Welcome to the forum and Z scale...and I guess model railroading too. Like Dom, There is little I can add to existing comments.
I would point out that DCC is an industry standard, so all decoders and throttles will work together.
Mark
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I won't add anything about Z scale as my fellow colleagues here have said it all, but I just say Z scale is worth trying. 
