|
|
Post by intermodalman on Dec 4, 2016 1:01:40 GMT -5
Hi guys, okay let me get the horrible stuff out the way first... I'm an N scale modeler who is just happening to put an Nn3 line into his layout, so I bought an AZL fph59 set to use as a test train to ensure my trackwork... works... until I can get proper Nn3 equipment built. With that I'm looking forward to receiving the set but what should I expect out of the set (for $99 i'm a bit skeptical considering I cant even get N stuff for that price) and what should I expect from Z as a whole? Any thoughts are welcomed
|
|
|
|
Post by elruddick on Dec 4, 2016 2:00:54 GMT -5
Loco is a smooth runner. Great puller. Difficult to DCC - must be hard wired. Small wheels on cars can be a bit troublesome to keep on the track if track work is not close to perfect. Great bargain due to over production. Original price about $300.
|
|
|
|
Post by tjdreams on Dec 4, 2016 9:40:55 GMT -5
Hi
Their is nothing wrong with being A N scale modeler. Most of us started out modeling in scales other than Z. But once you try Z you may decide to give everything else up and switch to Z scale.
With Z scale good clean track work is not only the key it is a must have. Miss aligned track and gaps in the rails will lead to derailments. Even the smallest amount of dust or dirt on the track can cause poor performance Taking a few seconds to clean the track before you start to run the trains every time will make a huge difference in how well your loco's run.
With good clean track work your Z scale set will out preform every other scale.
Be sure to use use the proper power supply with your Z scale locomotives. While most of the newer Loco's can handle 12 volt a lot of the older ones were made to run on 8 to 10 volts. A Rokuhan RC-02 is a good one to start out with.
David
|
|
|
|
Post by markm on Dec 4, 2016 10:13:32 GMT -5
Welcome to Z. I should warn you that Z can be addicting. Back in the 1980s, while waiting for the backordered chassis for an Nn3 layout, Märklin released their American mini-club set. I never went back.
I have the Amtrak California set and have been very happy with it. The locomotive is a good puller, the set looks great and runs well. It will run 145mm, although it looks a bit silly. I haven't tried a tighter radius. It's a well built set and the $99 price is a closeout and a great deal.
The set has been around for at least 10 years and as I recall was AZL's first injection molded product. The design has a few warts. As I recall their can be a problem with the locomotive back porch and the Bombardier cars had an issue. Check the Z section of Trainboard.com or Zcentralstation.com for discussions. You'll also find details to wire in a DCC unit.
Since the sets have been setting for a while, you'll really need to "burn-in" the locomotive. I would suggest running the loco for about 15 minutes at half throttle in each direction to redistribute lubrication. I think you'll be pleased.
Have you given thoughts to the track?
Hope this helps,
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by dazed on Dec 4, 2016 11:36:07 GMT -5
I started with the F59PHI set a little less than two years ago. I've been an n-scaler since getting back in the hobby in 1999. I'm now in the process of selling off ALL of my n-scale. (about 60-70% is gone now) So....be careful. :-) I think you'll find the Z runs better than you expect.
|
|
|
|
Post by dawdawes on Dec 4, 2016 12:43:33 GMT -5
I have built a few exhibition N scale layouts over the years,but am now on my second Z and just started my 3rd. as the guys have said, time laying track is a must, and keep everything clean. If the locos are a little hesitant to start, warm them through,with a couple of light engine moves, once done they run many miles at shows. enjoy www.dawdawes.com |
|
|
|
Post by BAZman on Dec 4, 2016 18:44:52 GMT -5
I run the F59 set in push mode at all the shows. Over the Märklin expansion tracks, misaligned and mis-elevated module interfaces, dozens of switches from various manufacturers (with quite a few that require divergent route running. It usually runs a few dozen times around (about 250' of track) before it derails or whatever.
They run fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by intermodalman on Dec 4, 2016 19:53:53 GMT -5
Welcome to Z. I should warn you that Z can be addicting. Back in the 1980s, while waiting for the backordered chassis for an Nn3 layout, Märklin released their American mini-club set. I never went back. I have the Amtrak California set and have been very happy with it. The locomotive is a good puller, the set looks great and runs well. It will run 145mm, although it looks a bit silly. I haven't tried a tighter radius. It's a well built set and the $99 price is a closeout and a great deal. The set has been around for at least 10 years and as I recall was AZL's first injection molded product. The design has a few warts. As I recall their can be a problem with the locomotive back porch and the Bombardier cars had an issue. Check the Z section of Trainboard.com or Zcentralstation.com for discussions. You'll also find details to wire in a DCC unit. Since the sets have been setting for a while, you'll really need to "burn-in" the locomotive. I would suggest running the loco for about 15 minutes at half throttle in each direction to redistribute lubrication. I think you'll be pleased. Have you given thoughts to the track? Hope this helps, Mark So the plan is to incorporate a narrow gauge line into my n scale steel mill, the catch is, it's on a series of t-trak modules so my plan is using MT (or whoever MT contracted) pieces as end clips so to speak and bridging the gap with marklin track |
|
|
|
Post by markm on Dec 4, 2016 21:35:42 GMT -5
I'm not sure that mixing MT and Märklin track will give you what you want. While the tracks are compatible, there is a difference in tie width and spacing ( MT: 0.04/0.06" vs. Märklin: 0.047/0.1")that might look a bit strange. IMO, the Märklin, Pecos and Rokuhan track would fit in the best with Nn3.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by toronado3800 on Dec 4, 2016 22:09:21 GMT -5
Random thoughts...
I love the snap track in Z.
The MTL monopoly on magnetic couplers is unreal.
While I have litterally cut pieces out of HO scale rolling stock and rebuilt them I despise changing couplers in Z
There are fewer "scratch n dent" sales of z equipment on fleabay.
Man you can build a neat Z layout in no space at all!
Z locos seem very reliable but most of my HO stuff IS reclaimed bargains vs the new Z equipment.
3D printing is made for Z. Don't discount Shapeways or the like for a scource of difficult to find objects.
|
|
|
|
Post by intermodalman on Dec 5, 2016 17:11:48 GMT -5
Random thoughts... I love the snap track in Z. The MTL monopoly on magnetic couplers is unreal. While I have litterally cut pieces out of HO scale rolling stock and rebuilt them I despise changing couplers in Z There are fewer "scratch n dent" sales of z equipment on fleabay. Man you can build a neat Z layout in no space at all! Z locos seem very reliable but most of my HO stuff IS reclaimed bargains vs the new Z equipment. 3D printing is made for Z. Don't discount Shapeways or the like for a scource of difficult to find objects. already in love with shapeways, I use it all the time for my N stuff (just ordered an N scale GE test coach). I've been itching to try the stonysmith 737 flatcar set in Z, I've got the N scale version and I love it |
|
