|
Post by dave on Jul 19, 2015 11:55:40 GMT -5
Christoff,
I am going to limit my first Z-scale layout to 30" x 60". That will get my feet wet with Z scale and also allow me to take the layout to train shows in the area. I like shorter trains (12 cars max) so this size will be OK for me. I have been an N-scaler for many years and wanted to try Z-scale. If everything goes well and I am comfortable with Z-scale, I will probably build a larger, L-shaped layout down the road.
For you, you have to decide how big of an area you have and go from there. If you could an L-shaped layout that is 8' on one side and 6 ' on side and 28" deep, you could run long trains.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jul 18, 2015 21:30:24 GMT -5
Markm, I like your idea. I am going to make an oval using 270mm curved track, get one switch and make a siding and finally, a Rokuhan RC-03 controller. I got my AZL GP7 today so I have two complete trains now. If all goes well, I will get another oval with 245mm curved track and a handful of switches to make some sidings and possibly a passing track.
One question I have is about the Rokuhan track; will I need to have a power feeder on each siding?
Thanks for the help.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jul 16, 2015 22:51:18 GMT -5
Good evening Dazed...have you been able to come up with a track plan? I am ready to order some track. Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
F Units
Jul 11, 2015 22:15:23 GMT -5
Post by dave on Jul 11, 2015 22:15:23 GMT -5
Has anyone tried putting a MTL F7 shell on the AZL F3?
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jul 10, 2015 13:12:54 GMT -5
Dazed,
1. I live in Nebraska, so a midwest type of scene is good with a few trees. 2. CB&Q and Burlington Northern and maybe BNSF. Yes, I know the Dallas TRE set I ordered will look silly, but I couldn't pass it up for $99. 3. I did a little looking at the Rokuhan plans and none of them appealed to to me too much. There were only a couple with a double track mainline and not much else. 4. I don't really have any favorites that I have seen. On Trainboard in the Z section, there is a thread towards the top that has a Z scale layout that doesn't look too bad, but maybe a tad busy with track. 5. A scenic divider would be OK if necessary; I could be swayed eithr way on that. 6. No issues with vertical changes in scenery (other than I have never done it). 7. No opposition to unconventional track pieces unless they are problematic to reliable running. Superelevated track is OK with me.
Lastly, you are correct with the Givens and Druthers, but nothing is set in stone. I just want trains to run reliably and have enough room to run trains up to 12 cars but not so big that I can't finish building it. Also, I probably won't weather or ballast the track as I have no clue how to do it.
Thanks again for your help.
|
|
|
F Units
Jul 10, 2015 7:36:30 GMT -5
Post by dave on Jul 10, 2015 7:36:30 GMT -5
When utilizing the close coupler, what is the minimum radius for curves?
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jul 9, 2015 21:02:46 GMT -5
Good evening,
I will eventually have everything from the transition era (GP7) to modern (F59PHi). I think I would like a double mainline for when I just want to watch a couple of trains run. I would like to have a couple of industries and a passing siding long enough to house a loco and 8 cars. I would like to keep the track without elevation if possible. I think I will use 2.5' x 5' so I can use the 270mm and 245mm curves and still have room for the passing siding. Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jul 7, 2015 21:55:54 GMT -5
Good evening,
Does anyone have any links to some Z-scale track plans? I would like to start with a 2' x 4' layout, but I could go up to 2.5' x 5', and use all Rokuhan track. I would like an outside loop with the widest curves possible (I did a little math and the 270mm curves will fit but not allow much room on the edges, so I may have to use the 245mm curves) and then something else interesting for the layout. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 28, 2015 11:25:43 GMT -5
First of all, thanks to everyone for your input on my previous threads about loco questions.
Would you please provide some input reharding the Heavy Mikado? I saw one run yesterday at Galesburg. It seemed to wobble some but they were running it a lititle fast. How well do these tun, especially at slower speeds? I will be build a small layout with Rokuhan track using 245mm and 270mm curves. Also, are these difficult to get on the track?
Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 25, 2015 17:34:28 GMT -5
Thanks very much for the replies so far. I am looking at either a CB&Q GP7 or a BN GP38-2.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 25, 2015 17:33:41 GMT -5
While browsing through the product announcements, I saw that the Dallas TRE and Sounder F59PHi and passenger cars are now only $99 for a set. These look to be a great value for getting started in Z scale. I have done some research on these and can't find a lot of information. I think these have been out for about 10 years or so. What I would like to know is how well these locos run in addition to how well the cars track. I am not a good tinkerer and like locos and cars that run well out of the box. I would appreciate your input.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 25, 2015 15:25:19 GMT -5
I am looking at getting started in Z scale and am wondering about the differences in the GP7 and the GP38-2. Running qualities, pulling power,looks, durability, etc. Any input is greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 19, 2015 14:56:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the picture; so much nicer than the MTL ones. Are you allowed to say when they will be released?
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 18, 2015 10:28:21 GMT -5
Will the BN wide vision cabooses be coming anytime soon? I want a BN caboose and would much rather have one of these than a MTL BN caboose.
|
|
|
Post by dave on Jun 13, 2012 12:49:17 GMT -5
It wasn't really a layout that made me want to play in Z scale, but rather the incredible detail and precision in something so small. It is the same thing that drew me to N scale over a decade ago. I do both now along with some G-scale.
|
|