Z-bend. vs. t-track Z

My thoughts...
1. I don't currently have either modular standard. But, I certainly don't want modules to go away either! So I can't really reply to the poll.
2. I like the concept of T-Trak. Liked it when I was in N, and have investigated it in Z.
3. I also like the Z-Bend concept as well. One local modeler has at least a couple of modules I think, and a small group of us have talked about expanding on his setup and building a few Z-Bend modules.
4. I have also developed my own set of modular standards that sort of adopt some aspects of both. While it is true that I wouldn't be able to easily match up with the others, in my experience the chances of that happening are slim. (and, there is nothing preventing me from creating modules for two standards, or all three!) I have yet to build one of my custom-standard modules, since about the time I was getting ready to start was when the Z-Bend-er came into the picture. Plus, I'm currently working on a stand-alone "roundy roundy" layout and didn't wish to redirect any more time away from that either. So it's wait and see for now, but I expect to be in the modular game soon, at some level.

I will add that one of my real concerns with displaying modules or even my roundy roundy layout is the security of the trains. I'm very fearful of kids (or adults acting like kids) damaging the rolling stock. So I guess the viewing height is somewhat a consideration, although I'm planning on having plexiglass shields in place to ease my fears. Z stuff can be expensive and also hard to find replacements for some items. So it makes me nervous.

I won't be voting either because there isn't a choice for me. I have both Z-Bend Track modules and T-Rail-Z modules(my own standards using the largest radii Rokuhan track). We display our Z-Bend Track modules at whatever height we need to. We normally put our modules on top of tables so we do both. We had our modules on legs at table-top height at the 2018 NTS. They don't allow modules to use tables ...... unless they're table-top modules. We don't use any barriers. I've found them to be more of a problem. At table-top height kids and people in wheelchairs and scooters can see the trains easily. We've received many thank yous from the above-mentioned groups.

Not to be a fence-sitter, but I really like both. I personally like to build small and then make myself a little nutty on details. On the other hand, seeing larger modular layouts in Z can be an amazing site. I think there's room for both approaches. I kind of wish there was a company (or companies) that did produce and sell very standardized modular supplies in a clear and easy to order fashion.

A side note on T-Track... I don't know if it would interfere with operations, but would like to see small neodymium magnets in the frames of the smaller modules to make assembly / arrangement even easier.

John Cubbin

The MidweZt HaulerZ have connected both Z-Bend Track standard and Z-Mod standard modules to form a large layout. Different module standards allow for different interpretations and talents.

I have exhibited a 2 ft x 4 ft stand-alone layout at a couple shows a year since the early 1990s. Always on a tabletop with the back against a wall. I have a hinged plexiglass sheet that is 16 inches high. It protects the front and both sides, and stands on its own since it's basically u-shaped.. That size and the plexiglass hinges I used was a bit expensive, but it has served me well over the years. I have had very few problems over the years, even when I left the layout for periods of time. Kids do tend to bump it when they point, so I keep it about an inch from the front of the layout. Otherwise the vibration from a bump transmits to the layout and can cause a whole train to fall over. 

any update?

Thanks Charles. That is quite an update. Thank you.
Very impressive!