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Post by stevew on Nov 20, 2021 11:46:25 GMT -5
Hi All,
After some distractions in other scales, mostly N but at one point HO (what was I thinking?) I have decided to return to Z. I got my start in Z in the 1990s. I was working for Atlas at the time and during a trade show I was introduced to Eric and found myself captivated by their Z display. I was an N scaler at the time but made the jump to Z in a big way. I did a lot of custom painting and kit bashing, even wrote a couple of articles in ZTrack magazine (early black and white version, published by Adam (forget his last name sadly enough).
Eventually I took a break from the hobby and when I returned I went with N. Being a loco maniac I got into HO for a while for the level of detail, etc.
Fast forward to today and I have limited space. I could do okay in N but when I dug out my collection of Z I felt a tug that I hadn't felt in a long time.
I've been doing some research, there's a lot of exciting things going on in Z these days! It's great to see all of the US prototype models being produced.
For now I've set up a temporary loop of MTL track just to get the juices flowing while planning a more permanent layout.
I realize this is an AZL forum (and I intend to be a good customer!), but wanted to get a quick opinion on the status of Z roadbed track. In the past I was always one who would use regular track, cork roadbed, ballast, etc. But I think this time around I'm going with track with integrated roadbed/ballast.
What is a general overview of MTL vs Rokuhan? I'm still researching but I see that Rokuhan offers more track pieces so there's more flexibility. What is the difference in turnout reliability?
Thanks for any input, it's nice to be back to Z scale.
Steve W
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Post by markm on Nov 20, 2021 12:18:12 GMT -5
Steve, Welcome to the forum and welcome back to Z. Comparing MTL vs. Rokuhan track: - MTL dimensionally is more prototypically U.S. while Rokuhan is Japanese/European
- Rokuhan has a much wider variety of track sections than MTL
- Due to tighter dimensions, MTL track and turnouts can be more finicky than Rpkuhan
- Rokuhan turnouts require a more sophisticated control than MTL
- Rokuhan is generally recommended to beginners in Z
Note that Rokuhan offers sections that are too tight for reliable operation of U.S. prototype rolling stock. Avoid curves tighter than 195mm and the 26 degree turnouts, generally they're best used with the smaller non-U.S. prototype models. Also note that some AZL models require 220mm curves and larger. Hope this helps, Mark
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Post by Commodore on Nov 20, 2021 13:54:56 GMT -5
Welcome!
Can you still get Atlas track at a discount? If so, get that… Works for me 🎈
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Post by sjl on Nov 20, 2021 14:35:48 GMT -5
Rokuhan is very easy for the beginner, although it won't work well with older tech locos (like the MTL F7s and some Marklin).
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Post by dazed on Nov 20, 2021 14:57:51 GMT -5
I finally decided to get into Z (about 6 years ago) due in large part to Rokuhan track. It's not Kato Unitrack level of bulletproof but close. I'm always going to pick function over form, especially in Z where the margin for error is--quite literally--small. I had heard horror stories about Marklin and MTL track (warranted or not) and that kept me from Z for probably 10 years. Man, if your turnouts aren't "beyond reproach" that just doesn't work in my opinion. So anyway, big fan of Rokuhan track.
I'm currently building a 2ft x 4.5ft layout using Rokuhan exclusively. Going forward, my "m.o." will likely be to use Atlas for visible track and Rokuhan for hidden/staging. The jury is still out on the Atlas track for me, so more testing will be necessary. If it is as quirky as the N C55 stuff from Atlas, I'll have no problem sticking with Rokuhan across the board.
I use Digitrax decoders (or manual control) to control the Rokuhan track, and plan to use Solenoid switch machines (Digitrax, Walthers, et al) for the Atlas turnouts.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Nov 20, 2021 14:58:48 GMT -5
I realize this is an AZL forum (and I intend to be a good customer!), but wanted to get a quick opinion on the status of Z roadbed track. Welcome back! We actually run this forum for the benefit of all Z scale producers, so your question is 100% appropriate and welcome. We figure the more producers in Z scale, the better it is for all of us. Enjoy! -Rob
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2021 15:29:33 GMT -5
- Rokuhan turnouts require a more sophisticated control than MTL
No problem, one can build a DIY control, look here for the third post by BAZman : 9V DC and 1800uF work well (but one should add two freewheel diodes to protect the switch), maybe that 2200 uF is safer, perhaps I will test. On my layout each switch is in fact one switch of a relay, the other ones control power to the tracks, for my system the switching by the turnouts is not enough (the tracks are treated as quadripoles, so 3 poles must be cut off), but I think that You won't bother with such problems ... The only possible issue is that I read how contact springs can get MELTED in case of a short circuit with DCC, for that reason I run conventional DC with a permanent current limiter. And despite of the wrong tie spacing the tracks look great !
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Post by Commodore on Nov 20, 2021 16:07:36 GMT -5
- Rokuhan turnouts require a more sophisticated control than MTL
No problem, one can build a DIY control, look here for the third post by BAZman : 9V DC and 1800uF work well (but one should add two freewheel diodes to protect the switch), maybe that 2200 uF is safer, perhaps I will test. On my layout each switch is in fact one switch of a relay, the other ones control power to the tracks, for my system the switching by the turnouts is not enough (the tracks are treated as quadripoles, so 3 poles must be cut off), but I think that You won't bother with such problems ... The only possible issue is that I read how contact springs can get MELTED in case of a short circuit with DCC, for that reason I run conventional DC with a permanent current limiter. And despite of the wrong tie spacing the tracks look great ! My solution is fewer switches. Long sweeping curves and straight runs are best for what I have …Passenger trains!
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Post by zscalehobo on Nov 20, 2021 16:55:53 GMT -5
Welcome!
Can you still get Atlas track at a discount? If so, get that… Works for me 🎈 $6.95 MSRP (street price around $4.70) for 24" sections isn't discounted enough? Yowzers! Cheapest track per inch/cm on the market, as far as I know.
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Post by stevew on Nov 20, 2021 17:19:22 GMT -5
Thank you all for the warm welcome and for the information! I already have some MTL track, but before committing to any one brand I think I'll purchase some Rokuhan to do some comparing.
I *might* consider Atlas flex and turnouts (umm...I work for Atlas lol). But my hobby time is very limited and I'd like to bypass some of the more fussy things such as ballasting. I remember meeting Jim Kelly from Model Railroader at a show and discussing his 2x3 Z layout that was published in 1985. I told him I was working on a similar layout, and he looked at me with big eyes and said "Don't bother ballasting!". I did go on to ballast that layout anyway but fast forward to today and I'm not so keen on the idea.
I've already placed my first order for some AZL items, can't wait to immerse myself back into Z.
Steve W
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Post by Commodore on Nov 20, 2021 20:27:22 GMT -5
Thank you all for the warm welcome and for the information! I already have some MTL track, but before committing to any one brand I think I'll purchase some Rokuhan to do some comparing. I *might* consider Atlas flex and turnouts (umm...I work for Atlas lol). But my hobby time is very limited and I'd like to bypass some of the more fussy things such as ballasting. I remember meeting Jim Kelly from Model Railroader at a show and discussing his 2x3 Z layout that was published in 1985. I told him I was working on a similar layout, and he looked at me with big eyes and said "Don't bother ballasting!". I did go on to ballast that layout anyway but fast forward to today and I'm not so keen on the idea. I've already placed my first order for some AZL items, can't wait to immerse myself back into Z. Steve W What’s ballast? Welcome again Steve!
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Post by ztrack on Nov 20, 2021 21:45:33 GMT -5
Steve welcome back! Good to see one of the early Zedheadz back.
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Post by stevew on Nov 21, 2021 17:47:49 GMT -5
Steve welcome back! Good to see one of the early Zedheadz back. Thanks! I'm proud to be one of the early Zedheadz. Lots has changed, and for the better! My credit card is already smoking. Steve W
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Post by Smolderz on Nov 22, 2021 13:07:11 GMT -5
Smoking? Mine turned into a puddle of plastic! Welcome back!
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Post by stevew on Nov 23, 2021 20:18:23 GMT -5
Smoking? Mine turned into a puddle of plastic! Welcome back! Thanks, it’s so awesome to be back!
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