Z-Scale Trains
Z Scale Trains are the smallest size of controllable electric trains that are widely available. Z-scale means that the models are 1/220 of the size of the real-life trains they are modeled after. The nice thing about this small size is that you can have a layout in a small amount of space -- including a briefcase, like the photo to the left. The most popular manufacturers of Z Scale Trains are Marklin and Micro-Trains, although models and layouts recently released by Tokyo Marui (see video below) may make them a contender in the future.
Besides briefcase layouts, the small size of Z-Scale enables all sorts of different applications, such as Christmas ornaments and Easter eggs with z-scale engines or wagens (freight cars) inside -- or 2 foot by 2 foot circular "Christmas wreath" layouts complete with winter village scenes (these are available from Noch and Micro-Trains).
5 Z Scale Trains in 2 ft. by 4 ft. Space
You can do a lot in a small space with Z scale trains!
Marklin Z Scale Trains - 5 trains on a 24 x 48 in layout
How many z scale trains can you fit on a 24" x 48" layout? I ran out of track - more is on the way!
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Table of Contents
- 5 Z Scale Trains in 2 ft. by 4 ft. Space
- Getting started with Z Scale Trains
- Tokyo Marui YouTube Video
- Z-Scale Sets on eBay
- Tokyo Marui Pro Z Set
- Z scale Track Options
- Z Scale on Amazon
- Marklin Z Scale: "Crocodile" Electric Locomotive
- Marklin Z Scale
- Micro-Trains GP-35
- Micro-Trains Z Scale
- Micro-Trains on eBay
- Noch Briefcase Layout
- Noch Z Scale Layouts
- Noch Cortina Layout
- Noch Z Scale Products on eBay
- Train Stuff on CafePress
- Z Scale Photos
- Trains Link List
- Please leave your feedback!
- More Z Scale Train Videos
Getting started with Z Scale Trains
Tokyo Marui YouTube Video
Z gauge train at night scenery
TOKYO MARUI High Quality Z gauge model, PRO Z. All Japan Plamodel Radicon Show 2007
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Tokyo Marui Pro Z Set
Z scale Track Options
Marklin track: Marklin Z-scale track is "traditional" track without a plastic roadbed attached. While this type of track is not well-suited for use on carpeted surfaces, it is generally preferred for layouts -- where modelers often use a more realistic aggregate for the road bed.
Micro-Trains track: Micro-Trains makes track called, appropriately enough, Micro-Track. This track comes with a plastic "road bed" that is convenient for running on carpeted surfaces -- where the open spaces of traditional "bed-less" track can allow carpet to interfere with the proper functioning of your locomotive. So, it's more convenient for those who set up a train on their carpeted floor for a weekend, but (as noted above) not as favored for dedicated layouts.
Z Scale on Amazon
Marklin 8503 Straight Track Sections
Amazon Price: $28.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Micro Trains Z Scale General American Tank Car Co. 39' Single Dome Tank Car # 53000041, Road # GATX 19285
Amazon Price: $18.10 (as of 07/26/2008)
Z Code 60 Rail Joiners (24) PPCSL210
Amazon Price: $3.33 (as of 07/26/2008)
Open Air Theater w/Bleachers
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Micro Trains Z Scale Denver and Rio Grande Western 50' Box Car, Plug Door # 50700391, Road # D&RGW 60812
Amazon Price: $27.65 (as of 07/26/2008)
Marklin Z Scale: "Crocodile" Electric Locomotive
Marklin Z Scale
Those sets generally come with the loco, 1 freight car, a small oval of track, and a controller/power source that runs off of a 9 volt battery. While the battery operated sets are fun and can be set up anywhere (most come in a compact case), control is limited to going full speed in either direction. This, of course, makes coupling something best done by hand. Sets that come with a battery controler are completely compatable with the plug-in transformers for z-scale, so you can start with these and add transformers and more track later.
The next step up in Marklin Z starter sets (with sets such as item no. 81562) includes a bigger steam engine and more freight cars -- and, most importantly, a plug-in transformer. With the transformer, you can run the train at variable speeds and couple cars the "right" way. You can also appreciate the Marklin quality by seeing how well the locos run at slower speeds. Going up in price, there are more options -- ranging from deluxe starter sets with electric turnouts to a set that is a ready-to-run layout in a briefcase.
For more information on Marklin trains, please visit my Marklin Trains lens.

Micro-Trains GP-35
Micro-Trains Z Scale

Noch Briefcase Layout
Noch Z Scale Layouts

Noch Cortina Layout
Train Stuff on CafePress
Z Scale Photos
Trains Link List
- My Trains Blog
- Please visit my Fun With Trains blog for more information about this and other train topics.
- My Marklin Trains Lens
- Great information about high quality Marklin Model Trains!
Please leave your feedback!
. . . and then please visit my Marklin Trains lens (link above this Guestbook)!
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hearthealth
Theres a collector in all of us, I myself was able to collect Micro Machines and Hot Wheels! 5 flaming balls of stellar gas~ and faved! Posted May 26, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
I really like your lens. Surely my bro will love this. Posted May 15, 2008 |
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gurneywagon
Another 5* and favorited! Posted May 01, 2008 |
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rwoman
My son loves this lens and so do I! Posted April 28, 2008 |
| dtbs
great lens! i'm still scouring through it! Posted April 18, 2008 |

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