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Z Scale Trains

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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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Getting started with Z Scale Trains 

Starter sets are a good way to get started with Z-scale model trains. Starter sets generally have everything you need to begin running a train: engine, cars, track, power source and controller. As often times a starter set is something of a "loss leader" to get customers into the hobby, starter sets are usually an exceptional value with a price less than the sum of their contents if purchased separately. Also, there are often exceptional prices for starter sets on eBay (just watch the shipping charges), so please do take a look at the eBay selections listed below -- then scroll down to read about the types of z-scale track.

Tokyo Marui YouTube Video 

Tokyo Marui has come out with modular ready-to-run layout combinations that are very reasonably priced, and offer lit passenger cars and 2-train operation. These sets are sold under the name Tokyo Marui Pro Z.

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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Z-Scale Sets on eBay 

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Tokyo Marui Pro Z Set

Z scale Track Options 

When considering track for your Z scale layout, you have 2 basic choices: Marklin track or Micro-Trains track.

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

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

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

Z Code 60 Rail Joiners (24) PPCSL210

Amazon Price: $3.33 (as of 07/26/2008)

Open Air Theater w/Bleachers

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

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 

I admit being somewhat partial to Marklin trains. One thing you can be sure of with Marklin is that small size does not mean that you are giving up quality. Marklin originated z-scale electric trains, and their German (DB) BR89 0-6-0 model is the smallest electric locomotive that is commercially available -- it's also the loco that comes with most of the less expensive starter sets.

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 

Micro-Trains Line, also referred to as MTL, is also a leading manufacturer of Z-scale trains. MTL produces z scale model trains based on U.S. prototypes (real-world trains). MTL only produces diesel locomotives for Z scale, so if you want a steam locomotive, you will need to stick with Marklin. MTL locomotives can be purchased with either MTL Magne-Matic couplers or Marklin couplers. MTL produces some interesting starter sets with everything you need to get started. MTL also produces a great variety of freight cars, which also come with either Magne-Matic or Marklin couplers.

Micro-Trains on eBay 

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Noch Briefcase Layout

Noch Z Scale Layouts 

German model maker Noch produces several interesting items for Z scale trains. Noch products range from ready-to-run briefcase layouts like the one above to pre-formed layouts (with geographical features formed, but you add your own rails, trees and buildings) as pictured below. If you're planning a Z scale layout, it would be worth your while to look at the offerings by Noch before you take the leap!

Noch Cortina Layout

Noch Z Scale Products on eBay 

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Z Scale Photos 

California State Railroad Museum by Corvair owner

Z scale model railroad in a briefcase.

Z-scale in a briefcase by david_c_lind

Fairhope, train expo z scale 1 by divemasterking2000

Z Scale by david_c_lind

Z Scale Layout

Z by david_c_lind

Z-scale railroad by dragon_sme

Z-scale train table...

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Trains Link List 

My Trains Blog
Please visit my Fun With Trains blog for more information about this and other train topics.
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Great information about high quality Marklin Model Trains!

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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!
Hope you could visit my dime and dollar coin collecting lenses!

Posted May 26, 2008
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I really like your lens. Surely my bro will love this.

Posted May 15, 2008
gurneywagon

Another 5* and favorited!

Posted May 01, 2008
rwoman

My son loves this lens and so do I!

Posted April 28, 2008
dtbs

great lens! i'm still scouring through it!
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Posted April 18, 2008
 
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More Z Scale Train Videos 

Z scale Train scope

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Related topics: Z Scale Trains,  japanese z scale,  maerklin,  DIY & Hobbies,  more

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