Greg's web site!

Z Scale Main Page

INTRODUCTION

Even though I'm building a G scale layout outdoors, I've also had the small scale bug all along. The goal here is operation closer to prototype, with longer track runs, more prototypical curves, etc.

About 20 years ago, I got involved in N scale, when it was just getting reliable for long trains. I helped work on the large N scale layout in the San Diego model railroad museum. We were scratch building switches with code 40 then!

Later I built a small layout using a pre-formed base, by Noch, which is cute, but the curves and grades are tight. It was more of a curiosity than anything else.

Recently, at the train shows I have attended, I have seen the Z scale people with modular layouts and I can see that the reliability, diversity of products, and DCC is all a reality now.

I've started on my Z scale modules with the help of Don Fedjur. I would like to get a group together to run with. I want to build enough modules that I can entertain at home myself.

I've got a 1 car garage to myself, so I can set it up several modules that can exist semi-permanently. I will clear out the duplex garage to allow more modules for a get-together.

Some demonstrations:

Here's a Micro-Trains GP35 pulling 47 cars:

Click here to see Lavid Lancaster's Challenger pulling 50 PFE reefers

Where to go from here?

First you might want to decide what you want, a traditional home layout, or maybe a small briefcase layout, or a coffee table layout, or perhaps what I have done, make a number of personal Z scale modules, use that for my home layout and also to combine with others at shows and club meetings.

I sort of think this last idea is the best of all worlds in flexibility.

Second, you might want to decide if you want to run plain DC, or go to DCC.

Basically, start reading!