Ztrains: Z Scale Basics: Harbor Valley Layout

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A Layout With Some Shunting

We're working with a 2' x 3' layout size for this track plan and we're adding a bit of switching and shunting to the mix. We've created two basic scenery looks here as well, a harbor and a valley. We've done this to show you with just a few simple changes you can create two very different looking layouts from the exact same track plan. Let you imagination run wild when you're building your layout!

The basic concept here is to pick up and distribute freight cars to the various sidings around this small but active harbor / valley. We rely on the Micro-Trains® 110mm uncoupler track section to achieve this. This uncoupler track piece is visually identical to a regular 110mm section of track except that it has a magnet hidden underneath the track. This magnet is optimized to work with the MTL Magne-Matic® coupler system and allow for hands-free uncoupling.

Show Me The Harbor Graphics

Show Me The Valley Graphics

Show Me The Track Only

Qty	Track Description	Micro-Track Part #
14	110mm straight track	990 40 902
1	110mm feeder track	990 40 905
4	110mm straight uncoupling track	990 40 906
3	Left turnout	990 40 910
2	Right turnout	990 40 911
9	195mm radius / 30° curved track	990 40 903
2	195mm radius / 45° curved track	990 40 903
2	220mm radius / 45° curved track	990 40 913
2	490mm radius / 13° curved track	990 40 912

Let's Modify Some Track: Step 1 (Below)
Sometimes you develop a track plan and it just doesn't quite fit for one reason or another, often you'll need a shorter piece of sectional track than is currently available. For this layout we'll need to make 3 very simple track modifications.

First let's file, or cut, an angled bit of the plastic roadbed from one corner of a 195mm, 30° track section... this is an easy modification.

Why does this track piece need to be modified? On a turnout the track that curves away from the straight track section is called the diverging track. When you buy a Micro-Trains® turnout it comes with both a 13° curved track section and a 110mm straight track section. This straight track section has a notch, or cutout, in the roadbed. This section is notched so that when you join all the track sections together the ballasted roadbed will appear continuous, forming a "V" shape".

In this track plan however we're using alternate track pieces to connect to the straight track section and diverging track sections of the turnout . We need to create our own notch, or cutout, in one section of 195mm, 30° track. The photo below shows both an unmodified section of 195mm, 30° track as well as the same track piece with the cutout we need. This notch was created using a simple metal file to file away this corner of the roadbed.

Let's Modify Some Track: Step 2 (Below)
This next track modification will take you just a moment to do. You'll need to "notch"" the corners on two sections of track, one section of 220mm 45° and one section of 490mm 13°.

Why do these track pieces need to be modified? These two small notches are needed so these track pieces will fit into their respective turnout legs. If you refer to the track plan above and click on the "Show Me The Track Only" link, you'll see where these two pieces fit. Below is a photo of these two track pieces after they're been notched.

How To Use The Uncoupling Track Section And Magne-Matic® Couplers
1.	Stop the train with couplers directly over the uncoupler track section. In this example we're backing up the locomotive.
2.	Pull train forward leaving the car(s) behind. The magnetic force draws the coupler pins off center. Your couplers now appear to be open, they are in the "delayed" position.
3.	Before your loco pulls out and leaves your freight cars, you'll want to set your couplers to their normal coupling position for their next pick-up. To do this you slowly reapproach the newly uncoupled car(s) and push them past the uncoupler magnet. Once past the uncoupler magnet the couplers will return to normal position.
4.	You can now pull out with your loco leaving all couplers in position to be coupled again.

The diagram illustrates the locomotive on the left side, the car(s) to be dropped off on the right.
The arrows show the locomotive direction during the uncoupling process.

1. Clockwise Operation
This layout is best used when your trains run in a clockwise direction. This allows for easy picking up and dropping off of freight cars on all sidings as you'll be backing up your locomotive(s) .

2. Clean Track When Switching And Shunting
Keeping your track very clean in Z scale is always important but even more so when you have a layout that utilizes hands-free coupling and uncoupling. You'll be driving your locomotives at very slow speeds and clean track is the first key to smooth, slow-speed operation.

3. Modifying A Section Of MTL Micro-Track®
This layout calls for a simple modifications to three sections of track. Future plans will have you actually cutting into the rail to shorten a section of Micro-Track®.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice
This sounds strange... practice on a layout? Actually yes, practice dropping off and picking up your freight cars. Part of the fun of a layout like this is to perform realistic looking movements with your locomotive and cars. By using hands-free coupling and uncoupling you'll find a basic layout like this can be very engaging.

5. Placing The Magnetic Uncoupler Track Sections
Once you get a feel for the hands-free coupling and uncoupling you may want to move the uncoupling track sections to different locations on the layout. Mark where these uncoupling track sections are on your layout to easily identify their location when running your trains.