Category: Blog
Z Scale Mini-Module Layouts
Is Z scale moving more towards the big, permanent layout model, the Z-Bend Track modular route or the smaller desktop layout approach? Maybe it’s just my own need to categorize things and Z scale is actually growing on all fronts. I don’t know how popular it would be but I’ve again been thinking about a [...]
Goodbye Milwaukee
I hated doing it, but the Milwaukee Road layout had to go. I never like giving up on a piece as I did earlier today and the short version is there was an issue with the track itself. On most layouts, these smaller desktop layouts included, I always add just a touch of superelevation, or [...]
100 Z Scale Articles
As I responded to an online comment today here at Ztrains.com, I noticed our recent Marklin article was actually our 100th article since we went live with this Ztrains.com redesign in 2011. This means we’re averaging an article per week, and while I don’t think we’ll be challenging Stephen King anytime soon for the most [...]
Where Is Marklin In 2013?
When many of us in this hobby think about small trains, Marklin and Z scale really are synonymous. In the past couple of years though, there were financial issues with Marklin including a 2009 insolvency filing in Göppingen, Germany. Companies (and countries) around the world had major financial issues after the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, [...]
Diesel Service Kit From Micron Art
There are of lots of reasons I like Z scale of course: the quality of the trains, the 1:220 size itself and not to be overlooked are the Z scale manufacturers and their constant desire to push the details. Here’s a great example of a manufacturer really putting their backs in to an upcoming release, [...]
It’s Not Supposed To Be Easy
An overstatement for sure, but is model railroading in any scale supposed to be dead easy? It’s not that I want model railroading to be unnecessarily difficult or complex for the sake of it but there’s an old saying that goes, you get out of something what you put into it. I realize if we’re [...]
Evolving Ztrains.com
It’s been a busy start to 2013 here at Ztrains.com, working on our own projects and websites as well as work for both Ztrack Magazine’s and American Z Line’s websites. It’s good to be busy but more important for Z scale; it’s good to see so much activity from these companies. All this activity means [...]
2013 Z Scale Resolutions
With the New Year recently begun, many of us are now making good attempts at keeping our resolutions intact, always a tough thing to do a few weeks beyond the January 1 mark. I tried a new approach to my New Year resolutions for 2013 though; I began about 6 weeks early, in November 2012, [...]
After Hurricane Sandy On Long Island
After a total of 9 days without electricity or heat, many of us here on Long Island, NY can begin to put Hurricane Sandy behind us. The effects of the hurricane continue in the form of gas rationing at the pumps, if you can find an open gas station at all. There are still thousands [...]
Micron Art | AZL Add-On Details
Micron Art has announced they will be producing replacement handrails for the AZL GP38-2 diesel locomotives in etched stainless steel, as well as many super detailing elements. These details will be a welcome addition to the modestly priced AZL locomotives and knowing Micron Art’s commitment to both Z scale and to high quality, I’m sure [...]
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