Ztrains: A Case For Small Z Scale Layouts

Recently there has been some rumbling in the Z scale community that the smaller Z layouts are not doing enough to further the idea of Z in the mind of mainstream model railroading. When publications such as Model Railroader occasionally feature a Z scale layout, it's usually built into a briefcase or a coffee table, so it's easy to understand the frustration of the operations based Z scale modellers. These modellers enjoy a wide range of operations just like their larger scale counterparts, but they don't seem to get the ink that the other scales regularly enjoy.

I'd like to touch on a couple of ideas here. First, the thought that Z needs to be furthered in the collective mind of mainstream model railroading. On one hand (and my initial opinion) was, "Who cares what the mainstream thinks?". In order to get a more balanced view however, I've been rethinking this position. While I'm not involved in Z scale to impress anyone, I do think that if the model rail community were more aware of the capabilities and possibilities of Z scale, the Z user base would increase. Increasing this user base could lead to a wider selection of locomotives, rolling stock, track, etc.

Regarding this current user base, the number of people actively working in Z scale right now is a tough number to nail down. I recently asked Tom Chmielewski, editor of Trains.com and here's his reply:

John,

According to a Model Railroader survey of its readers done in 1998, .2 percent responded that they use Z as a primary scale, and .3 percent as a secondary scale. But 2 percent did say they used Z scale in at least some part of their hobby. The survey was distributed to 18,000, and 700 responded.

Tom Chmielewski
Editor, Trains.com

These numbers suggest that there is either a relatively small number of Z modellers out there, or that not many Z modellers were involved in this survey. I've contacted Marklin directly and they say the Model Railroader survey is what they would rely on as well.

If you connect the dots here, it becomes a little clearer why some of these operations based Z modellers might take a slightly dim view of the smaller, non-operations based layouts. To them, the work that they're doing is going largely unrecognized, and Z remains locked in a cliché of coffee table / briefcase layouts... cute but not a real model railroad. I believe the negative effect here isn't that their feelings are being hurt by a personal lack of recognition, but that their scale of choice isn't seen as evolving. The result... no new Z scale converts, no Z scale growth.

Wait a minute, I started this article in favor of smaller layouts!

Well, I still am in favor of them, but not as a substitute for larger, operations based layouts. There are several areas where smaller layouts absolutely excel. They are an ideal way to introduce new users into the world of Z without being overwhelmed by all of the challenges of working in the Z scale environment. Smaller layouts can help users build confidence and gain satisfaction by completing a layout, right down to weathering the ballast and planting the grass. One of the pitfalls of modelling in any scale is getting too ambitious on a project before you really understand the work that goes into it. With a small layout, this is much less likely to happen.

Once you have enjoyed your first small Z layout, I think the chances are pretty good you'll want more! Maybe on your next layout you'll want street and building lighting, or maybe even a simple spur or passing siding. Or maybe you just like small simple layouts for their own sake. In large measure I personally fall into this category, at this time I'm more interested in running than operations. These layouts, by sheer virtue of their size, can always be up and running in the home. Another benefit of these small layouts is the ability to model several different looks... you're not locked into a single geographical location or season. That's one of my favorite aspects of the smaller layouts.

One thing that I find a little troubling within the Z scale community though is the occasional snub of these small layouts. Whenever I see quotation marks around words like "coffee table", or "briefcase" in reference to a Z layout, it bothers me a bit. If you are a recent Z scale convert, or a just trying Z on for size, what's you're reaction going to be when you read these subtle but negative comments about your layout from other Z users? One thing I can guarantee is that it will not foster a sense of community, and that's unfortunate because in large measure people involved in Z scale are some of the most helpful people I know.

Z enthusiasts should embrace both the smaller and larger layouts and enjoy them for their own unique qualities. The larger layouts are important to both their owners and to the evolution of Z scale model railroading, no question about that. To dismiss the smaller layouts as not being as important or somehow "less", is both shortsighted and a mistake for the health of Z scale railroading in the long run.

May 4, 2008

TimeCast, Historic Miniatures

TimeCast of Shrewsbury, England produces a series of dedicated Z scale, as well as many 6mm, historically accurate European and North American structures that are reasonably priced... and very good.

The thumbnail photo above is actually one of their 6mm scenes with a Marklin box car in the photo for reference. Looks good from here!.

From the Napoleonic era to the fields of Gettysburg to WWII era Germany... TimeCast covers quite a lot of ground.

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