Ztrains: An Interview With Rob Kluz Of Ztrack

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Ztrack magazine, the world's largest magazine devoted to Z scale model railroading, celebrates it's 15th anniversary this year. I recently spoke with editor Rob Kluz about Ztrack's past and present, as well as the state of Z scale model railroading in general.


	Rob Kluz, Ztrack Editor

Ztrains: First off, Congratulations on Ztrack’s 15th Anniversary.
Rob Kluz: Thank you! It has been an interesting fifteen years. To watch the publication mature from a simple black and white newsletter serving less then 100 subscribers to today's 900 plus circulation 36 page magazine has been amazing. This could not have happened without the growth of Z scale which we have seen in the past few years. I only could dream fifteen years ago we would be at this current stage of the hobby. Again, I stress ... it has been amazing.

Ztrains: Would you tell us a little about Ztrack’s origins?
Rob Kluz: Ztrack was founded by Adam Scull in 1988. Adam's concept was a Z scale newsletter to serve the New York City metropolitan area. It quickly caught on with subscribers across the country. In 1990, Ztrack and Fred Fisher's Z Scale Magazine merged to form the base of today's publication.

I began writing for Ztrack in 1990 and served as a Contributing Editor. The early 1990s were a tumultuous period for Ztrack. Publication even ceased in 1993. In 1995, Adam brought Ztrack back to life. Again I was involved, writing articles and supporting the publication. Adam made the decision to turn over the publication to me in 1997. At that point, Ztrack, The Newsletter for Z Scale Model Railroading was struggling to survive. We had less than 100 subscribers. Fortunately, good things were happening in the hobby and our readership began to grow. Today, Ztrack's circulation is over 900. We are reaching readers in 27 countries. We have come quite a way from our modest beginnings.

Ztrains: What personally attracted you to Z scale model railroading?
Rob Kluz: I was drawn to Z scale in 1985. I was involved with war gaming, specifically the European theater of World War II. I was planning a war gaming table for the 1:285 miniatures and thought a German troop train would be an interesting detail. Z scale was close to scale so I bought my first set in Heidelberg, Germany. After this purchase, I never went back to the war-gaming! I must admit, I still have an interest for trains of that period.

Ztrains: How (well) do you think Z scale has evolved since it’s introduction in 1972?
Rob Kluz: Z scale has made great strides since 1972. Most of these gains have occurred only in the past few years. It seems that Z scale reached a plateau in late 1980s and into the 1990s. Not much in the way of new items were being released. Suddenly, in the late 1990s, Z started taking off. In many ways, it is only now being 'discovered' with operators from other scales finding value that we Z enthusiasts have known about for many years.

Ztrains:

Currently what do you feel are Z scale’s strengths and weaknesses?
Rob Kluz: The strength in Z scale is 2 parts. For those with limited space, it offers the possibility to have a layout of quality and detail that could not be realized with other scales. On the other hand, for those with large areas of free space, it is ideal to represent true class 1 railroading. What other scale can you run a 100+ car train realistically in a spare bedroom?

The weaknesses we face are based on limited selection and high cost. The variety of rolling stock and locomotives available has improved, but cost is still a factor. True, due to the higher cost, we see better quality products across the line, but a low cost, introductory set is needed. We also desperately need a 3rd major manufacturer to commit to Z scale. Can you imagine what would happen if Atlas or Kato entered the Z market? Until then, we will face low exposure and misconceptions that hinder the growth of the niche.

Ztrains: It’s been written that model railroading in general is on a slight decline, but Z scale actually seems to be increasing in popularity, how do you explain this?
Rob Kluz: Z scale is one segment of the hobby that is growing. Why is an interesting question. Z scale is finding a home with younger modelers. These are the people who grew up with Matchbox cars and ever increasing miniaturization. These people also were raised in the start of the technological age. Z encompasses this with miniature high quality trains that are technically interesting. It is also unique and in many ways, offers an air of sophistication that appeals to many. Z scale will only continue to grow for these and many other reasons.

Ztrains: Z scale has traditionally had a strong European flavor to it, do you see any substantial moves towards North American model railroading in Z scale?
Rob Kluz: Oh yes! Chris Miller sparked the North American market by the release of Miller Engineering brass kits. This single release finally gave North American modelers a choice of structures that were of high detail and quality. Now with companies such as American Z Lines, FR, Micron-Art, and Pennzee and many others offering simply stunning prototype rolling stock and accessories, we only see great growth in North American modeling. From our research, Z is growing faster in popularity in North America than in Europe. North America has added more manufacturers and clubs which is fueling the growth. This trend should continue for some time.

Ztrains: What have you seen in the Z scale world in the last 15 years that has surprised you?
Rob Kluz: Surprise may be the wrong word for my answer. I have been extremely impressed with the bond among Z scalers that has evolved over the past few years. The Yahoo Z_List is a prime example. The exchange of information and offers of assistance is impressive. To be able to put together monster Z module layouts at recent National Train Shows demonstrates how well we all work together. This close knit community is not seen as much in the other scales. It is very special.

Ztrains: How would you describe Ztrack’s overall direction for the future?
Rob Kluz: Ztrack has many long term plans and goals laid out. We plan on not just being a Z scale publication, but a force to promote and support the hobby in venues other then the printed page. We aim to explore other medias including web and video for instance. We are looking at greater magazine page counts, more color, and special subscriber only offers. This has been very successful so far. The subscriber only offers have been very well received. We are proud to be able to give something back to the readership. For instance, subscribers have saved tens of thousands of dollars through our American Z Line direct purchase plan. We feel Ztrack is still in it's infancy and we have much growth ahead. I personally can't wait to see what will be next!

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