Ztrains: Handcrafted Z Scale Layout

Share | |

Starting Off
I always thought one of those Winter layouts Marklin makes would be fun to have. Recently I decided to build one for my own use, then got sidetracked slightly when I saw several people selling layouts they had built themselves over at eBay. Since my mind is always running in happy little capitalistic directions, I wondered if I could make this hobby I really enjoy subsidize itself. Pretty neat idea... in theory.

I thought about those small Z layouts and what makes them appealing. In large measure I think it's their small size (even for Z), their eye catching ability, and their absolute simplicity. I like the idea of having a larger layout as much as the next Z scale user, but many times if you're working on a larger layout, you can't run any trains as there is debris all over the room! With these small layouts that's not a problem, you get to run your trains anytime. Many times when I have people over to my house I'll have little more than a small loop of track operating and almost without fail, it gets an inordinate amount of my guests' attention.

Before I began on this building-for-profit experiment, I had to weigh the costs, both in time and material, against what I could reasonably expect to ask for one of these layouts. I'd have to build a high quality piece or else it would severely cut down on my enjoyment of the process. I decided that given the dimensions of the boards I was considering (16" x 19" or less), I'd have to focus heavily on scenery and detail to make these pieces work. Also I hoped to make these elegant enough so they wouldn't be brought out only during the Winter, or holiday season.

I'm in the process of finishing the two layouts I have on my bench now. I've been working with materials that will not only look good, but will easily tolerate being shipped... no particularly small task! In short, I thought about what I'd want on a small layout and then I've either built it or installed it.

Making Real Progress
It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm getting to some of the finishing touches on the first layout, finalizing tree placement, planting grass, etc. One thing I've realized is that even a relatively modest layout, if done well, takes quite a bit of time to complete. It's funny but I've ended up taking far more time on this board than I have for my own layout. I think knowing that this unit was built to sell plays into it quite a bit. Knowing that someone will be looking at every little detail really spurs you on! The lake and river will be the last step to complete. I'll be pouring a two part epoxy and I want everything else completed before then.

How About Some Water?
Creating a realistic body of water has been an interesting, and in the end very rewarding experience. I decided the best way to approach it was trial end error... along with some good advice from a pro! I've detailed the water process in two articles on this site, Making Waves With Envirotex, and Final Water Touches.

Layout Completed!
This layout has been completed and sold over at eBay. The sale was successful enough that I'm now considering building these smaller Z layouts on a regular basis. The reaction I had from the layout pictured here was incredibly positive. The buyer has been very happy with his new layout and that really is the most important thing. From the active bidding over at eBay, to some of the comments I received from other rail builders, I think this may be an interesting avenue to pursue. A contributing author to Model Railroader wrote to me and said that just from looking at many of these photos, he wouldn't have known it was Z scale. He also strongly suggested I submit some photos of this scenery work to Model Railroader for inclusion into their publication... that's pretty flattering stuff!

Additional pictures of this 16" x 19" layout can be seen in the Cove Layout article on this site.

Monday, March 8, 2010
Build Your Own Zthek SW-1 Switcher

Lost Brass Frets... Found Here!

Lajos Thek of Zthek has reported 2 etched brass sheets of his popular SW-1 switcher have been discovered at his etching company's warehouse.

This means that for as long as they last, there will be 28, SW-1 brass frets available for sale. These frets come without the small milled detail parts but at just $35 per brass fret this is a great chance to build your own SW-1.

Contact Lajos via email here: Lajos
You can also reach him through his website: www.zthek.com

Coffee Break Archives