开云体育

Ok folks, I bit the bullet and I am building four z tack modules, not sure if they will be z-
bend or t-trak style. The current plan is to hand lay he track and coming from N-scale I need
some pointers on several dimensions.

1. Is there a commercially available track gauge one can obtain?
2. What rail sizes are typically used Code 40 /50/ other?
3. Turnouts frogs will be 5 for the yards and 7's or 9's on the mainline. What are the typical
ones used in Z-scale?
3. Coming from N-scale I have several track gauges that indicate clearances for the tunnel
portals and bridges etc. what are the equivalent clearances for Z gauge?
4. My locomotives consists of One MTL F7's A-B-A set, three MTL gp 35's and z-theks
SW1. I plan on converting these over to DCC with Lenz Gold decoders, any hints and tips?
5. What DCC track voltages should one use, I will have a Digitrax zephyr unit as my
command station, Left over from N-scale.
6. Where can one find decals for prr. I plan on painting the sw-1 to pensy.

As I get into this deeper I know I will have more questions.

Thanks

Well howdy < insert name here >. Where are you based?

Welcome to the world of Z. I assume that you are building these modules for
yourself, perhaps to best fit a room or location but still be transported or
put away as the reason to possibly not use the Z-bend interface. Actually,
you can use whatever you want except for one if you want to connect to a
group layout. The Z-bend std is only for interconnecting club modules, not
one's own modules. In fact, it hampers this a bit, keeping track at the
same plane, spacing and somewhat parallel. Using your own interface allows
for wider spacing or spacing between the 2 track main line. This really
helps with grades, cross overs, mountains, etc. I am actually planning a
corner module (maybe 90 square but maybe 60 degrees) so that I can make one
15-18" radius up and down so that one interface is higher or lower than the
other by 4". This breaks up the planer stuff a bit. Not Z-bend height on
one port but can be run into one's own end module so as not to be an issue.

As for your questions:

1. MTL, Aspen and I believe FastTracks have the gauges. There are differing
home made ones too. Some use a 3-point one for curves, some use a rolling
one made from 1/2" bar stock with the gauge slots cut around each end.

2. Several have tried the hand lay with PC Bd ties and run into thermal
expansion issues which permanently warps the gauge. If you have a stable
climate (i.e. no sun) then you should be OK. Code 40 looks nice but doesn't
leave much room for spikes to clear. You'll have to solder tie them.
Miller Engineering is a source but their prices nearly doubled last year.
Also, the top rail head is wider on the non-Z rail so even with code 40,
it's wider than Marklin or MT's flex. I use MT flex as it is US tie spacing
and about code 55, a bit lower than Marklin's code 60. It's also about
.015" lower on the rail heads due to the thinner more proto ties. Peter
Wright sells fairly close tie spacing turnouts for $30, it's not worth
making them. We've all tried. (the epoxy, CA and gauging are just not worth
it. Aspen sells some too with longer radius but the US stock is iffy from
Germany.

3. Can't answer. we just eyeball the stuff.
4. DCC in the Marklin F7's is a brainer, the MT locos will require a bit of
a loss to the massive metal. See the Z_DCC Yahoo group or other forums.
The GPs are a pain as the body is quite narrow for any of the "Z" decoders.
They are all 0.35" wide (Digitrax, Lenz and TCS). NCE's newest Z decoder is
the same. Rumors of Digitrax making a GP decoder for late this year have
pretty much been quenched.

5. 10V is the standard. Most are adjustable, some are not so you may have
to use the diode kluge. See the Z_DCC forum and others for assistance.
6. Z decals for PRR are not needed on the GP :). As for others, check the
forums as there are some that may have them or can make them, however they
often work trades (not for sale) as we all have wants and needs but also
talent or materials that others want, like this post :)

Good luck Mr. Phelps.

Jeff Merrill
SF Bay Area Z
"The BAZ BoyZ"

ksonta@... writes:

5. What DCC track voltages should one use, I will have a Digitrax zephyr
unit as my
command station, Left over from N-scale.

You'll get the best (actual experience) answers from the Z-DCC collective at:
Subscribe: Z_Scale_DCC-subscribe@...

Hope this helps,
Bill K.
Houston