Have the REAL modelers deserted N for Z??

[SAH]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Z is just a passing fad.  Of course, that's what the HO guys said about N 30 yrs ago.  And the O guys said about HO before then.  ;D

There are fewer and fewer folks around who have the time, inclination or whatever, to attempt anything approaching craftsmanship.  As more and more things are available RTR (in recognition of that trend) the craftsmen among us look for new frontiers.  Z is that frontier right now.  And then there's Chris, who is just plain crazy, in a good kinda way of course.   ;D ;D ;D  (Love the Erie cab man!)

I've been on the forum only a short time but notice a lot of focus on rolling stock.  What about structures?  I'm firmly of the opinion that N scale is by far THE BEST CHOICE for modeling a specific scene, simply because the scale allows us to make it look right.  And we can operate the RR closer to the way the prototype did it.  Even on a small layout you can drag a 12-15 car cut over to the interchange track - Feels much more like work than moving 2-3 cars around as with the larger scales.

Here's my version of Spencer, OH.  All the structures are mock-ups - and they all must be scratchbuilt.  I've had to do some compression but not much.  The layout itself is only 6' x 10'.



The model of the AC&Y depot in Spencer is complete.  (The scenery around it is temp - for photo only)



Only hand tools were used to construct the model.  Oh yeah, and a computer.  But I KNOW y'all have one of those.

Will N ever see the day when we have resin kits of specific prototype freight cars as the HO guys do?  I don't know.  I wouldn't rule it out though.

Steve

[asciibaron]

Why not try TT. Then you really WOULD have to scratchbuild.

before going to N scale, i considered TT, but decided i wanted to run trains, not slave away at building very poor looking models.  i came to N scale to be able to have realistic operations in a limited space.  HO just isn't practical for modeling a section of a division without having to compress the heck out of things.  nothing i hate more than having the power in one "town" and the cabin car in another on a 12 car train when those towns are separated by several miles...

-Steve

[tom mann]

After seeing this month's MT releases, it looks like MT has deserted N for Z. ;D  Also, MT is releasing a 60' flat in Z next month.

 

Stay cool and play with your scale car...

[3rdrail]

After seeing this month's MT releases, it looks like MT has deserted N for Z. ;D  Also, MT is releasing a 60' flat in Z next month.

 

You don't s'pose MTL's affinity for Z has anything to do with competition, do ya? Lot less in Z scale, IMHO.  ;D

[tom mann]

After seeing this month's MT releases, it looks like MT has deserted N for Z. ;D  Also, MT is releasing a 60' flat in Z next month.

 

You don't s'pose MTL's affinity for Z has anything to do with competition, do ya? Lot less in Z scale, IMHO.  ;D

Oh, for sure.  And Z scalers are hungry for new models; they will buy up everything that they can get their hands on.

[randgust]

A few months ago I investigated doing dual-gauge Z and N for my logging module, as my prototype had dual gauge in a section.  That's as close as I've come.  I can't scratch track and the turnouts were impossible.

Nn3, maybe.  But not real Z.... just not interested.  Too much fun in N, particularly since I learned to resin cast.

I've got years of ideas before I get bored in N.

[wes_sutton]

After seeing this month's MT releases, it looks like MT has deserted N for Z. ;D  Also, MT is releasing a 60' flat in Z next month.

The Z scale releases do seem to be increasing at a rapid rate. For a sclae I alwasy thought would remain a novelty, things do seem to be getting serious.

That IC 40' bulkhead flat in Z looks great - do we even get that in N from MT!!?

Wes

[tom mann]

Note that the z scale releases all come in two numbers, too (save for the IC car).  Including the engine.

[Mark5]

I don't Njoy scratchbuilding hoppers.

[RockandRail]

i'm having fun again, now that Z is growing.  i would give up N completely but i love my shays too much.
when i got lousy service from n scale supply and said so on one of these forums ... he banned me from his store!!!   i've recommended people to them time and again, but one day drove 2 hours to visit the store, asked about a car he had listed -- and he told me he couldn't help me without the skew number????   i get to denver once a month, if i'm lucky -- and he wants me to go home and get the number to come back to his store and hope the car is still there.   that's crap.

MTLs GP35 came along the same time and i've been enjoying modeling as much (or more) than i ever have.   great people, great talent, lots of sharing and support.  just fun.
dave f.

[tom mann]

MTL just announced a z scale SD40:

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=84180

[Chris333]

Yeah a SD40 with a AMG kit.  :

[Mark5]

Once difference when comparing where N to HO was (30 years ago) vs where Z is to N now is that Z is significantly more expensive than N while N was/is cheaper than HO.

[Atlanticflier]

Don't let one experience with one person taint all N scale Dealers. There are many that are great to work with, Just avoid the unpleasent one(s). Spend you money elsewhere. 'banned from his store' - you're joking right ?

Don't waste your time - go elsewhere and have Funn !

AF   

i'm having fun again, now that Z is growing.  i would give up N completely but i love my shays too much.
when i got lousy service from n scale supply and said so on one of these forums ... he banned me from his store!!!   i've recommended people to them time and again, but one day drove 2 hours to visit the store, asked about a car he had listed -- and he told me he couldn't help me without the skew number????   i get to denver once a month, if i'm lucky -- and he wants me to go home and get the number to come back to his store and hope the car is still there.   that's crap.

MTLs GP35 came along the same time and i've been enjoying modeling as much (or more) than i ever have.   great people, great talent, lots of sharing and support.  just fun.
dave f.

[lock4244]

I have been bringing my girlfriend along to the train store lately. I get good service... very, um, attentive clerks