Micro-Trains Track

I also have a large selection of preowned lightly used Micro Track if anyone is interested including manual turnouts.

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garthah wrote: I also have a large selection of preowned lightly used Micro Track if anyone is interested including manual turnouts.

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And you are not using MTL track for what reason?............as if I didn't know already.

Sad state of affairs for MTL.

Loren I took out my large z scale layout 24 x 8 along with my N&Nn3 layout to build smaller ones for Z and Nn3 Nn3 is hand laid code 40 and Z is Rokuhan. New layouts are portable so could go to shows eventually. Z layout is 2 x 8 may expand to 2 x 12 and is a mix of Japanese and North American and NN3 is logging 2 x 8

My MTL track was all pinned to homasote so no glue or caulking on it, so it is clean and undamaged with a selection of trimmed track as I had a large single end yard on the old layout which held 222 cars in freight section and 34 passenger cars in passenger section, so lots of manual turnouts even some cross over turnouts with LED lighting in road bed to tell when track polarity matches on both sides of cross over, and is track powered, so no external wiring required. All part of reaching 70 and realizing there is a time in the not to distant future when being down sized will be a blessing.

Garth, I'm not sure you answered Loren's question as to why you are not using MTL track. As newbies read these posts possibly more input about MTL track would be of some value. You've done enough that folks would trust your judgement I'm thinking. Jim

Socalz44 wrote: Garth, I'm not sure you answered Loren's question as to why you are not using MTL track. As newbies read these posts possibly more input about MTL track would be of some value. You've done enough that folks would trust your judgment I'm thinking. Jim

Jim,
You are correct in your assumption that my question was not really answered by Garth. Garth did a good job of describing what he had acquired and how it may be time to down size a bit, either out of necessity or to use the stock for smaller layouts. Not quite sure what the case may be, but I think sooner or later we all come to the conclusion that we need to make adjustments in our modeling philosophy, either because we are getting older and less able to handle as much hobby or perhaps just because we need to liquidate some stock for other items we want.

I was suggesting in my original post that the reason Garth may be changing stock was perhaps because MTL track did not offer the needed track pieces to make building a layout feasible.

I'm not criticizing MTL for the reason they did not come out with more variety in track options, but I am expressing frustration for many that may have initially gotten MTL track and then could not build what they wanted because of missing track pieces, or the faulty operation of some of the turnouts which has plagued MTL for some time.

I won't attempt to second guess MTL for their lack of track pieces, but it is sad that a great new product idea was not carried forward to completion as Rokuhan has done so well in the past year or so.

Whether missed opportunities, or lack for foresight, or perhaps manufacturing issues like Sandi Kan dumping MTL are the cause, the end result is an incomplete line of product that hampers the beginner and experienced modeler alike.

Maybe I was speaking out of turn for Garth and suggesting his reason without actually knowing why he was changing. No matter, Garth does have great experience in using sectional track and his input has provided very helpful information for those wanting to utilize sectional track.

Listen to the man, he knows what he is talking about.

Thanks Loren, Much as I expected. I'm not up on Z Scale rumors or situations these days so I didn't know about Sandi Kan. I remember building my own shortened MTL track pieces. Great fun. Too bad they didn't/couldn't keep up with Rokuhan. On a brighter note I noticed an MTL train box in my LHS yesterday. Jim

I did answer the question, I have nothing against Micro Trains track, when I purchased it and laid it down it was the best of the best. Now I have surplus to my needs 8 x 24 is allot of track, and I have been selling it off locally at train shows but there is not much Z in my area. I know how to mix Micro Trains with other track systems so if I had a use for it I would not be selling it. As I promote Z at local shows I have 4 track systems on my show layout 2 x 4 and I know how to mix it all with each other and that is how I gained the knowledge I have of Z track. I use Z track for two scales Z and N narrow gauge (Nn3) For Nn3 I am more of a traditionalist or rivet counter as some say, so hand laid track code 40 and dual gauge in code 40 rail, but for Z I am more of a dedicated runner so I prefer road bed track for that, cause then the trains go round and round with little input from me, and if I am so inclined I can go to the Nn3 and switch the yard when I want to fiddle with stuff. With many years of Nn3 experience where we had to make everything I am I think a good mechanic and like fixing Z stuff and adding DCC and ditch lights and this is what running is about to me, I also like making stuff so I have powered numerous Hallmark close to Z Christmas ornaments and creating stuff we can not get in Z. So I have Heavy Weight Coaches made from Hallmark Ornaments, PA diesels, veranda Turbine, UP M10,000 And my own brand of doodlebugs. I have stretched and shortened the Micro Trains Geep chassis. These things I like to run at shows cause it shows a side to Z that is not seen to often. so I promote Road bed track in Z and show 4 different types of which only two are available here.

so for running there is not much difference between Micro Trains and Rokuhan other than what is available in the variety of pieces and that is a personal choice we each have to make based on our local pusher and what we want to do with our track.

Yes I have a connection to Rokuhan when it comes to Roadbed track, but while I may promote Rokuhan, there is little point in turning someone off Micro track if it is more easily available from his or her local hobby shop or internet pusher. I do not intend to replace the Micro trains track I am selling with another brand. I have re purposed what I am going to use and the rest is surplus to my needs.

It's all in stock, has been for awhile. If you dealer is out or not ordering you can contact MTL directly.

Joe

Is Micro-Trains any closer to offering some additional track items? Bumpers, rerailers, short track sections, crossings, etc? I have a bunch of MT track now and it's damn near impossible to come up with any good track plans. I am not opposed to cutting and using flex track, but would prefer to use sectional track on my new layout.

For end of track devices ie bumpers etc and rerailers or road crossings for MTL track
check out NZT prducts at Stonebridge models
here is a link www.stonebridgemodels.com/index.htm?c=nzt

not my business but I know maker and retailer both good Z people

lots of other goodies in this line of detail parts

regards Garth

Yes! I started a new layout and I'm having the same problem Shorter sections of track would be great!. New layout is 32"X72" and I have new bridge I finished but I don't want to use flex track or Cut any of my good track up to make shorter pieces. All my track is Micro Trains track so I do wish they would come up with track crossing, End of track, and some short sections.

I would not advise you to hold your breath waiting for new track pieces from MTL. Hasn't been any new track pieces from MTL in a long time. There is a way to make shorter pieces using MTL sectional track, but I do not have the link.

Jim O'Connell, where is your blurb about shortening MTL sectional track?

I am not opposed to cutting my own track to fit. I will probably end up doing that anyway. But it would be good for the hobby if more sectional track options were available for the newbies. I am also an HO scale modeler and the only sectional track I use are the switches. I have even hand laid some of my own track just for the heck of it. I'm sure that my first Z scale layout will most likely be done before any new track is on the market, but that doesn't change the fact that MTL needs some more track options.

A suggestion for their current line that would help is to mold a part line along the underside of the roadbed where you need to cut to avoid overlap with the switches.

BTW I picked up some of the NZT grade crossings already. Awesome product. Will check out the bumpers next.

I would hate to switch to new track, when I have Micro Train Track, But if I do I think I'll switch to Rokuhan Track. They have track bumpers L42mm, Flex track L330mm, Straight track L25mm, and straight track adjustable 110mm-120mm, even short curved pieces. So they have several different pieces. So MTL get on the right track!!!

www.intermountain-railway.com/distrib/rokuhan/Instantimageof2012Rokuhanful%20lineup.pdf

Hi Loren, You mean buried here in the Archieves or in Ztrack Magazine. I'm not up to snuff on how to navigate here anymore. Maybe someone can 'dig' it out and link it. Jim

The Ztrack Magazine article was in the Jan./Feb. 2008 issue, which I believe is available as a .pdf.

Also, I seem to recall that David K. Smith posted instructions on the Jame River site.

Mark

Here is the link to the back issue. Yes it is available as a PDF download:

www.ztrack.com/issues/issues_08.html

Rob