Enjoying moving to Z scale

Hello all!
After moving through all guages for 40 years, I am landing on Z. It is a space saver and I dont mind using my glasses! I am starting in Marklin, and would like some imput on this manufacturer. Also, I am doing steam era Germany. Has one tried the Cortina preformed layout or its additions? Id like to give it a shot and add an addition each year. Happy Holidays! And for all you PRR guys, I grew up near Freeport, PA.

Welcome and know that your not alone. I recently did similar thing coming over to Z after HO & N.
Have more fun in less space.
Cya around

Thanks for the greeting! Are you running DCC or conventional?

airborne7395 wrote: Thanks for the greeting! Are you running DCC or conventional?

I'm keeping it simple with conventional. Matter of fact I'm running a controller that works by both battery or house power.
How about you?
I mainly want the layout so I can travel with it on the open road

All three of the major Z manufacturers offer great products. With the options today, I would consider Marklin trains first and foremost if you wish to run European prototypes. Their selection of European is impressive. They do offer North American prototypes, which range from excellent (GG1 for instance) to okay (their US boxcars). AZL and Micro-Trains are the leads for North American products and offer a great range of products. Also consider products from Full Throttle and InterMountain.

One of the great things of Z is that all products are high quality. Engines run excellent and the rolling stock is quite good.

Rob
www.ztrack.com

Welcome aboard!
I also have worked on HO and N, just starting into Z.
Gave up the HO years ago, but into N scale more now then ever.
I'm building a coffee table layout, 48 inches by 24 inches.

Haven't checked out Full Throttle as yet but suppose that I will before long.

I like the FT cars and have a number of them.
You might also want to check out some of the rolling stock kits from people like Animek, RSLaser and Robert Ray and others I haven't had experience with. If you're into kits, they're a lot of fun to build and while the detail isn't as fine as injection-molded plastic, with a bit of work, they can look quite nice.

Mark

markm wrote: I like the FT cars and have a number of them.
You might also want to check out some of the rolling stock kits from people like Animek, RSLaser and Robert Ray and others I haven't had experience with. If you're into kits, they're a lot of fun to build and while the detail isn't as fine as injection-molded plastic, with a bit of work, they can look quite nice.

Mark

I might have to do that. I've built a few of Rich's kits (RSLaser).

Airbone, I built and sceniced the Cortina for a fellow earlier this year. There is a ton of wiring to make it all work. Is it worth it to have one made for you in Germany? Only if you have $10,000 to spend. Otherwise I would say that wiring is a very necessary skill for any of these preforms. Jim

markm wrote: I like the FT cars and have a number of them.
You might also want to check out some of the rolling stock kits from people like Animek, RSLaser and Robert Ray and others I haven't had experience with. If you're into kits, they're a lot of fun to build and while the detail isn't as fine as injection-molded plastic, with a bit of work, they can look quite nice.

Mark

Mark, you can not go wrong with Robert Ray's kits. This is especially true with his rolling stock kits. Not for absolute beginners, but if you have any building experience and good hands/eyes and can follow directions and paint well, then you have winners for sure. Seen many of Robert's cars. They are tops. Go get some

Loren,
I fully agree...that's why I bought them from you.
Mark

markm wrote: I like the FT cars and have a number of them.
You might also want to check out some of the rolling stock kits from people like Animek, RSLaser and Robert Ray and others I haven't had experience with. If you're into kits, they're a lot of fun to build and while the detail isn't as fine as injection-molded plastic, with a bit of work, they can look quite nice.

Mark

I've checked out those FT cars and I agree nice looking stock. If they roll as well as they look were in business.
And the Gon's will fit my scheme
The Kits I'm afraid are beyond my abiilities; way to small.
As is I'm going to attempt to detail a GP 35. Should be interesting, I've done several in N scale but this will be my first in z scale