Track question

I am starting a z layout with Marklin starter set. Does anyone know if I can connect Marklin ;flex track with Peco flex track. I am not sure of the rail codes? Or if there will be elevation problems.

Yes, you can mix Marklin and Peco track very easily. They are basically the same dimensions. One thing, don't use the Marklin 'flex' track. The Peco flex is much better and more of a true flex track. I do use the long sections of the Marklin track for straight aways, but for flex, I use the Peco.

Rob

Thanks Rob, I will order some peco flex track!!

Tom, I suppose it is all well and good to order Peco flex track. If you don't mind I would like to know your reasons for not ordering the industry standard here in North America, MTL flex track? Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

Jim, I wouldn't quite call the MTL industry standard. The big complaint with MTL flex is that the track sections are too short. Peco is a much better match to the Marklin track system which was specific to the question. The MTL flex track does have the best memory in the market, but the short sections and the different rail profile does require a bit more work to mate with Marklin track sections. Again, Peco is more native.

I don't think anyone will argue that we would all love to see MTL track sections in 36" length sections, but the 12.5" sections require much more work to get the same result when using the 36" sections of the Peco. Frankly, Peco has been the standard for Z as long as I can remember.

Rob

Rob, True, Peco has been around as long as you remember. I've never seen a piece in my hand. That said, I'm in agreement with you that MTL flex is woefully short. My LHS carries only MTL flex and sell Marklin Starters. They just laughed when I mentioned Peco a year or so ago. No arguement here, just MY observation of things on the Left Coast. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

Jim,

Where I live, in South New Jersey, hobby shops that are still open, do not carry any Z scale. They have HO and N. So I have to do my shopping on the internet. The only hobby store with Z scale is about 70 miles north. I could not find any MTL flex track so I am going with Marklin or Peco now. I plan to solder the track connections like I did on my N scale layout. Maybe you could point me in the right direction for turnouts. Beside Marklin who else makes them without the attached roadbed.
I thank you both for the help,

Tom

Tom, I'm also in South Jersey, so I hear you. Actually, I'm surprised that any brick and mortar shops carry Z scale any more; the market is so small that the inventory must be thick with dust, if anyone has it. Of the shops I've known to carry Z, they've all dropped it; and many of the other shops I have visited are now closed. Z scale really has become such a niche product that I anticipate a time when it will exist almost entirely within the realm of the Internet.

Tom, Check this link out: www.wrightturnouts.com/
These turnouts are compatible with Marklin, Peco, and MTL. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

There's one hobby shop I know of that usually has Z, but it's out in PA about an hour away from me (Central Jersey) on Rt.33 off I-78. Not exactly close, but I'm occasionally out in the area and have a chance to swing past on the way out or back.

I think I know which shop you guys are talking about, though- it's up by Newark, right? I've never been there but it came up in a few Google results. I haven't checked it out yet mostly because I really, really hate the roads up in North Jersey- one wrong turn and it can take 20 minutes to get back on course. Maybe some time when I have to run someone up to the airport I'll check the place out.

silentargus wrote:

There's one hobby shop I know of that usually has Z, but it's out in PA about an hour away from me (Central Jersey) on Rt.33 off I-78. Not exactly close, but I'm occasionally out in the area and have a chance to swing past on the way out or back.

Do you mean London Bridge Collector's Toys?

16 South Third Street
Emmaus, PA 18049

www.londonbridgetoys.com/

They used to be so big into Z that they commissioned custom rolling stock from FR. But I hear they're cutting back.

As an aside... that's three of us so far in New Jersey. Anyone else?

This place. The Z was in a vertical display case (locked, of course) in the back of the store last time I was there, but the fact that they had an entire case- even if it wasn't a very big one- was impressive enough. There was also a huge selection of parts and materials for scratchbuilding and repairing R/C planes and such, some of which looked like it could be easily repurposed.

Of course, this *was* a couple years ago, so take that with a grain of salt. I'd planned on dropping by next time I go shooting at the Easton range, since it's in the same general area, but haven't had a chance to get away in the last few weeks.

BTW, one aspect of choosing turnouts like those made by Peter Wright is that they don't have a control mechanism built in for controlling the switch. You need to add either some manual mechanism or something like a under mounted switch machine. I chose to go with the manual approach (see mysite.verizon.net/saundebn1/designconstructm2.htm#wright for more on my approach) but I think that a switch machine could be the more trouble free approach.

Brad, looks nice, I see that Fast Tracks is making these days such a manual control. What do you think?
How much do Peter Wright turnouts go for these days? His site doesn't say.

I got my turnouts from Peter back over three years ago ... back then they were going for $29 apiece and having bought 24 of them it was quite an investment

They have been in the $30's for the past 2 years and he STILL does not take PP or credit cards. He prefer's wire transfers (most banks charge $15-$30 for this) or a simple check. He does not charge a currency conversion fee either. Just be patient though if you don't get an immediate response via e-mail.

You may want to consider hand laying the turnouts. After your first one, the rest go fast and it pays for itself after a few. In addition to Fast Tracks www.handlaidtrack.com/index-2.php, you may also want to consider Proto87 site www.proto87.com/z-scale-track.html. Andy offers pre-cast frogs and cut+ground points to additionally simplifiy the work. All you need is the bulk rail and ties from him.

Proto87 also has manual and a new motor throw that is MUCH smaller than the Tortoise: www.proto87.com/switch-machine-turnout-controls.html

makotom01 wrote:

Jim,

Where I live, in South New Jersey, hobby shops that are still open, do not carry any Z scale.

Hi Tom, welcome the the Z scaler' trauma. Myself I'm purchasing 99% of my stuff online and I bet I'm not alone!

About turnouts if you want an alternative to Marklin's and to roadbedded MTL's you may try Peter Wright's. www.wrightturnouts.com

The website is very basic but it works.

Myself I stick to Wright's turnouts and I do love them. Very aesthetic (no ugly side mechanism - you have to set an undertable mechanism) and very reliable (power routing technology that allows flawless crawling on the frog).

Dom