Ztrains.com: Z Basics

One of the best aspects of Z scale model railroading, aside from the trains themselves, has always been the people and the responsive manufacturers that make up the Z scale community. The sense of new users being welcomed in and the sharing of information has always been a strong suit in Z. The folks at Micro-Trains® Line and Ztrains.com share in the goal of making new users to Z scale feel like there's always an open door for them, no question is too basic.
This is the thinking behind the new Z Basics area of Ztrains.com. Sponsored by Micro-Trains® Line... we look to help Z scale beginners, and those new to model railroading who have chosen to begin in Z, get off to a solid start in this great hobby.

Z Basics will grow into a comfortable place for the Z scale beginner to come to for... yes... the basics. Thanks to Micro-Trains® Line for supporting this effort.

John Cubbin
Ztrains: Z Scale (1:220) Model Train Layouts

Just wondering, why this subject is "Off Topic"?
As I see, this is the most important topic of all times.

Lajos:)

Lajos, It was in Off Topic because John put in there. He probably should have placed in in New to Z Scale. Cheers, Jim CCRR:unsure:

This ought to be a popular topic and is a very good idea, thanks John. Hopefully it will become the direction in which we can point all newbies to without either bombarding them with too much info all at once or having to repeat everything anytime someone new arrives on the scene. And I bet we will all learn something new ourselves, I think only Jim O is the only one who knows it all (just kidding Jimbo!!!) I am very weak on the electrical part of Z as well as the DCC stuff. Is this going to be a site for reference, something you will be adding new information to on a variety of subjects? And will you let us know as more ideas are added? Awesome concept and very much on z track!

Karin, Ha, ha. The main reason I'm moderator here is to learn it all. I've learned so much, but I'm afraid I will never come close to knowing it all. I will leave that for my betters that seem to be about 20 years younger. I'm still trying to remember what I had for breakfast yesterday! John's efforts are to be commended, but we must not forget that there are Z compendiums already in existance that have been around for years. Personally I don't mind answering questions, and I know we have others here that don't mind. The philosophy of ZCS will always lean toward the "reference library" side of things. We often encourage new members to dig in the archieves for answers. This is not the way some folks like to work, so answering questions is ok by me. If someone goes into the Photo Archieves and adds up the total hits on photos I think we would be amazed. No other Z site gets as much play as we do in Photos. I've said before that the different sites offer different things. Postings are down on all the sites. We all, for the good of Z Scale need to help our new members and offer support for everyone. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

Socalz44 wrote:

I'm still trying to remember what I had for breakfast yesterday!

Sorry Jim, but I lay claim to that quote. But if you must use it then I'll go back to my line about leaving my name tag on the pillow so I'll know who I am in the morning.

But other than that...... yes, some folks are willing to "dig" for the information and that is the best way to learn instead of being spoon fed every bite.

I personally don't mind feeding the newbies a bit,(and I don't mean any disrespect using the term "newbie"), I was one once too and not all that long ago, but one must also learn how to feed themselves. I'm not against guiding them along at first, but I will not continue to let someone ride my shirt tale and be too lazy to put in the time and effort that most of us have done in order to get to where we are.

You just can't feel as good about the results and learn the most about the hobby as when you do some time at the research lab..... in this case, the archives.

I well remember the very first posting I did in Yahoo back in 2004. I wrote a short novel and didn't do any indentation or punctuation. I was just scared to death to write anything at all and introduce myself and begin to ask those "stupid questions". I told of my early beginnings into the model train world and once I hit the enter button I waited with some apprehension as to how I would be accepted.

Folks were gracious and forbearing to me, but one in particular had the courage and wisdom to let me know that while he appreciated my short discourse and story, he thought it would behoove me to add more paragraphs instead of letting him wander through my maze of words without knowing where one thought ended and another began.

I may be mistaken, but I think it was Glen Chenier who suggested I put a little bit of punctuation into my writing. I thanked him for his advice and was relieved to find that no one was going to burn my house down for my first foray into the world of Z scale. I continued to make inroads into the world of Z and now I R wun.

No looking back for me. On more than one occasion I've put my foot into my mouth, and had to eat my words, but I've also had a grand time learning and also sharing/teaching.

Is it an honor to be able to "steer" someone in the right direction?.....no, but it is a pleasure to help them learn the ropes and gently guide them into further understanding of the subject material.

Shucks, I am no bean counter, rivet examiner, no expert on DCC, no brain on train history, or many other subjects, maybe just enough knowledge to be dangerous, but I'll say this........the relationships and friendships I've made along the journey are priceless and I cherish each and every exchange with all and with every encounter......especially at train shows and NTS events.

So,final word?.....Yes, bring your novice, untried, uneducated, mistaken ideas, and silly questions, we're here to help each other and encourage and even push each other a little bit from time to time.

I think it safe to say that we all owe each other a debt of thanks for all the help, direction, advice and friendship we find in this thing called Z scale.

Once again,........where did that coupler spring go?
Loren:lol:

As a beginner, I'm already lost. Thanks to John, you guyZ (Jim and Loren) can save some time, and instead of digging up old posts and photos, just graciously direct me to Ztrains.com

Lajos:cheer:

Lajos,
Who you trying to kid there mister? Beginner my eye. You've forgotten more than I've ever learned...........

dummy here,
Loren:blink:

OK, lets re-phrase it. I imagine, as a beginner, reading all the wonderful b.s. you guys can come up with, where can I go? Thanks to John, he does it without the usual spins.

LajosB)

Lajos,
Spins are good sometimes.....keeps things from getting mundane occasionally.
Loren

So, where is this thread going anyway?

Karin, Obviously nowhere. If some members wish to visit other sites more power to them. Lajos is more than welcome put Ztrains.com in his favorites list. This is what makes the US great. Freedom of choice. No one who is uncomfortable here should be here. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

Come on Jim. Z Central Station is my second home. (I'm that filthy bum snoring on the bench in the smoke filled corner.) There is no intention to divert interest from this site, except giving more helping hands to beginners. We should agree, just like in the case of brain transplant, a second opinion helps...

Lajos:)

OK OK. You guys! Jim, this is the best Z Forum, got that? Trainboard is also pretty good. This is THE best place for photos. Check. Lajos, I don't think the role playing did much good but I got the point. Jim, Brad, I don't think you have to worry about this site being forgotten if beginners were to check into John Cubbin's site for basics. I went over to it and the article on radii and track degree was EXCELLENT. You won't find that illustrated that well here or on Trainboard or Z yahoo. No where. I was very impressed (not that it matters to anyone else how I am impressed) and Lajos bookmarking John's site does nothing for the beginner. Reynard mentioned that he put the link to ZBasics on his site. Why would it hurt ZCS to do the same? Maybe like the Classified but a different category. If that costs money then I'll donate Z Points and money to put the link in.

Can't we let differences go by the wayside and acknowledge a piece of work worthy to be made known to newbies? Isn't it all about helping the hobby to grow? Can't we join hands in that effort? I often wonder what is it that I can do to help the hobby to grow. I just wish I had thought of ZBasics first but then again I'm not smart enough to even begin a beginners how-to.

Jim O. you are one of the best modelers I know.
Lajos you are one of the best modelers I know.
John C. you are one of the best modelers I know.
But I love Loren's modeling the best, after all he IS my husband
How about we stop all the kinds of spinning going on and just keep Zinging.

alaska-rr wrote:

"Jim O. you are one of the best modelers I know.
"Lajos you are one of the best modelers I know.
"John C. you are one of the best modelers I know.
"But I love Loren's modeling the best, after all he IS my husband
"How about we stop all the kinds of spinning going on and just keep Zinging.[/quote]

yeah, but you guys out to see what hoops I had to jump through to get her to include me.......even begging wasn't having much effect until I said something about buying her some more ARR rolling stock........now she likes me.

Seriously Karin, we guys don't need stroking, we just need more free time to model.
Anyone else feel that way?
Loren

Karin, You are wrong about one thing. John Cubbins is the BEST modeler we know. As for the rest I agree with you. No one here is jealous about Ztrainbasics I don't know where that is coming from. I agree that the graph even made sense to me. Check in the lower right hand column. We provide a direct, up to the minute link to ZYahooGroup. So it is not a matter of exclusions or inclusions. Really, there is no problem or issues. Earlier I mentioned that Z scale info has been compiled for decades. The work done by Jeffery MacHan and others over the years is priceless. My favorite site for Z info back in the day was: www.zscale.org/ It has a dated look but has the answers. Basically, we want everyone to get Z info anyway they can, anywhere they can. As for adding links, I think that comes under Brad's purview. Cheers, Jim CCRR:)

See Jim? That would be another handy link to have available. Beginners don't necessarily see the links unless they just happen by when they're posted. I guess I'd just like to see an "easy to find" access for someone who is contemplating Z scale but may not want to jump in with questions before perusing what's out there. ZCS would be the perfect place to have all these sites at their fingertips, then maybe they will join in on this forum for backup support. I love tools, just thought it would be great to have a virtual toolbox of tutoring sites. Okay, maybe I'm wrong. I tend to be a dreamer, not a very good leader. Back to the laser for me...