
Since then, these problems have been solved, Z scale has embraced advanced electronics (e.g., microprocessors originally developed for cell phones, surface-mount technology, etc.), and an increasing number of modellers have converted their locomotives to use third party digital model train control systems. However, the technology was not developed enough, and the manufacturer had to cancel these plans, mainly due to heat dissipation problems in locomotive decoders. While prices were initially higher for Z scale products (particularly locomotives) compared with those available in larger scales, as volume production, computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques, and the number of competing manufacturers increased, prices have come down to a point comparable to those of high-quality models in other scales.Īs early as 1988, Märklin announced their intention to offer digital train control systems in Z scale, and Märklin's 1988 Z scale product catalog listed three locomotives with a built-in digital decoder. Z scale enthusiasts throughout Europe, North America, and Japan participate regularly at most national and regional model railroad exhibitions and shows, where they have demonstrated the outstanding operation and layout design characteristics of the scale. There are now also manufacturers in North America and Japan and China, among others. Z scale, at its inception, was predominantly a European scale, but it has an increasing number of followers in other parts of the world. In 1978, a Märklin Z scale locomotive pulling six coaches made its entry into the Guinness Book of World Records by running nonstop for 1,219 hours, and travelling a distance of 720 km (450 mi) before the train stopped due to failure of the motor. Originally running on 8 V DC, track voltage was increased to 10 V DC around the year 2000. While there have been attempts since then to bring even smaller scales to the market, they remain niche products without a wider following – the largest market being T gauge (1:450, 3 mm ( 0.118 in) gauge), designed in Japan and manufactured in China. The letter Z was chosen to designate the new scale, its place as the last character of the German and English alphabets signaling the thought that there would never be a smaller commercial model railway scale. It was the brainchild of Helmut Killian, Märklin's head design engineer at the time. Z scale was introduced by the German model train manufacturer Märklin in 1972 at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. The entire engine is only 50 mm (1.97 in) long. The sugar-cube sized electric motor in a Z scale model locomotive. Model trains, track, structures, and human/animal figures are readily available in European, North American, and Japanese styles from a variety of manufacturers. Locomotives can be fitted with digital decoders for independent control. Introduced by Märklin in 1972, Z scale trains operate on 0–10 volts DC and offer the same operating characteristics as all other two-rail, direct-current, analog model railways. Z scale is one of the smallest commercially available model railway scales (1:220), with a track gauge of 6.5 mm / 0.256 in. ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)ġ,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1⁄ 2 in) standard gauge ( July 2012) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)


Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. NOTE: This layout was discontinued in 2018.This article includes a list of general references, but it remains largely unverified because it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. EXCLUSIVE! z-scale track plan provided in ENGLISH!! z.scale.hobo is the ONLY dealer in the world offering an English version of Noch's track plan.

Finished photo shows the optional speed controllers (Noch 88162), but they are not included. Simply insert isolator joiners between the inner loop and the outer loop and you have two isolated track circuits. Click for detail page Z Scale Noch 87080 Tessin Preformed Layout Boardĭescription: Ready to add scenery and tracks, this pre-formed layout board is also perfectly sized for a small end table or a briefcase.
