As far as I know, the tracks have been the same since the beginning of the Z scale (1972). A solution similar to C-track would be great, but no signs of such development has come from Märklin...

/K-G

I know on the yahoogroups for Z scale there has been several discussions of a need for a Kato-like track in Z scale, and Marklin seemed the obvious choice since they have such an investment in the scale to begin with.

Hearing that the track has not changed since 1972 can be read two ways -- one is that it works, is reliable and why change a good thing? Another view would be that the investment in a new track system just is not feasible for the company, because as Charlie indicated, it might be too much of a financial risk. I think Z scale is growing though as a modeller's scale, whereas it might have been more of a novelty or collector's scale in the past.

Of course with the trend in the US being that thanks to firms like Kato, Atlas and LifeLike people are used to very exacting prototypes in running and detail quality in HO and N scales. As long as Marklin makes their US-prototype Z units "a little off" sort of speak, the proto-community will probably not embrace Marklin Z, even with US prototypes.

Marklin seems to market their Z based more on the novelty factor, and leaves the precise detail and design in the world of HO. These are just opinions of course. Marklin would need a detailed, injection molded road-switcher (Maybe a RS-1 or RS-3) in Z with the five pole motor and flywheels -- something designed to pull Microtrains Z rolling stock -- to make a real inroad in the proto-modleing demographic in the United States.

I have tried, for my own sake of curiosity, different molded roadbed tracks in a number of scales. The only brands that I have not actually been able to handle is Fleischmann Profi and RocoLine. Brands I have been able to buy and experiment with include Marklin C track, Kato Unitrack (N scale), Atlas True-Track (HO), S Helper Service S-Trax (S scale) and MTH RealTrax (O scale). In terms of overall best look, The S Helper Service track is the most realistic looking (ballast color, weathered rail), but it does not lay totally flat when all sections are connected. In terms of overall quality and reliability the Marklin C track is the top one. Kato Unitrack follows a close second. MTH is for O scale and is a basic useful track for starter sets. Same with Atlas True-Track, which features removable Code 83 track.

I concur Marklin C track is great, and the plastic material is very good, and less likely damage than Kato when taking apart and putting together. Fleischmann, but photos I have seen, looks interesting, due to the unven and more protopypical edge.

I do think Z would benefit from a quality molded roadbed track.