I've done a search on yahoo, and looked through stuff like the Z web ring and Ztracks website, but have not found anyone (like Viessmann of sommerfeldt) that make z gauge catenary wire - so far as I can see.
I was wondering if marklin was the only choice so far in Z?

Marklin's wire is kind of klunky/big, so I am curious if there is a better option out there?

Try FR out of Germany. FR offers a line of Swiss prototype catenary for Z scale. It is very detailed, but it is non functioning. FR also offers a line of catenary based on the narrow gauge RhB in Switzerland. Their web site is:

http://www.fr-model.de/

Rob Kluz

Micro-Trains is looking to expand their track line. Turnouts are due out in 2006. The track systems is very nice. It looks great and goes together very nicely. I doubt they will be offering catenary. There is just not enough electrified roads in the US to justify a catenary release to go with their track system (note the US is MTL's primary market).

Rob Kluz

Yes, Marklin Z catenary is much too large. The stainless steel does not look good on a layout. It distracts from the trains since your eye tends to look at the shiny over head and not the trains. I started blackening my catenary wire. The photo below shows the difference. The wires in the front are blackened. The wires behind have not been done yet.



In this overhead shot, you can see the wires starting in the station going back are blackened. The wire upfront are still stainless.



I think the look of the blackened wires really improve the appearance of the trains. I have posted an article on how I blacken the wires on my web site:
http://www.ztrack.com/as...rticles/improvedcat.html

The best part is that the blackened wires still conduct electricity so you can run your trains off of the overhead. I only wish Marklin would do this at the factory.

Rob Kluz