I hope that someone can see this message as it's my first attempt. I've had to try and figure out how to post a general message, ie. (not private).

I enjoy Z-gauge and have a small amount, (my stuff is mostly 'N')but I do have a few issues with 'Z'. Firstly, I have experienced an 80% failure rate of locomotives. The worst was the DB V200 diesel; four attempts to buy one that worked, all unsuccessful, still no V200. I became so fed-up with 'Z' that I left it alone for about 3 years. All dodgy locomotives were purchased new and all returns were honoured without question by the dealer, which was a great relief as I felt sure that my credibility must have been in doubt after 4 attempts to get a V200. Each loco lasted about 20 minutes; never to work again.

My questions are;

1. POINTS Why don't Marklin make self isolating 'Z' points? Currently my layout is temporary and I don't want wires and switches all over the board. This is soon to change to a permanent, but small, (could it be otherwise), layout and for simplicity, I would still prefer manual self isolating points. Is there something that can be done to the standard points?

2. TRACTION I too experience very poor traction in my 'Z' locos. The two Crocodiles are absoluteley hopeless and can only manage about 4 or 5 low sided flat bed trucks on the flat. The Croc. should be able to pull 30 large trucks without trouble. Gradients? No, no, no; no gradients. What's going on? How come Marklin make such a poor product? Traction tyres would sureley sort this out? I have read about Bullfrog Snot elsewhere in this forum and whilst it sounds a bit crude, I think it's worth a go.

3. STRINGS Maybe some well connected contributors could lean on Marklin, pull strings and scratch backs?

Regards; Mahoose