 Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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I'm looking for suggestions as to what I should be looking out for by way of Z scale vehicles for my layout?
Until recently, I had some cars I'd found on ebay. They were inexpensive, and not too disagreeable once the flash had been removed from the mouldings and a few details picked out in contrasting paint, but at 1:200 they were overscale and I wasn't happy with how they looked on the layout.
I've since replaced them with Marklin 8904 which once cleaned up, resprayed and detailed look pretty good. I also found an old 8903 set of commercial vehicles which, given the same treatment, had added dome useful variety to the road traffic.
Doing a bit of digging around on the internet, it seems that these two sets were actually manufactured by Noch (or at least use Noch tooling) and Noch used to manufacture a few different Z Scale models, alas no longer available.
I'm hoping someone here can suggest other manufacturers who have made Z scale vehicles in the past? I suspect Viking used to, maybe others, but any names would be helpful so I can keep an eye out for anything that might crop up used on ebay.
Thanks and take care
Chris
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 1 user liked this useful post by Poor Skeleton
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 Joined: 02/10/2013(UTC) Posts: 844 Location: West Texas
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Hello
What kind of models are you looking for your layout? European (EU), English? What era are you modeling?
The Marklin and Noch vehicles are highly detailed and scaled right. Sometimes, you can see right thru the plastic.
I am modeling German/European and I have a few of the Marklin and many more Noch trucks/delivery vehicles etc. I have really found the metal z vehicles from the EU a great addition with a variety of models including tanks, tractors, delivery vehicles and autos from many different era’s represented. They usually start at about $8 on EBay. I could recommend you consider purchasing a few to see what you think. User is csikape which lists from England and simonartz from Germany. Shipping can add a bit to the cost, I usually get two because shipping is the same. A few things, no rolling wheels, windows are painted in, lights cannot be added, and each is handmade and might not be as exact as you would like. Remember, these are viewed from a distance.
To me, when added to the layout, they look pretty good and stay in place when working on or cleaning up your track.
Best wishes.
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Joined: 15/09/2014(UTC) Posts: 684 Location: London
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Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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Thanks very much for the replies. I'm familiar with neither csikape, nor Trafofuchs and they do seem to have some interesting items. I particularly liked the market stalls that Trafofuchs are offering. I wonder if there is space on my layout for a few of those?
My layout is set in Europe (Spain to be precise) in contemporary times. As for what I'm looking for, I'm not entirely sure - it's very much a case of "I'll know when I see it". However some delivery trucks would be a nice addition - the Noch 4737 set would fit in nicely, but I can't find one anywhere!
Thanks again, all the best
Chris
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Joined: 18/11/2017(UTC) Posts: 166 Location: California, East Bay
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Hi Chris, I'm in the same boat keeping an eye out for vehicles and other items that match the Era 1 of my layout. Considering the small size of Z scale, the amount of detail that the vehicles should have is an interesting question and I think is influenced by the overall size of the layout (much more difficult/time consuming to have fine detail modelling on a relatively large layout) and the tolerance for lack of detail of the layout builder. I have found this German Z scale specific Trainini magazine quite helpful since it shows a lot of the various products available in Z scale, many from small specialized manufacturers: Trainini MagazineHope this helps. Ralph. |
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Joined: 18/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,404
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Marklin and Piko era 4 SNCB , Marklin wagons
Wiking model car Fan
Faller fan including car system
Instagram: marklin1978
Wiking fan
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Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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Originally Posted by: Bahner  Hi Chris, I'm in the same boat keeping an eye out for vehicles and other items that match the Era 1 of my layout. Considering the small size of Z scale, the amount of detail that the vehicles should have is an interesting question and I think is influenced by the overall size of the layout (much more difficult/time consuming to have fine detail modelling on a relatively large layout) and the tolerance for lack of detail of the layout builder. I have found this German Z scale specific Trainini magazine quite helpful since it shows a lot of the various products available in Z scale, many from small specialized manufacturers: Trainini MagazineHope this helps. Ralph. I am a firm advocate of the "view from a distance" philosophy, but I also like to do my best to make my models bear closer examination. Here, for example, are some cars and vans from the Marklin 8903/8904s set I re-sprayed, decorated and "weathered". [img]  [/img] The link that Carim posted to the TrafoFuchs website might be of interest to you - they seem to have some early era models, and their shipping charges to the US are very reasonable, too. Warm regards to everyone! Chris
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3 users liked this useful post by Poor Skeleton
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Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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Originally Posted by: danmarklinman Thanks for the information. I particularly like the look of those Noch Postal vehicles! All the best! Chris
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1 user liked this useful post by Poor Skeleton
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Joined: 28/12/2015(UTC) Posts: 26
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 Joined: 20/02/2017(UTC) Posts: 298 Location: Flanders!
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Joined: 28/12/2015(UTC) Posts: 26
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You could also contact Alvaro Cortez (alvaro_mcortez@hotmail.com) and ask for his list of vehicles. The list that I have is from 2017 and runs to 4 sides of A4.
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Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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Thanks for all the helpful suggestions - I'll check them out.
I have to say I have avoided 3D printed items as I don't trust my own painting. However, as I am repainting and "detailing" the Marklin items, you could point out this is a pretty empty excuse!
Thanks again
Chris
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 Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,594 Location: Spain
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Originally Posted by: Poor Skeleton I am a firm advocate of the "view from a distance" philosophy, but I also like to do my best to make my models bear closer examination. Here, for example, are some cars and vans from the Marklin 8903/8904s set I re-sprayed, decorated and "weathered". Absolutely excellent! |
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Joined: 09/04/2019(UTC) Posts: 565 Location: California, Bay Area
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Joined: 09/10/2015(UTC) Posts: 584 Location: England, Cambridge
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Originally Posted by: husafreak https://jmc-scalemodels.blogspot.com/ Thanks very much! Suddenly it seems I'm spoilt for choice!
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