I model SBB/BLS in both HO and Z scales.
I've been into Z since the early 90s and returned to HO in 2005 when I retired from the USAF.
Needless to say, I have collected a lot of Z in 15 years. It was just the right size when I was in military aircrew housing in Germany.
I knew quite a few German Nationals that worked on base and they belonged to a club where each member built a module/doriama so when they met each member would put their piece together with the other members and run their trains.
Now I live in Southern California and there is a group "Zo Cal" but they run American prototype but always ask me to bring my Swiss trains.
I've been building a small layout that I can take to train shows but it's still a work in progress.
I also belong to European Train Enthusiasts www.ete.org and they accept all scales but mostly HO.

Rob

I just picked it up on a whim on Craigslist. I occasionally search for märklin on there, and I bought this from a doctor who said he'd had plans to build a giant z scale empire but never did.

The transformer is 220 with a us plug adapter so it only puts out about 4v dc on the track. Additionally I think the loco needs some lubrication, at first it does not want to move and when it does it is fairly loud. Any tips?

In gauge 0 I collect tinplate, and in 1/G I have European prototype, us standard gauge, and Colorado narrow gauge stuff, so depending on my mood, it is like 3 layouts in my garden. My daughter likes to mix them all together which can be fun too.