Hello. I think your layout is fantastic and will provide a lot of action in a compact space.

I have always liked the idea of adding a transfer table to my layout but just have not been able to spring for one yet. I like that they seem a bit more compact than the roundhouse. That is just my take in comparing the two. I just don’t seem to be able to find space for either one. Of course if there is the space in your plan for it, a roundhouse is a great addition.

Sorry I have no experience with digital, but one day I might get into it. Beginning in April 2018, Trainini started with a series of articles about digital which may confirm what you know or have already learned about it. Here is a link to this first issue and part 1: (open and scroll down till you find it.)

https://www.raildig.com/...trainini-int-2018-04.pdf

Here is the link to archived Trainini issues which will help you to move thru all of the discussions in 2018.

https://www.raildig.com/...ction/trainini-magazine/

I believe Trainini may have completed their articles in December of that year but you can check to see if other articles were published after that.
It is always interesting to review the back issues anyway.

Sorry, this may be all which I can contribute to your questions. Specific questions about a digital component might need to be directed to the manufacturers website or a forum specific to the particular piece. You will likely find some help. Vendors can help too.

It seems like you have a great project ahead of you, keep us in the loop.

Take good care and best wishes


Dwight

Hello Ricinport,

Thank you for the interesting post about your z scale adventures so please keep us posted on your journey! I’m quite sure there are quite a few z scaler lurkers on this forum so keep the posts coming!

I remember when I was in elementary school I saw my first z scale layout and that was most likely 1974! I was really surprised at how small it was and what could be achieved in such a small space. Now that it’s 2021 there’s so much available and the possibilities, makes me want to join in the fun.

Hello. Thanks for your comment.

I can tell you, significant improvements and enhancements have come to the Z Scale hobby since you first considered it, 20 years ago. I am sure others modeling scales would make the same observation. You are correct, the digital world has come, even to some of our smallest z scale locomotives. I recently saw a digital nano module installed in the V260, buffer to buffer this engine is only 5 cm. The model is so small, lights were never added to it, but now it is digital. The user admitted some grinding to the shell was necessary, and that is not for everyone. Still it does show the progress being made by Z Scale modelers.

There was a time when Marklin was the only maker and now there are at least two other mainstream makers, in American company and the other from Japan. Marklin had never had so many models, and frequently an American locomotive is still in production. Details and internals have improved to their line, and this makes them well accepted by their appreciative buyers. Digital modules for z are offered by a number of vendors including Zimo, Doehler & Haas, and others. Twenty years ago, there were just a few companies modeling structures in z scale, Marklin, Kibri, Vollmer, and Faller. I believe with these makers, you could likely purchase 8 or more different strain stations. Now, laser cut models are produced by a number of new vendors, Archistories and Laffont offer more unique and varied buildings. Of course these makers still offer a number of train stations. Modelplant and Luetke have also been in the market with their plastic model offerings. More vendors now offer track some with roadbed.

Yes, it is not uncommon for hobby venders to offer American made locomotives and convince a buyer to stay in that market. Marklin might not offer as many American locomotives, but I can just mention a few of their models over the years.

F7s
GG1
2-6-0 Mogul
New York Central streamliner
Casey Jones steam locomotive
Gp 35
Mikado 2-8-2s
E8A and B. I likely forgot to mention a number of other equally important models, but you get the idea.

Marklins problem is that not all of these examples are in current production. Some are, but others can only be found in the secondary market. Stateside vendors have a hard time selling only one or two models in a given year, so encourage buyers to stick with something known. I can appreciate that recommendation. Perhaps there is also the thought that z scales is not well supported and Marklin may end production at any time. I think I have heard this since 1972, but they are still here with no thought of leaving the z market to others.

If you are not really into American Railroad locomotives, well, European locomotives are the Marklin specialty. There are so many models, you can afford to buy them all. It is not unusual with so many models in production, different locations are tried and sometimes quality suffers. It is important to remember, many in Z commend their in house service and repairs. It may take a while, but the problem will be correctly solved.

Yes Marklin models in Z are expensive but they last with a normal amount of care. I am still rolling a BR 216 which I purchased in about 1985. I am certain others in z could make the same observation.

If you think you might be interested, there are many starter sets available for a modest price. I have heard of Spur1 collectors having a z scale track on their layout to replicate a garden railroad for that scale.

I hope I have not bored you with this long winded reply.

Best wishes with your hobby. It’s it great?

Dwight

Edited by user 10 April 2021 22:40:26(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi That is a good point. Not all of the Marklin Americasn Z models are made completely inhouse.

Thanks

Best wishes.

Dwight

@husafreak
More interesting information - there's a lot here to learn.
I've already damaged one loco which now only runs in one direction at maximum speed.
A Google search is very thin on the ground (no pun intended), but I reckon I short-circuited it.

I have the Digikeijs set at 1 amp.

I am already researching circuit protectors.

Thanks for the forum link.

Do you think that would just be the decoder?

That didn't occur to me. (I'm a bit green to this). I can always return it to it's DC state.
Having said that I have a feeling this one had some soldered wires running from the decoder so it's more than just unscrewing it but I've little to lose.