Central Vermont Railroad Article
Z Scale Model Railroad
The Z-scale Model Railroad was introduced by Märklin, a German model train designer and manufacturer. At a scale of 1:22, it was designed to be the smallest model train ever and very cleverly named the ‘Z’ scale to prove the point that there could be no other model on a scale smaller than this. ‘Z’ was the chosen alphabet because it is the last alphabet in the German language just as it is in the English language. As it turned out, the model was very appropriately named as it is till now the smallest commercially available model railroading scale. However, the Z Scale Model Railroad never did gain as much popularity as the OO and HO scale models, which are highly sought after.
One of the major reasons that the Z scale Model Railroad is not so popular is because of problems arising from its diminutive size and low weight. A typical engine of this model weighed as little as 20 grams, which is far less than 1 oz. Gravity did not have the desired effect on an engine that was so light. This created a problem when the light-weight Z scale train approached a curve. It was not capable of staying on the rails when it was swerving and derailing turned out to be a significant problem.
Another problem that arose was that the reduced weight of this model did not give the locomotive wheels enough traction even when ascending slopes that had grades as low as 2%, which is a grade that other scales would have maneuvered effortlessly. Compare this with the N Scale model, which can very easily climb a 5% track grade. Rubble, pebbles and dirt also created problems for the Z Scale Model Railroad and it had to be dusted regularly and its tracks cleared every so often. What’s more, the tracks tended to get corroded and oxidized, which caused a lot of problems in the performance of the Z Scale Model Railroad.
All in all, its really small size is one of the best features of the Z Scale Model Railroad. A fully working detail, all-inclusive Z Scale Model Railroad Layout –power included- can easily fit on top of a large-size briefcase. It is for this reason that many model railroad exhibits prefer using the Z Scale Model for constructing exact scale historical models of existing locations. The working details and the small size are perfect for covering the full city block without occupying the whole floor space.
The inherent problems caused by the lack of weight can either be solved by adding some weight externally to the train cars as well as to the train or by purchasing models constructed of metal, which are by themselves heavier than the plastic models.
The Z Scale Model Railroad is till now being seen more as an item of curiosity since it does have more disadvantages rather than advantages. It is also much more expensive because of the precision and detailing involved in its manufacture. Whatever its pros and cons, the Z Scale Model Railroad is a fully functional, legitimate scale model railroad.
