Ed’s been in touch with his tiny model railroad layout – a z scale Santa Fe.
“I really like and enjoy seeing the pictures in stages from start to finish.
My train room is planned for layouts of various sizes… z, n, ho,s,o and g. Presently I am working on my z gauge layout with one outside loop down and a second inside one started that connects to to the outside one.
I plan a mountain with tunnel and waterfall into a river then a small lake.
Also roads with vehicles, town, industrial area and farm. It will have trees, bushes, rocks and grass plus people and animals and hopefully some led lighted buildings and telephone poles.
I have included a picture of the beginning of my Z scale Santa Fe layout.
Notice that the tracks on this layout make up large size loops. So I will have a nice large track layout for my z scale trains to run on.
I have been looking at a complete z gauge Santa Fe train set with everything to run it and it’s freight train cars and that is likely the one I will buy at micro-trains web site.
Then test run the whole train on the loop one tracks. After that add loop 2, elevated area in the middle of loops 1/2 with another track up there. Add a mountain with waterfall into a river and small lake with a fisherman.
3 side tracks will be on the elevated section with parked train cars plus engine shed, roads, town, industrial area and farm with fence/ barn/farm house/farm animals.
Also trees, bushes, rocks and likely telephone poles.
There will also be a freight station on loop 2 and a passenger station on loop 1.
Ed/Dad”
I know there’s not much to Ed’s layout at the mo – but that’s the whole point. That’s why I post these pics. It’s all about starting.
Every layout, at one point, looked like a rat’s nest of wires, tools and mess. Please don’t be put off by that – roll your sleeves up, keep calm and carry on.
Ed has written lots about his plans, but more importantly, he’s started.
If you’ve been planning a layout, when are you going to start?
“Hi Al,
Attached is a photo of a little diesel servicing depot I put together recently as an interchangeable corner module for a club layout.
The fuelling point is a Knightwing kit, the oil tank Wills, the shed I know little about, as we were given it used.
The locos are a cut-down cab class 03 for the Burry Port and Gwendraeth line which had low bridges, and on the right a Q Kits Ruston PWM651.
Rod”
“Hi Al…
Done a few small changes as shown and a bit of a running session, have heard through the grapevine that I have a new Loco on its way… fingers crossed …will show when and if it arrives…
This is my latest video showing the changes…
Regards
Dave”
A big thanks to Dave, Rod and to Ed for sharing his Z scale Santa Fe.
That’s all for today folks.
And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if today is the day you start your model railway journey.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
It’s nice to finally see a z-scaler here. Can’t wait to see the progress on your layout.
Dave
Once again you have made a significant improvement to your layout. Opening it up and having the long sweeping curves has added a sense of realism and scale to the layout. It proves less is more. Less clutter/buildings etc has brought a very good layout to a great layout. Keep up the good works and thanks for posting your newsletters and videos.
Colin Edinburgh
Great start Ed- keep us updated along the way!
I like it best when you run trains !
It is good to see some Z Scale for a change and I would like to see more.
I only recently started in Z Scale (after 65-years in O, HO, and N). I am enjoying experimenting with small layouts at the moment and am planning to eventually have a layout centered around yard and mainline operation. I am planning a small Christmas layout for Christmas. It is to be a centerpiece on the dining room table.
Great job it gives lot of ideas.
Question for Dave. Do all of the lights in your neighborhood dim when you turn on your train layout.
Ed, I’ve been considering an N scale layout, but you’ve got me thinking about z scale. Can’t wait to see your layout come together, keep us posted please. Rod, I had to do a double take, your photo looked very real, especially the trees and grass. Nice job! Cary in KY
Thanks for sharing your ideas, great to see Z gauge being used. Is it hard to work models and scenery in that size?
Very inspiring, I planned & planned mine & one day I read, “Just lay some track & get started. Don’t let doubt & fear get in the way.” Mine is a garden RR so, my tunnels are rocks & concrete but I still think the guys who do foam & paper mache do an inspiring job & looks more a lot more interesting.
A Question for Dave:
Where did you get that big suspension bridge in the rear of the layout? It’s spectacular and I’m wondering whether it was scratch-built or came in kit form. Information on the manufacturer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Terry/USA
What is the table size for the ‘z” gauge layout?
Good to see you making a start Ed. Looking forward to seeing progress reports.