Z Scale Switching Ops?
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- My first foray into trying out switching operations in Z scale. This works better than I thought it would. I find that a small Phillips head screw driver works the best for uncoupling the cars, and overweighting them makes them couple easier and makes them less likely to come off the rails during uncoupling.
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Z scale operations? What is this crazy new world we live in? 😅 Thanks for the demonstration.
Thanks for the tip on the philips head screw driver for uncoupling. Can't wait to see that Z scale switching layout get built. Thanks for also sharing how you added weight to the cars.
GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖
Thank you 4 testing, now i know what i need.
good to know a phillips works better for uncoupling in Z, than a flat head. I have been using a small dagger shaped piece of brass on the end of a swizzle stick which was better than a flat head screw driver. My cars have some additional weight with body mount couplers and metal wheel sets Thanks for this
I'm in the process of building a z scale switching shelf layout. My biggest obstacle to overcome was converting my AZL GP7 to MTL couplers (it's possible with some simple modifications). I use a trimmed down bamboo skewer as an uncoupling too. It's also handy for when I need to tap the locomotive to get it going again when it stalls. Keeping the rails and engine wheels/contacts clean is essential!
Thanks for the phillips head screwdriver tip. I will try that on my n scale.
I've used a Philips small screw driver for more than 25 years as an uncoupling tool in HO scale.
Yeah, I’ve always used a flat head and then tried a Phillips and was surprised how much better it worked. You do have to have just the right size though. But works great if you get the size right for your scale.
Cool stuff!
Steve, I have a lot of Z Scale cars, I find changing to metal wheels really helps with operations...
I’m sure. It helps in N scale. I need to pick up a box to replace all those wheels on the micro trains cars.
Hi Steve! This was every fine test. It will help me to improve my z-scale layout for switching. Thanks.
As I commented on the earlier short, I use a Rix N scale uncoupling tool. I do think you could 3D print an uncoupling tool as well. I printed a tool that helps me push the MT truck pins into my 3D printed cars, so there would be options for making your own uncoupler. Looking forward to seeing if you build a Z switching layout. You've got me thinking about that for a future project.
Totally agree. I’m currently building a Z layout for both switching and continuous running, and the scale works very well for those purposes.
Shut up and take my money!!!! Just loving the videos you’re making on Z scale. Thanks for sharing.
Great video! I love railyards & switching, and z scale seems to be the way to go!
Thanks for this video!👍👍
The Phillips head is my go to uncoupling tool for n scale, and it also works in HO
I'm also working on a Z switching layout so many thanks for the tips.
Very interesting Steve -- I never thought switching in Z would be feasible. Still, I don't think my aging eyes are up to the task. ;-)
Or, you could stick a fork in your eye, if you would like something less painful.
I love Z scale, but I am not sure I would give Z scale operations a try. I am looking forward to see how this goes for you.
Yeah, that would just save a lot of effort, hassle, and frustration!
Do you have a video of changing the couplers on the AZL to the Micro-Trains. What part numbers and how too. I'm really new to this hobby as an adult. Many years ago me and my dad had a N scale layout that was a lot of fun. I have limited living space so I'm setting up a Z scale 2'x4' layout. I have rokuhan track and a BN AZL engine and caboose with 4 pieces of AZL rolling stock. Thanks
I haven’t thus far changed any couplers on any of the rolling stock.
OK... I've been HO in the past, now N, but I guess that i will have to go shopping...
Next up. T scale? lol
Uh... I do it in T. Hands-off. With automation. Admittedly, I use a linear motor drive instead of conventional propulsion. ruclips.net/video/JDTnPqq-rGk/видео.html
Hey Steve , hope all is well. I had a dumb question. So I came upon a glass top coffee that has a big drawer to fit a layout underneath the glass, it's 18 by 43. Now my question is with bachman track , is the width of 18 inches big enough to fit in a classic oval track ? I wasn't sure ...still learning
Hey Steve , hope all is well. I had a dumb question. So I came upon a glass top coffee that has a big drawer to fit a layout underneath the glass, it's 18 by 43. Now my question is with bachman track , is the width of 18 inches big enough to fit in a classic oval track ? I wasn't sure ...still learning . Oh and I'm talking n scale
No, I don’t think so because it is probably 9 3/4” radius or something like that, so the outside diameter will actually be closer to 21”.
You can get Kato track with 8.5” radius curves that might just fit or even 7” radius, however.
Hi Steve where did you buy your z and t scale sets from?
ztrackcenter.com and uszscale.com
Steve, I know this is Z scale, but have you had any experieince with the decoupling magnets in N scale, it seems its way easier to use the decoupler magnets than reach accross the layout.
Yeah, I’ve tried them in N scale. They work pretty well for uncoupling. The main issue is unintended uncoupling, which I had a problem with in Z scale too (and HO). Not as much of a problem for a small switching layout, but more of an issue on a mainline. probably the best way to go would be to use electromagnets or regular magnets that can be raised or lowered so they are only active when you want them to be. Obviously more work to install, however.
Can you convert or replace the coupling itself?
It's much simpler just to replace the car trucks for magnetic couplers. Micro Trains makes them in Z scale.
Yes, you can do either but they are very small!
@@StevesTrains Due to down-sizing my residence, I had to switch from N scale to Z, and was already used to handing fairly small parts. But, of course, Z is even smaller (about 30% smaller). Simply seeing and handling parts in Z scale can be extremely challenging. A selection of good tweezers is a no-brainer. Especially tweezers with serrated tips that will help prevent slippery nylon parts from pinging across the room to be lost forever. To see tiny parts better (like coupler springs), an Optivisor headband magnifier, jeweler's loupe, or even a binocular loupe (like dentists and surgeons use *) is a good idea in case you are not near-sighted enough to see Z scale parts up close without aid. Good, bright, shadowless light in your work area is very important, too. (* A cheap Chinese knock-off of this medical device can be had for about $80.00 from eBay.)
Does that controller work for n scale?
It does and I use them with N scale. Your top speed will be lower though since the max output voltage is lower. But otherwise they work fine. They may not work well with some locomotives with DCC sound boards in them running in DC mode because often the starting voltage is 7+ volts and these only top out around 10 volts or so.
and the last one ruclips.net/video/4Th7pyLCUrk/видео.html
Why not just use electromagnets?
That is a great way to go, just more expense and hassle to install. But a great option.
I installed my z-scale layout in a coffee table. I don't recommend switching ops. Great entertainment value watching them roll around and even changing up the route they take, however it's a pain to have to rerail, or uncouple, especially under a glass top. I have room to run 3 trains. Two in continuous mode and the 3rd kicking cars in the small yard. I have several MTL equipped cars to shunt over the magnets, but Z is not really the best for this. ruclips.net/video/Q27aXLiiQ50/видео.html Fortunately I also do HO.
Hey Steve , hope all is well. I had a dumb question. So I came upon a glass top coffee that has a big drawer to fit a layout underneath the glass, it's 18 by 43. Now my question is with bachman track , is the width of 18 inches big enough to fit in a classic oval track ? I wasn't sure ...still learning . Oh and I'm talking n scale
Hey Steve , hope all is well. I had a dumb question. So I came upon a glass top coffee that has a big drawer to fit a layout underneath the glass, it's 18 by 43. Now my question is with bachman track , is the width of 18 inches big enough to fit in a classic oval track ? I wasn't sure ...still learning . Oh and I'm talking n scale