Z-Scale railways

[Stew2000]

Here's an update of mine:

[ChrisW_77]

Excellent work Stew! Where did you get the backscene from?

My layout is still looking very bare. I've bought a bag of ballast but haven't had the courage to use it yet. Any tips on ballasting?

[Stew2000]

Youtube is a good source for railway tutorials. Ballast will look a mess when you lay it down. but when it's dry it looks better and can be fixed.

The backscene is one of Gaugemasters own.

[Stew2000]

I'm trying out some 3D printing by making Hook couplings.
In theory they will fit like the normal Graham Farish couplings.
If the "prototype" turns out to be good I'll put them up for sale.
And possibly model the chain to go with it.

http://thumbsnap.com/sc/blYDWEUN.jpg

Edited by Stew2000 on Sunday 29th January 11:33

[ChrisW_77]

I'm very impressed if 3D printing is good enough to make those in N scale!

Not much to report on my layout. I've bought a Class 101 DMU and a Peco plastic train shed but I still haven't started on the ballasting and scenery.

Edited by ChrisW_77 on Monday 16th January 13:20

[maddog-uk]

I have just taken the plunge and bought a bunch of z gauge gear on ebay. Will keep you posted its been 30 years since I last did some modelling! Space was the reason for Z gauge.

[ChrisW_77]

Good stuff, I look forward to seeing some photos when you've got it set up.

[Stew2000]

My prototype N-scale hooks came earlier.
Good for custom models. but the end needs tweaking for standard chassis hook up.

http://thumbsnap.com/sc/ZxYK5WPS.jpg

Edited by Stew2000 on Sunday 29th January 11:34

[ChrisW_77]

Very cool. Do you think you could make a complete wagon out of 3D printed parts?

[Stew2000]

In theory. yes.
Do I have that much patience to try it? unlikely.

[Stew2000]

I got my MKII prototype earlier and they look great.
With N Gauge it might be better to use real chain for a closer gap between wagons.



I will put them up for sale on Shapeways.. sometime.
They could be useful for OO gauge too (I think).

http://thumbsnap.com/sc/nM7eLnc0.jpg

Edited by Stew2000 on Monday 30th January 12:35

[Stew2000]

I put my hooks up for sale at: http://www.shapeways.com/model/445561/n_gauge_coup...

[W124Bob]

Atlas HO Alco RS1,heres the real thing passing Chester Vermont

[ChrisW_77]

Looking good Stew, though I agree it would be better with a closer gap. Can they be made in black plastic or would you have to paint them?

Bob, that American loco looks great. If I had room for a second layout I'd probably go for USA models - I'm quite fond of the BNSF Dash 9 after driving it in MS Train Simulator! Have you got any more photos of your layout?

[Stew2000]

Easily paintable.



With 0.8mm chain:

[ChrisW_77]

Stew2000 said:

With 0.8mm chain:

Much better!

Time for another photo. I've installed LED lighting in my train shed:

[Stew2000]

Is that the Peco Diesel shed?

[ChrisW_77]

Yes it's the Peco NB-80. If you get one, be warned that the entrances don't match up with standard Setrack spacing. I had to pull up some track and use flexible track to get the alignmnent right.

[Stew2000]

I was thinking about buying it to use in a display case as a mini scene.
Such as: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISPLAY-CASE-SHIP-1-50-T...

[Stew2000]

The Peco shed is a bit tight at the doors.