I'm thinking about buying either N scale or Z scale trains

[Elite Lancer]

Now this will be my first and probably only train set of model trains. I need a little help deciding what to get and good website links.

I'm not rich so I'll probably start out small and work up over time buying things that I like. What I'd like to work up to is a set for a cargo train that carries mostly logs or coal or basically any open roof car that carries stuff. I'd like to have a cool train that looks fit for the job, a small roundhouse (3 door one), a loading station, and some kind of bridhe for somthing.

Now, what should I consider getting to reach this goal? I'm not getting it all at once but give me a good idea of some good products or some websites.

 

[JasonRP]

Hi there!


I'm relatively new myself, but from what I can tell, it seems that there is substantially more available in n-scale. If size is your main concern, you might want to investigate z-scale. Other than that, I'd personally pick n. There is a lot more n-scale stuff around, both new and on eBay used.

Jason

 

[SteamerFan]

Go N-scale unless you really like to lug your layout around in a suitcase (or breifcase), which is what Z-scale is best suited for.

 

[tillsbury]

If you're not rich, choose N. Z is heaps of cash, particularly for nice diesels...

And you get more space covered with each piece of N stuff (as it's bigger), quite apart from it being cheaper because there's a bigger market.

 

[Elite Lancer]

OK thanks for the info guys. i'm definitely going to get N scale then. Now i just need to design a layout as a goal for what I want to work up to. Or have someone else design it for me lol.

 

[tillsbury]

Get into the Track Planning for the Future area of this forum. There's loads of lunatics on there who'll be glad to help... no questions are too dumb...

 

[glenn railey]

I am new to the smaller scales also. I had to decide between the N and Z scales. I chose the N for several reasons:
It is easier to build layouts for the N scale. No matter how much you think that this is a casual hobby this REASON will be the most appreciated advice you will get.

It is MUCH cheaper in the N scale than the Z scale.

There are many more resources available in the N scale than the Z scale.

Take this advice SERIOUSLY!

Glenn from Locust Grove

 

[Dominique]

Go N-scale unless you really like to lug your layout around in a suitcase (or breifcase), which is what Z-scale is best suited for.

Not necessarly. Myself, as a Z-scaler, I'm thousands light-years from suitcase/briefcase/coffee-table layouts, as I'm working on a 6.50 meter x 4 meter layout that will represent chosen parts of the Tehachapi Pass.

My goal when chosing Z scale? Having close to prototype broad curves (minimum radius 50cm / 20"), and running typical 80-car trains, that amaze me as here in Europe freight trains seldom have more than 20-25 cars...And for this goal, even N scale is unpracticable in my given space.

Dominique