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ProZ A&B Diorama Modules with EF-65 Passenger Train
I’m amazed at the technology that allows for operation in Z scale trains. I can remember when having any N scale loco run well was a challenge and how crude the TT gauge appeared when it first came out . Now we have Z scale that is closing the gap on scale and fidelity in smaller models compared to N scale. With Micro-Trains and Tokyo Mauri track and American prototype diesels, even the N scale modelers can now utilize forced perspective using Z scale models that operate as well as they look in the backround! Awesome truly awesome. It would be interesting to see more layouts in this scale in MR guys.
It’s good to see some info coming in to Model Railroader Magazine about Japanese rail models. A monthly section devoted to European, Asian modeling would be nice. After all, it’s a global economy now.
When I looked at your fathers day picture of the dad and son walking on the tracks I said to myself “what a cute picture”. I saw nothing wrong with it. I HATE THIS POLLITICLY CORRECT WORLD WE LIVE IN!!!
John Sanderhoff
I agree with Andrew, David & Charles. I enjoyed reading about this ‘Z’ set. After building & giving away innumerable ‘O’, ‘HO’ & ‘N’, sets, I’m working on my final ‘HO’ (3’ X 4’) & ‘N’ (4" X 4" modified/shifted H freight yard). Since I’ll probably soon be going to a nursing home, I’ve been trying to get a ‘Z’ scale set built to take with me. There seems to be a dearth of information on ‘Z’ items, even in MRM. Perhaps there are other affordable, moderately priced sets/websites I’ve not accessed yet.
To reply to David Stamand (June 12, 12:28PM post) about a “monthly section devoted to euro or asian modelling”.
I should reply a monthly section devoted to any worlwide modeling, and to any scale: myself I’m building a 3 x 4.5 foot Z scale layout that will depict a freelanced western desert layout with broad curves (14" radius) that should be impossible with a bigger scale.
When all this is completed I will start a point to point layout showing “grass running” operations in Yucatan, Mexico, still in Z scale, thanks to the improving choice of stuff from MTL and AZL.
I also loved the latest issue of MR. I couldn’t live without my monthly MR “fix”!
I DO agree with John Sanderhoff (above) though. For Pete’s sake, showing a photo of a father and his young son (or grandson) walking down the middle of a railroad track together somewhere should be no more a cause for concern by those who posted it than for showing a photo of, say, a father and young son on the father’s bicycle (with the little guy harnessed into a proper rear seat, and both wearing helmets), riding down a suburban neighborhood street. Both are enjoyable, memorable activities involving the participants taking some risk, and both activities could result in injury or even death.
Taking risks is a common and necessary part of everyday life as we know it. Without taking some calculated risks, life would be so boring as to be probably not worth living. Any Judge (or Jury) that would hold those who posted the subject photo guilty of PROMOTING risky behavior (I’m assuming that’s the concern here), as opposed to deeming it as simply a reflection of a revered slice of American life experience between a Dad and his little Boy, should get professional counseling, for starters!
If being politically correct has any legitimate place in our society (and that IS very arguable), extending the concept to this benign situation is absolutely ridiculous. There, I feel better…thanks MR!