Could someone do the math and tell me what scale a Z scale train would be on a HO layout? I’m thinking of putting a backyard rr on my layout. Thank you.
In Z scale, 1.385 mm = 1 foot, so if I’ve done my sums right, a Z scale F7 would be, near enough, 2 ¾” long, ¾” high and just over ½” wide.
The 6.5 mm track gauge is about 22 HO scale inches.
Cheers, the Bear.[^o)]
Yeah, just a bit too big. Works for O scale though.
–Randy
The Micro Trains GP35 measures out to roughly 21 HO feet long.
Regardless, peope do it. There is a guy who has a module here in northern Virginia who has a mini oval on his HO corner module with a train ride on it. It looks cool enough and I haven’t seen anyone criticize him for it not being exactly to a correct scale park ride, which can be sizable in some cases. There are some sizable park or minature train rides in England for example.
I haven’t seen it available anywhere in the U.S. yet, but there’s a new scale in Japan, T, that is about half Z.
It’s a little too big for HO scale, but it works for O scale. Ray and Renee Grosser did it on their O scale Nostalgia Trip layout. See the photo on page 50 of Great Model Railroads 2012.
Using a small locomotive like an 0-4-0, 0-6-0, or a 70 Tonner would make it look more like a backyard layout, although still a bit large.
Could be passable as an amusement park railroad.
For sure.
Steven, that is what gave me the idea.
So, its too big to be ride On, but too small to be ride in.
Actually, Z scale equipment in HO would approximate the Christmas ride-on train I encountered on one of my infrequent mall visits several years ago. Carbodies were about 30 inches wide, step over the side seating (one person per seat) and about six seats per car.
A train of similar scale was running in Austin when I lived there many moons ago. IIRC It was an outdoor operation in a city park. The train spent its nights in a long closed shed.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - HOj with HOe 762mm gauge feeders)
When I get a chance I’ll post a pic of my Z scale BN GP38 next to my HO scale RS1 for you.
Another one I saw was Z scale on a G scale layout - I think that works out close to G scale in G scale.
–Randy
Minature Railway
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ridable_miniature_railways
I have visited several miniture railways ownd by individuals. There are many more who own equipment usually 1 local and a few cars which they haul to/from and operate at meets.
Some locations in the west:
http://www.therailroadpark.com/
Someone above mentioned that Z scale track is 22" gauge in HO. Somewhere in Maryland or Virginia when I lived there 30+ years ago, there was a train ride in a park that ran on 18’ gauge track, so Z would very well fit into an amusment park ride.
Of course a number of real trains in Maine ran on 24" gauge track for more than 50 years hauling passengers, freight and mail, just like the big guys. Some are restored and are running these days as museum trains.
Thanks Burlington Northern, I’d love to see that. Wow JaBear an DSchmitt, nice links! I’m thinking a small steamer would probably work, I’d need to scratch build the cars though.
As mentioned here are reference pictures for you Santa Fe, I can also provide measurements for you. the Locos pictured are Atlas and American Z line, AZL units are friendlier to DCC if that’s something you’re considering.
