Z gauge question.

emjaybee · May 14, 2019, 10:11:04 AM

Please don't judge me!

I've bought a Z gauge Marklin 8800, having picked up a Peco narrow gauge tram kit cheap off FleaBay. It's unlikely to get built anytime soon, but I'd like to check the chassis out upon receipt.

Question: Can I use my Bachmann train set controller safely on the Marklin or do I need a different controller?

Ta.

stevewalker · May 14, 2019, 10:22:29 AM

Z-gauge are rated for a lower voltage, so keep the voltage down for testing on a non-z specific controller. The easy way though (which is what I did), is just to use a 9V battery touched across the wheels (or rails).

Bealman · May 14, 2019, 10:25:01 AM

Should be ok (said Bealman) fingers crossed!

I've always fancied an N gauge working narrow gauge on my layout, and was just going to run it off existing supplies.

I believe a forum member has done this.

@maridunian ?

ntpntpntp · May 14, 2019, 10:26:36 AM

Yes but don't wind it up too far - Z gauge is nominally only around 8V I think (not 12V). It should be obvious when you reach correct cruising speed

If I remember correctly a 4 digit loco number eg #8800 makes it an older 3-pole mechanism I think. The 5 pole mechs (5 digit model numbers?) are better at slow running.

I find with my little Z fleet that a genuine Marklin Z controller does give better control than just using any old controller. It's probably tuned better to the motor characteristics.

emjaybee · May 14, 2019, 10:41:35 AM

Got it.

Okay to test with Bachmann controller, but ultimately better with a Marklin one.

Thanks chaps.

Bealman · May 14, 2019, 11:00:24 AM

I guess it makes sense to use the power unit from the originator of Z gauge.

I'm dead interested in your idea of the Peco thing, though! It's white metal, isn't it?

Let's know how you get on!

emjaybee · May 14, 2019, 11:56:36 AM

Quote from: Bealman on May 14, 2019, 11:00:24 AM
I guess it makes sense to use the power unit from the originator of Z gauge.

I'm dead interested in your idea of the Peco thing, though! It's white metal, isn't it?

Let's know how you get on!

Whoa! Hold your horses there George.

My modelling speed is what may be described as 'glacial' . Being self-employed and have a wife with horses limits my time available.

The Peco kit is a little white metal tram loco. I've always liked the idea of mixed gauges and I almost deserted N when I found a supplier of OO/OO9 mixed gauge track. So my next most affordable option is to have narrow gauge N. The kit is designed for the 8800 chassis, and I've been keeping my eyes open for a few months since picking up the kit for a fiver. Yesterday a 8800 Marklin popped up in Germany with 'furry' zinc body and he accepted my offer, so I should be getting it for £30 delivered.

It's likely to sit in a box for a while yet, but I'll post progress when it happens.

Bealman · May 14, 2019, 12:05:11 PM

That's alright, buddy!

My modelling output is currently zero, so I'm in no rush!

It's just something that's always interested me, adding a working narrow gauge line to an N gauge layout.

stevewalker · May 14, 2019, 02:16:38 PM

Quote from: Bealman on May 14, 2019, 12:05:11 PM
It's just something that's always interested me, adding a working narrow gauge line to an N gauge layout.

I currently have all of my N-gauge track laid, except for a fiddle yard (which currently runs straight through) and the turntable and associated engine roads. I have also laid about a third of my Z-gauge track for use as a narrowgauge line - top station to coal drop on right and under main line on right.

My Marklin loco remains resolutely Z-gauge at the moment, until I get hold of a tram loco kit and convert some 4-wheel carriages to bogie narrowgauge ones.

Unfortunately things have slowed somewhat as I have been busy re-wiring, re-plumbing and re-decorating, so haven't got to the layout often - and then usually only for a short while and ended up ~~watching trains go round~~ testing the track.

Newportnobby · May 14, 2019, 09:23:50 PM

I've often seen the layout 'Shasta' at exhibitions in this area and have always been very impressed with it........

Bealman · May 14, 2019, 10:51:03 PM

Steve: That is one very impressive plan, in both gauges! I'm afraid my idea was maybe just a circle of Z gauge on a hillside mine, just going round and round!

Mick: Is that Z gauge? They sure like their snakey breaky curves!

emjaybee · May 14, 2019, 11:33:47 PM

Blimey, I'd give me eye teeth for that much space! I've got 5'6" x 3' !

stevewalker · May 15, 2019, 12:06:23 AM

When my mother-in-law died in 2006, we had a lot to store and were paying a fortune to a storage company. It became obvious that buying a shed would be cheaper in the long run. I planned ahead and bought the widest that would fit between the garage and the fence and was a reasonable length. I insulated, lined and wired it for mains and then planned for years, until the shed was gradually emptied enough (we used some stuff and disposed of other items) for the build to begin. I actually started with just the bottom and right boards, completing the loops on the right board. As funds, time and space allowed, I added the top boards, split the loops and rejoined them via the inclines.

maridunian · May 15, 2019, 09:30:46 AM

Quote from: Bealman on May 14, 2019, 10:25:01 AM
Should be ok (said Bealman) fingers crossed!

I've always fancied an N gauge working narrow gauge on my layout, and was just going to run it off existing supplies.

I believe a forum member has done this.

@maridunian ?

Not yet, but have a Peco N-6.5 tank engine kit in the 'One day...' box. Does that count as starting?

Mike

Bealman · May 15, 2019, 10:02:15 AM

To me it does!