Marklin Z Track Plans
Yiraika Daimaru
I'm new to model RRing, having just started just after Xmas. I have yet to build a permanent layout for my 4x6 surface (biggest I can use), instead trying several different ones from various layouts available online, and ones I try to create by fooling around free-style, or SCRAM track planning software. I have a fairly large selection of basic Atlas Code 100 track.
I have found plans for a layout I would really like to try, but it's for Marklin track, which is unfortunately not compatible with other (Atlas) track. I've spent way too much money on the track I've got to start over with a different brand. My problem is, the plans show track with Marklin stock numbers, which make it practically impossible for a newbie to figure out the approximate Atlas equivalents. For example, on the plans a curved section of track (I think 18/30) has a stock number of #24130. I have no idea what the Code 100 equivalent to Marklin's #24130 is. Is there an easy way to figure this out so I can try the layout using the Atlas track I already have?
More importantly, the 24130 curve is what Mrklin calls "R1" radius, which is quite sharp -- roughly 14 3/16" radius. The closest from Atlas will be 15" radius sections, but many US locos and rolling stock models may not run reliably on curves that tight. (The third digit is the radius "type")
The situation is similar in turnouts (track switches), the Mrklin parts are often quite sharp and it will be difficult to make Atlas components match up with a Mrklin track plan. The end result is that everything packed into a Mrklin plan in a given small space likely will not fit with Atlas.
I had a feeling the layout was too good to be true. I've since used the Atlas SCRAM program to design my own, much simpler layout. Though simple, it fits the space I have, has enough switching and spurs to make it interesting, and still leave enough room to build the logging operation I've always had in mind. Even better, it can be done using the track I have on hand.
It will likely require some shimming of the roadbed and/or filing of the rail at the junctions of track from different suppliers, since all Code 100 track does not have the same tie height or rail profile. If this is your first layout, keeping it simpler by standardizing as much as possible on one manufacturer will help -- and might be worth the expense of replacing some oddball sections. Train set turnouts (track switches) in particular are often unreliable in the long run, but it depends on the supplier.
AjhallRight now, I'm using manual switches until I'm sure everything comes out right and works properly. I'm keeping wiring to a minimum -- just power to the track -- for the time being. Is it possible to upgrade to remote switches after the layout is essentially complete? If so, how do I know which remote switch is the proper replacement for the manual switch?
***** 15. November 2005; Design Service Discontinued, until further notice... In case you would like my assistence, service, opinion, advice... First off; I'm flattered, of course. Thanks for beleiving in me. Second: I'm not a professional designer, I do this just for the fun of it. BUT making a good design that is actually going to be USEFUL to somebody takes a lot of effort! Therefore I hope that you understand that I am not able to take on all and every request coming my way. Note: If you are a beginner, or the following things sounds too technical, dont worry, just take into account whatever you can! I will be asking you a lot of questions anyway, and I'll make a qualified guess for any unanswered questions. Note2: Exceptions: I am sorry, but I cannot currently help planning using Hornby tracks. I miss them in my track-library, and I dont have the geometric information to make my own definition-file. All that said, lets get down to business: Third: For me to give you a qualified answer/suggestion/design/whatever, you MUST supply me with all the data that you possibly have! Such as: Measures of available space. All limitations and oddities of the room/area at your disposal. Also take into account where any tables, chairs, vitrines etc. might be installed. A technical drawing of the room is just perfect. Type of track to be used. Minimum radius to be used in curves. Level of complicity of the construction; Should it be based on a simple plate, or are you able to construct an open framework with ramps. Epoc and country if any specific. Available track and limits on what additional material might be acquiered. Weighed themes such as BW, swithcing yards, industries. Prefered style (if any), such as terminal stations, secondary lines. If you want to OPERATE the layout, or simply prefer that everything runs as automatic as possible. Preferred landscape; mountains, hills, flatlands. -Any other details not yet listed here... Note: (November 2003) I get a lot of requests -and I am very happy with that, thanks! -But please understand that requests that does not include a MINIMUM of information will not be regarded as serious requests! Note: (November 2005) Thanks to everybody who have contacted me for designs, and apologies to those who have contacted me in vain, and for those who have had to wait ages for me finishing their plans. My daytime job, the work involved moving to a brand-new house and the realization (finally) of my own layout, leaves absolutly NO time left for the Design Service. Reading through the layouts shown here, one could be lead to beleive I only do designs for spanish people. Well, nothing is further from the truth! I am currently designing for british, danish and american people, and more requests are coming every week. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested. (I can communicate in English, German, Spanish and Dan/Sve/Nor) Thank you. ***** 15. November 2005; Design Service Discontinued, until further notice...
During the course of my browsing for track plans, I did run across one particular book that I found quite inspiring - "Model Railroading in Small Spaces" by Mat Chibarro (Kalmbach Publishing). It's packed with tons of good ideas for making the most of minimal layout space. Among its plans was one that might be adapted to fit with my theme.
I broke out my Marklin track 'game' and went to work on this folded loop track with a siding and several spurs. At first glance, the plan looked good. I could almost visualize the mountains, waterfall, and the village clustered on the riverbank. There was just one concern - the incline. In order for the track to loop over itself within the 2' by 4' layout, it had to rise at a grade of almost 4%. This may be fine in HO and N, but I soon discovered from the experts at the Z Scale Forum, that it could be problematic for my tiny Marklin steam locos. The almost unanimous opinion seemed to be that 2% was about the maximum grade for Z scale, unless you're feeling extremely reckless.This being my first foray in Z scale modelling, their advice caused me to re-think my plan. So, it was back to the drawing board.
Having established that I do want to combine some continuous running with shunting operations, I came up with this second plan. Having a connected double loop allows enough variety to give the illusion of a longer run. I still managed to keep the spurs for a couple of small industries. And with some slightly exaggerated landscape contours, I thought I could create a sense of a mountainous region, while keeping the tracks perfectly horizontal.
This plan also allowed me a fair amount of space to indulge in a reasonably ambitious town scene. The town of Meiringen would sit in the center, while the railroad meanders through the mountains on the northwest (see the photos link for Track Plan 2). The Reichenbach Falls would be located at the northern tip of the mountains, crashing into a gorge that feeds a nearby river.
In the second part of this track plan article, you will find another 10 track plans that are free lance designs. All these designs were developed by Marklin, and you can find them in the manual that comes with the track extension sets.
The great feature of this track plan is the parade track with double loop that the train will travel after it leaves the station area. The use of tunnels masks the fact that trains run in circles. The double parade track in the front can be used to let two trains on the parade track pass each other. Approximate dimensions are 50 x 28 inches
A great layout design with double track and two stations. The use of tunnels masks the fact that the trains are running in a big circle and create interesting scenery. If you study this plan closely, you notice that the trains actually run in one big loop. Approximate dimensions are 61 x 38 inches
This layout design seems simple at first, but when you take a close look at it, you see that it offers many interesting routes and switching venues. A large main station, locomotive shed and switch yards, and a lower level parade track running in front of your layout all make this design complete. Approximate dimensions are 61 x 26 inches
This plan has an inner loop that serves the diagonally situated station area with several sidings, and an outer loop with large passing area. Placing your main station under a slight diagonal helps to mask the squareness of your layout board. Approximate dimensions are 69 x 30 inches
The highlights of this layout are the locomotive roundhouse, and the long double track parade loop. Long sidings at the railroad station will allow you to run long passenger trains in their full glory.
When you study this layout long enough, you see that it is actually the tried and proven dog bone design, with the station in the center. Any train that leaves the station will return after traveling half the bone. Reverse loop sets will be required on the two dog bone loops.
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