Welcome to the Z scale, one of the smallest scaled model trains in the model railway world. This scale has a ratio of 1:220, making this one the smallest commercially sold model trains. If you are looking for larger layouts in a small amount of space, you have found the right scale.

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to Z scale:

1. The good – you can fit these layouts into nearly any space. People even fit these layouts inside of briefcases, guitar cases, and small boxes providing layouts that are transportable. This is only possible because of the tiny ratio that Z scale has. You can display these layouts nearly anywhere. Inside your house you can have a Z scale layout on your coffee table, kitchen table, or mantle. Space is not an issue with Z scale, so don’t worry about where to place your layout as long as it is protected from dust, pets, little hands etc.

2. The bad – the scale is tiny. With a tiny scale there are some issues and complications. First, the price can be more in Z scale, because the pieces require more precise production. Although in saying that, you’ll save money in other ways because your layout will cover a smaller area. The pieces are also very delicate and fragile so you must be very careful with your layout. Second, the pieces need to be out of the reach of children. With tiny locomotives and rolling stock, these layouts can be very hazardous with kids around. Also if you have big unsteady hands or failing eyesight you many have problems with such a small electric train set. Lastly, with such small size you may have complications in operation. Even the slightest amount of dust and particles can disrupt the smoothness of your train. You have to keep these layouts very clean to ensure that they are able to function at their full potential.

Now that you have some options to weigh, you can better decide on whether a Z scale train would fit your liking and specifications. They are not for every modeler out there, but there are tens of thousands who have a special love for them and their miniature size. Remember that they are less popular than larger scales, so don’t be too frustrated if you can’t easily locate materials and pieces locally. Just search the net.

So if you do decide to pursue a Z scale train and layout, you will need to know which companies to check out and explore. The two most popular that I have seen all across the internet for Z scale are Marklin and Micro-Train. Both of these have gotten good reviews, but it is all a matter of opinion of course. So, in order for you to develop your own opinion, I will briefly enlighten you on both manufacturers.

Marklin:

Z scale model trains began with the manufacturer Marklin, so naturally they hold a little more popularity. Marklin produces very powerful locomotives for the small size that they are. Marklin also offers sets that are operated by battery power, due to the popularity of transporting these small layouts from place to place. These sets can be less powerful than a set with a transformer, so know that if you purchase a battery-powered set. Marklin does offer sets powered by transformers, so don’t you worry about that. Again, Marklin started the Z scale trend, so they tend to have the larger audience and customers.

Micro-Trains:

The first thing you should note about Micro-Trains Line (MTL) is that they only have diesel locomotive prototypes. The downside to MTL is that they do not carry steam locomotives. If you are specifically looking for a steam locomotive you will need to use Marklin or another manufacturer. MTL does offer some pretty interesting starter sets, so they are definitely worth researching. For one reason, they are not Marklin and have their own products to offer, so they deserve some of your attention in the Z scale market.