Trackbed for Z scale (2024)

Hi there,

My first post here and being new to the hobby I got _lots_ of questions... However, since I'm in the planning stage (have already got myself a starter kit and the extension kits of course ) and haven't put any tracks out I thought I'd start at the bottom so to speak.

I've tried to find out what trackbed/roadbed to use for my coming layout and the options for Z scale seems quite limited? I've seen references to a manufacturer called Itty-Bitty Lines (spelling/punctuation?) but they don't seem to be around any longer.

There seems to be several options for N scale, but I'm not sure if that'll look 'right' as it is if you'd recommend it to be cut down to scale?

Any recommendations for products that are available here in the UK are appreciated.

Thanks in advance - as well as apologies in advance for what most likely will be a barrage of questions as I get going with this.

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Hi,
#I am new today, been experimenting for 2 years with track and the way things work, very complicated systems 3d systems, 5 trains now on one line, JUST learning, no scenery. Analog only. When I have learnt what can be done, then I will build. NO ROAD BED YET, just learn how every thing works, no nails, megga small screws pan head in to the base board, between the tyes not the nail hole.( or UV glue in the middle or outside of the rail, comes off easily but sticks enough)

Enjoy

(PS. Keeps me awake at night thinking of solutions to wiring problems)

Chas

Oh, hello, someone else in Didcot. I'm on the south side.

First layout I tapped spacing tubes top and bottom for RLs (relative level) between plywood base and track base. It worked very well.

Second layout I built RLs from PVC Forex and welded with Tetrahydrofuran, also worked well. Track was welded to PVC track bed.

Both bases filled with polyurethane foam which worked well.

Some information on my layout here:
https://www.marklin-user...rack-folded-dogbone-loop

Draw up you layout 1:1 (Z scale) on paper to create a master plan, with all your RLs. If you do a set of proper plans you will not have to waste time rebuilding the layout due to unforeseen stuff-ups.

Every minute spent on a set of plans will save 10 minutes in construction.

Hi back!

I didn't think about it at all - but I guess with the railway centre and all it was bound to be one or more from Didcot here.

Not sure what I count as, but am up on GWP.

Thanks for the reply - that layout looks ace, will definitely try and take in (withou too much drooling ) knowledge from that one.

Yeah - planning will definitely be done prior to any major efforts. Get a plan together, put out the track to see how/if it works and then build from there seems to be a sensible approach.

How about the Z scale trackbeds from Merkur?

https://www.merkur-styro...6c3fc1a17c1daa06cf01d572

There are several members here using and happy with their H0 K track trackbeds, including myself. However, I have no experience of their Z scale products.

They look quite good - I wonder if there's a UK reseller or if they only sell directly? Brexit has caused all kinds of fun and games with buying from mainland Europe. Anything from vendors not shipping here to extortionate customs bills...

I have always purchased directly from Merkur, you will benefit from excluded V.A.T. It’s a smaller but reliable supplier, and sometimes they manufacture on order. Have a look on their tunnel portals, walls and arches as well, and separate matching paint and ballast you also may order.

Hi, I have a Merkur Z track-bed order in transit for my Noch preformed layout, and this stuff is fantastic! The tracks fit snugly into the fully moulded ballast,,,,, I purchased a bulk pack which was from the discontinued rebranded Noch range on EBay and needed some additional sections, which Merkur sell directly.

There is an issue on their site where it doesn’t show shipping options, but if you mail support directly they will sort you out! Shipping & Brexit fees 19 Euros.

I'm heading to Vienna for the weekend in a couple of weeks time, I wonder if any of the local shops might have some stock. Another reason to drag her around town for some hours to visit random model shops I guess.

Lucky bastard, that's the problem with Australia, it takes a weekend or longer just to get somewhere. A few years ago other half few into Perth from Germany, I picked her up from the airport drove 400km each day, but from Sydney it's 4,000km. Then drove back via 'Australia's Longest Shortcut' and Oodnadatta Track. Actually a longer drive which took 3 months to get home.

A small bit of advice, every minute you torture her with your shopping, she will multiply that 100 fold with her shopping. Do your shopping separately or it will be a dirty weekend for all the wrong reasons!

I think I got enough in the bank for a couple of model shops - there's a long and not very proud history of me being dragged around anything from shoe shops to 'Christmas Barns'.

I’ve just bought an amount direct from Merkur.
As mentioned above the website does not work for ordering. It jammed up on shipping method.
However email your requirements to the address at the top of their website and they will sort it

I ordered it, it was made, I then paid and it was delivered very promptly to the UK.

I am still laying it but first impressions are excellent and it is easy to use.

Mike

Doing ballast is a bit tedious. So if there are alternatives for people without the patience, it would be worthwhile.

Can you at least in 1 or 2 places create some lower RLs (relative level) to create a bit more vertical topography in a high impact visual area. Even a culvert but cutting away a small section of the base RL layout can create quite a bit of vertical topography.

Hello Mike,

Well done, you will not regret your step into Merkur.

As you may have seen from my past posts, I am an immense fan of Merkur :

https://www.marklin-users.net/forum/posts/m629213-

Have fun,

PJ

Hi swedishmike,

I'm a beginner also.
I am trying 3 layers of 0.8mm cork.

This will raise the track (~50cm in real life) and give contour for the ballast the fall off, hopefully giving a realistic look.

Relatively inexpensive but tedious work, you might not opt for this if your layout will be large.

Whatever approach you take, make a small diorama to see how it looks before you commit to the entire layout.

Hello, hope all is well.

It is to bad the normal makers of this type of product are out of business or not selling this roadbed anymore.

I did notice someone selling N.O.S. z scale roadbed on eBay during the holidays. Everyone seems to sell their rare and unusual during the holidays because a premium profit may be possible. When I saw it I didn’t think to much of it because I didn’t realize how hard to find it might be.

What I have discovered is that sooner or later, whatever you need will eventually show up, perhaps on eBay again or somewhere different. With everything
“Z” at a high price right now, I don’t know what it might cost. I covered all of my yard area with the sheet cork material described above, but just laid it flat and did not make a stack as shown. It worked in the yard flat, but it might not work for the rest of your layout.

Just have patience you will find something sooner or later.

Best wishes, take good care.

Dwight