Track Plans

One of the most frequently-asked questions from beginners about modeling in Z Scale has to do with track planning. Most modelers like to use Micro-Trains' Micro-Track sectional roadbed track is very popular—which is understandable, given that it's nearly bullet-proof—and consequently many modelers want to see plans designed exclusively for it. Here's a variety of plans that should help get you started on a layout, no matter your skill level or space constraints.

Before getting down business, please be aware of several important issues:

• Because of the very limited range of available Micro-Track products, it's challenging to design plans that use only stock parts. Therefore, some of these plans rely on a modeler's ability to modify track.
• All but the first two plans will require the corners of some track sections to be notched so they'll fit on track switches—this is very quick and easy to do. (Yes, each switch includes a notched straight track part, but it can't always be used!)
• Rokuhan switches require that one piece of track be notched to fit into it. They do not make a pre-notched track section.
• The number of track switches indicated (SWs) is not necessarily fixed; any plan can be modified to feature fewer or more as desired.
• Because of the size of the switch machines, powered switches are not an option in many circumstances, unfortunately. If remote control is desired where it's otherwise impossible, you may want to consider modifying the switches to bury the switch machines. These "special-case" switches are highlighted on the parts plans.
• For layouts with grades, recommended elevations are approximate and may need to be adjusted depending on a number of factors, including the type of rolling stock, construction methods and materials used, bridge styles, and so forth. Note that increasing the elevations will increase the grades.
• If switching will not be performed, uncouplers can be substituted with 110mm straight sections; if an uncoupler is connected to a 110mm straight, the two can be replaced with a 220mm straight section.

The following table summarizes the degree of difficulty involved in building each layout. Click the layout name to see the plan, complete with parts lists, modeling recommendations, notes on operation and more.

*These plans feature a reversing loop or wye, which require special wiring.

R: These layouts can be built using unmodified Rokuhan track; please see the conversion chart to find out what you'll need. NOTE: If you're willing to cut Rokuhan track, you can build any of these plans!

M: These layouts can be built using unmodified Märklin track; please see the conversion chart to find out what you'll need.

Feel free to use/modify/reproduce these plans. However, if you republish my plans on another website, please credit their source. Thank you!

Want to do your own planning?

Install a copy of AnyRail on your PC. It contains complete libraries for Micro-Trains, Märklin and Rokuhan track!

Already have AnyRail? You can download the source files for all of my plans. Simply look for the download AnyRail source file link at the bottom of each track plan page.

Looking for more ideas?

Here's a whole big bunch of plans (nearly three dozen) I've done for layouts in other scales that might serve as inspiration; on top of that, I've developed several plans for T Gauge, for a grand total of over 60 track plans.

Copyright © 2007-2012 by David K. Smith. All Rights Reserved.