Z Scale Locomotives – Do Model Railways Come Any Smaller?
Z Being the last letter in the alphabet makes it the perfect symbol to represent the smallest(popular) Scale of miniature railroad.
- Scale, as you know refers to the ratio between dimensions of the model and those of its prototype.
- Gauge, refers to the distance between the inner rails of track also called ”running” track.
Track may be slightly wide to gauge, although usually maintains strict limits of variance for operation and safety purposes.
Z Scale Numerically Breaks Down Into This Ratio –
- 1:220 of Full Size.
- This Translates into (1) inch on the miniature… representing (220) inches or (18.333333) feet of “Live” locomotive!
- Z Scale (Track) Gauge = 6.5mm (distance between “running” track)
To help put this into perspective, that would be like placing a (1)inch model next to an 18 foot “live” locomotive.
Ultra small means ultra tricky to detail. The big plus setting up Z scale replicas is the landscaping. You can submerse yourself in realistic fixtures and details that’ll give you the experience of looking down from Mount Olympus and passing out ”fates” to all the frozen little figurines in “YOUR” tiny town.
Those of you who’re familiar with miniatures can attest to the practicality of micro models. You can construct a realistic masterpiece on small tables, desks,or in any location larger than 5 square inches.
For many, this convenience is priceless. You can run a complete z scale city or town in 1/7 the space it takes to setup an HO scale, which is arguably one of the most popular scales to date.
- Z scale tracks have been known to curve as sharply as 5¾ inches
- At that bend ”YOU” can fit a Z scale replica into a tiny shoebox……………..no kidding, you can!
To Answer the Question Do Micro Trains and Railroads Come Any Smaller -
Yes, T scale, which is a 1:450 ratio. Our site does not yet cover this scale as it represents the least popular of scales. In the future we are sure to review the accessories, trains, and nuances of this line but until then where sticking to the main scales and the things that make them tick!
Within the Halls of this Z Scale Railroad Community You are Going To Discover:
- How to construct realistic z scale layouts
- Where to find quality z scale materials such as miniature landscaping tools and supplies for virtually any z scale railroad project imaginable.
- Locate figurines
- Z scale model buildings and structures
- Z scale accessories
- Decoders
- Controllers
- National Events
- Books and Magazines
- Electronics
- Z scale train sets
- Z scale track
- Z scale scenery
- General articles of interest provided by die hard Z scale enthusiast and active Z Scale model train lovers around the globe.
- And… a collection of how to articles that will pour wisdom into the soul of any newbie!

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