Ztrains: Z-Bend Track Layout

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Ztrains would like to thank Bill Kronenberger of Houston, Texas for access to, and use of, the copyrighted Z-Bend Track (ZBT) material presented here. Bill has been a driving force behind the Z-Bend Track modular standard since it's inception in 1998. You can visit the Z-Bend Track website here. They offer a free PDF that details the ZBT concept.

Build Your Empire, One Module At A Time
Pick up a model railroad magazine that features a majestic layout on the cover, then turn to look at that blank piece of plywood or foam you've just purchased to house your Z scale empire, and writer's block (or in this case, builder's block) can set in pretty quickly. Where to begin?

A modular layout may be just the answer for you. You could begin with a modular section as small as 24" deep x 16" wide (see photo right). Add a pair of balloon, or end, modules (see photo bottom right) and you'd have a complete layout in which to run your trains. By going in a modular direction you don't have to plan out every facet of your layout before you start building.

Modular model railroading was developed in the early 1970s by the N scale modular group, Ntrak. Since then a unique modular standard has been developed for Z scale, that is the Z-Bend Track (ZBT) standard. While there have been other Z scale modular standards introduced, the ZBT concept has developed the lion's share of support in the Z scale community.

The Flexible Railroad
One of the most appealing features of the ZBT standard is the simplicity and flexibility of its design. By allowing, even encouraging, interesting and unique module shapes, a ZBT based layout can have a free flowing and natural feel to it (see photos below left, lower right).

A suggested design concept with ZBT modules is to layout your scene first, without limiting yourself to specific or finite borders, and then build your module frame around your design. If you've previously built a layout by more conventional means, i.e., starting with a sheet of plywood as your base and designing your scenes to fit that space, you'll soon discover the ZBT design philosophy can be very liberating.

Scenery tracks are defined in the ZBT manual as "any track other than the double mainline track". Features such as industrial yards, spurs, or passing sidings would be considered scenery tracks (see photo above right). These scenery tracks allow for real depth and interest, as they can give your railroad a purpose. Moving freight and passengers are what real railroads do. By employing scenery tracks in your ZBT modules, you can design and build a more realistic railroad, and add overall interest to your operations.

ZBT Manual And Wiring Supplies


	Photo: Rob Allbritton

In addition to an extensive, and free, online Z-Bend Track manual in the PDF format, standardized wiring supplies are currently available as well from the Z-Bend Track website. You can purchase these supplies as separate components or as fully assembled wiring harnesses and connectors (see photo above center). In either case, the online ZBT manual covers module electrical requirements in clear and concise fashion.

Aren't Modular Layouts Just For Railroad Clubs And Train Shows?
While modular building is ideal for train clubs as well as for people who like to get together to run at train shows, the modular concept has a lot to offer for the home-only model railroader.

		Unlimited potential to grow your layout, one module at a time.
		Move your layout in the future without destroying your work.
		Build to fit your available, and possibly irregular, space.
		Run all the latest locomotives by using proven track standards.
		A comprehensive wiring plan that works for wiring novices.

Z-Bend Track Modules On The Move
In addition to the above mentioned benefits for designing with the Z-Bend Track standards on your home layout this is, after all, a modular concept. Taking your ZBT modules to train shows adds to the value and the fun of modular layout building.

		Enjoy a much larger layout than you could build at home.
		Learn new construction techniques from others.
		Share your own construction techniques with others.
		Enjoy seeing the public reaction to Z scale trains and modules.
		Meet new friends who share your Z scale interest.

As mentioned earlier, two simple end modules can form a complete, 24" x 32" layout. On the other end of the scale, these modules can grow! At the 2005 National Train Show in Columbus, Ohio, ZBT modules were combined to form over 720' of operating mainline track, that's over 30 scale miles. Add to this the amount of scenery track, and the total estimate comes in at somewhere around 60 scale miles of operating Z scale track.