Z Scale Wheel Standards Standards Gauge

Note from Rodneys Railroad Tools.

The Zscale metal wheel set standards gauge is now available.

Cheers,

Rodney
www.rodneysrrtools.com

Rodney, that's a very clever idea. Just one minor issue... not all flanges are the same thickness. Therefore, setting the flange back-to-back dimension to the NMRA standard means the gauge may be off. Specifically, the flange thickness for FVM wheelsets is .014 inches; the Full Throttle flange is .018 inches; AZL is .016 inches. You can find more details here: jamesriverbranch.net/clinic_2.htm

While it's true that the flange back-to-back dimension is important, especially with respect to switches, the gauge is just as important. To simplify this difference, the NMRA specifies these two dimensions as one measurement, check gauge, which runs from the inside of one flange to the outside of the other. Something for modelers to bear in mind if they're having problems with wheels.

I thought there was some discussion about the NMRA not having set Z-scale standards... as they do not recognize our little "toys". Or, maybe I'm thinking of a certain train hobby magazine that doesn't recognize Z.

I would say NEM311 is what you need to look at.

TechRep wrote:

I thought there was some discussion about the NMRA not having set Z-scale standards... as they do not recognize our little "toys". Or, maybe I'm thinking of a certain train hobby magazine that doesn't recognize Z.

Z does have some representation in NMRA Standards:

www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/S-4_2ScaleWheels.html

The larger issue is, who follows them? If standards are not followed, then they are worthless.

That said, one must view the situation realistically in terms of both the market size and predominant modeling style; without more modelers doing more serious (i.e. less fantasy) work in Z scale, there will not be enough people and resources to invest in such things as establishing standards. Only active Z scalers are capable of doing this. Who here is willing/able to step forward, become a member of the NMRA, and set these standards? It can't be just one person, either, because the process requires peer review.

The same is true with respect to representation of the scale in magazines. The publishers cannot synthesize content out of thin air; it requires active Z scale modelers who have the wherewithal to create such content for the magazines to publish. Furthermore, this content has to be sufficiently interesting and useful, with a definite theme of serious modeling; novelty stuff like briefcase layouts will not help to dispel the view of our scale being "toys."

So expressing frustration with the NMRA or any magazine is energy mis-spent. They are not the proper target; the responsibility ultimately rests with the modelers.

The problem with the NMRA is you need local support from members of your division first.

Looking at the NMRA Standards listed here:
www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/S-4_2ScaleWheels.html

Look at Nn3 and compare it with Z gauge. I do not know anyone who uses scale 3ft between the rails in Nn3. Everyone I know or have worked with at shows including the NMRA shows uses 6.5mm track. In addition to this there are no standards for 3ft 6in or meter gauge. In Nn3 6.5mm track is very close to scale for 3ft 6in. So not really surprised at the problem with their top down approach to the smaller scales. IMHO it sometimes seems their approach is one size fits all (S4.2 wheels - scale it up or scale it down) and does not relate to what is actually happening on the street. It sure does not seem to be having any impact on those who manufacture our track and switches and the wheels we use on those tracks.

cheerz Garth

garthah wrote:

The problem with the NMRA is you need local support from members of your division first.

Looking at the NMRA Standards listed here:
www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/S-4_2ScaleWheels.html

Look at Nn3 and compare it with Z gauge. I do not know anyone who uses scale 3ft between the rails in Nn3. Everyone I know or have worked with at shows including the NMRA shows uses 6.5mm track. In addition to this there are no standards for 3ft 6in or meter gauge. In Nn3 6.5mm track is very close to scale for 3ft 6in. So not really surprised at the problem with their top down approach to the smaller scales. IMHO it sometimes seems their approach is one size fits all (S4.2 wheels - scale it up or scale it down) and does not relate to what is actually happening on the street. It sure does not seem to be having any impact on those who manufacture our track and switches and the wheels we use on those tracks.

cheerz Garth

No argument that the NMRA has "process" issues. However, the basic point still stands: it comes down to modelers, and what they do. You cannot just point at the NMRA as if it's some anonymous entity that enforces standards from on high. The NMRA is a body of medelers, and we rely on their activity to set things in motion.

David K. Smith wrote:
The NMRA is a body of medelers, and we rely on their activity to set things in motion.[/quote]

My, my, I just noticed my rather amusing typo. I certainly did not mean it as written; the NMRA is a body of modelers, to be sure!

David K. Smith wrote:

David K. Smith wrote:
The NMRA is a body of medelers, and we rely on their activity to set things in motion.

My, my, I just noticed my rather amusing typo. I certainly did not mean it as written; the NMRA is a body of modelers, to be sure![/quote]

Certainly, you did not mean it as was written... but, some where in your mind you were thinking it.

As far as my original comments... I was just repeating what I recall reading or being discussed in a chat... not that my memory is acurate.

The Zscale metal wheel set standards gauge is now available.

Obviously this tool is not for locomotive wheel sets, and as far as I know, locomotives are the most critical violators of any imaginary standard. There are so many egos in the field of Z-scale manufacturing, we reached the point, when a working standard is near impossible.

Lajos

zthek wrote:

The Zscale metal wheel set standards gauge is now available.

Obviously this tool is not for locomotive wheel sets, and as far as I know, locomotives are the most critical violators of any imaginary standard. There are so many egos in the field of Z-scale manufacturing, we reached the point, when a working standard is near impossible.

Regrettably I must agree with this sentiment.

zthek wrote:

There are so many egos in the field of Z-scale manufacturing...

Lajos

Hmmm...