Brownfield’s SP Industry Layout, Cohen’s custom painted locos, AZL Releases AUTO-MAX Auto Carriers, Lamy station track plan, Archistories releases brick houses, Tip, securing AZL’s coupler pocket, The subtle collector, Animek Models’ new kits, Märklin’s 2026 summer new items, And so much moreand so much more!
Trackside Perspective | From The July / August 2026 Issue
The maturity of Z scale continues...
The summer months are a time to slow down and for me to reflect. It is a time where I take stock of where we are and plan for what is ahead. What really struck me as I worked on this issue of Ztrack is just how mature Z scale has become. Sometimes it takes another’s perspective to help see what is literarily in front of you. That moment was the National Train Show.
I was running an auto-rack train pulled by two of AZL’s all new CSX C44-9Ws. A gentleman who was watching the trains run by, poked his friend and pointed out the ditch lights on the locomotives. He was a N scale modeler and was blown away about the brightness and fineness of those on a Z scale model.
I work on Z scale every day, and sometimes I miss the bigger picture. Working ditch lights in Z scale, prototype specific details, all new modern rolling stock like the AUTO-MAX cars, impressive structure kits, module operations, expansive track options and a growing community. These were all on display at the National Train Show. For us in Z scale, these factors have almost become common and expected. But for someone who is not in tune with Z scale, it can be a shock where Z is now. This is especially true when we can showcase items and details that are not readily available in larger scales like N and HO.
When I think back to the good old days of Märklin Z and the emergence of North American Z scale, it really puts into perspective how our scale has matured. I can’t help but feel like we are in the summer months of Z scale. It is all growth around us with more growth ahead. This issue showcases an amazing layout, custom painted locomotives, a track plan, new products and tips and tricks. It tells a story of a hobby that is maturing in front of us.
Ztrack Magazine is now available in print and digital formats for subscriptions and back issues. We've found that instead of getting their Ztrack through the USPS, many folks like the convenience of the universal PDF digital format. Of course, we still print so you can choose whatever works best for you!
Ztrack Magazine is now available in print and digital formats for subscriptions and back issues. We've found that instead of getting their Ztrack through the USPS, many folks like the convenience of the universal PDF digital format. Of course, we still print so you can choose whatever works best for you!
