Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where did Z-Bend Track originate?

A: The Z-Bend Track Standards were originally modified from the N scale Bend Track standards, with their permission, by members of the Northwest Crossing multi-scale model railroad club in Houston, TX: Jack Withem, Chad Bryan, and Bill Kronenberger.
 

Q: Who maintains the Z-Bend Track standards?

A: The current Standards Committee is represented by a cross section of Z scale enthusiasts, press, manufactures, and founders:

Rob Kluz – Publisher – Ztrack Magazine
Rob Albritton – Co-Owner – American Z Lines
Randy Smidt – Z Scale Module Co-Ordinator – National Train Show
Chad Bryan – Founder – Z-Bend Track
 

Q: How can I contact the Standards Committee?

A: Write Rob Kluz at ztrack@aol.com

Q: How does Z-Bend Track compare to other Z scale module standards?

A: Z-Bend Track is by far the most popular Z scale module standard.

Q: What are the basics of Z-Bend Track.

• A: It’s really pretty simple:
• 40” from floor to top of the rails
• 2 foot wide interface with tracks 9” and 10” from the center line on both sides
• Minimum Radius 7 2/3 inches (Same as Marklin Snap Track 195mm)

Q: I hear that Z-Bend Track uses two sided modules. How does that work?

A: Great! We use a double line main down both sides of the module. It means we have several advantages over other standards:

• Add a loop back on either end of the module and you have a complete home layout
• If extra people show up at a meet, we can just add their module in line. We don’t need an exact number of straight, corners, or precise length modules.
• We don’t have “fortress” style layouts. Since out modules are two sided, we are always out with the crowd, enjoying happy faces, answering questions, and meeting new friends.
• Our modules can be any length or shape we want. The module can match the scene instead of the scene being forced to match the module size.

Q: Why are your modules so tall? Little Kids can’t see the trains!

A: We are 40” from the floor to the tops of the rails. Yes, it’s true, small children can not see from that height, but it does offer some advantages:

• It prevents unattended children from unintentionally remodeling your module. If they are that small, then they should be picked up by Mom or Dad to see the trains.
• It is a much better perspective on the trains. We see the world from eye level, not from a helicopter.
• It is easier to work on your module – especially if you have a bad back!

 
Q: Is it “Z Bend,” “ZBT,” or “Z-Bend Track”??? I’ve heard people use all of the above. What’s the deal?

A: In homage to Bill Kronenberger, it is “Z-Bend Track.” This was a pet peeve of Bill’s: everyone called it “Z-Bend.” He used to say, quite repetitively and somewhat annoyed but always with a smile, “Don’t leave off the TRACK!!!”