Z Scale Model Railroading
Z scale @ 1:220 is one of the smallest model trains available. Locomotives and rolling stock are demonstrated at our train shows with a 4 x 8 layout, with both diesel and steam locomotives. This scale was introduced about 25 years ago and made originally in Germany by Marklin model trains. Since then another source are the Japanese models built by Rokuhan. They are available in the U.S. from Model Train specialty shops, Amazon and EBay.
The engine is about the size of your pinkie, but the scale has tracks, accessories, landscaping and people offered in this mini size model. These are popular with people who don’t have room for the larger popular sets, and can use card table size layouts with this Z scale.
T Scale Model Railroading
T scale trains @ 1:440 are the smallest commercially made model trains, exactly half the size of the Z scale. These have been available for about 15 years and are accessible from outlets in the U.S. , Europe, Japan and China. They also have track and all accessories made for tiny layouts. A popular method is to build a layout for T scale in a small suitcase, not only taking up minimal space but also portable. One popular practice in Japan is to remove the layouts from the suitcases and hooking them together with others to create larger layouts.
Our club demonstrates the T scale model on a 30”x 30” layout with rivers, houses, boats, and people, all in this tiny size.
Winter & Summer Vendor Train Expos
The Villages Model Train Club hosts two vendor shows per year.