Coming across a large model train collection is always a special moment no matter how many times you’ve seen one. But how would you react to one of the largest train collections in the world? To be more specific, how would you react to a Guiness Book of World Records model train collection? Yeah, we just did that at Trainz.com, and are now in possession of the largest Z-Scale train collection of model trains the world has ever seen.
It all started with a phone call and some photos from an avid model train enthusiast from California. After a little business tango and a trip out to the West coast, the team back at home in Buford, Georgia immediately got to work on clearing shelves for the massive collection. I didn’t tell them it was a Z-Scale collection, but that’s fine – we can always use the extra room for more products (don’t tell them I did this).
Getting this massive collection of Z-Scale trains only inspired me to look further into one of the ‘micro’ scales that doesn’t get as much love as its larger O-Gauge, HO, and even N-Scale counterparts. I’ve always lived under the notion that ‘bigger is better’ and historically have always been drawn to O-Gauge products. But, after digging through and sorting some of the collection, I found my appreciation for the micro scale trains growing to G-Scale proportions
As we dive deeper into this world record collection, I thought it would be the perfect chance to take a closer look at the history of Z-Scale model too. So take a second to check out the fancy plaque below, and get ready for our dive into the world of Z-Scale trains.
Little Trains, Big History
While some accounts of early micro trains do exist dating back to the 1920s, most of the 20th century was exclusively an S-Gauge and O-Gauge landscape. Things changed in 1978 when Marklin’s lead designer Helmut Killan introduced Z-Scale to the European market. Per Wikipedia’s article on Z-Scale trains, the letter ‘Z’ was chosen because it was the last letter of the English and German alphabet, making it the perfect representation of the micro-scale model.
Thanks largely in part to N-Scale trains, Z-Scale models took little time to impact the market, eventually spreading beyond the European market, and stretching overseas to North America and Australia. North America would even see its own manufacturer enter the market with Micro-Trains Line producing their own Z-Scale trains. Things got even more interesting this year, with model train giants MTH announcing an entire line-up of Z-Scale trains set for release in November of 2024. While many manufacturers have stuck to what they know, Marklin continues to produce Z-Scale trains to this day – keeping the market fresh with new engines and rolling stock.
In the present day, Z-Scale trains have firmly cemented themselves into the model train world with collections on display from all over the globe. Websites like GaugeMaster.com do a great job keeping everyone up to date with their piece on Z-Scale trains. Not bad for an engine with a motor no bigger than a marble. Circling back to our world record collection, I’d like to mention this isn’t the first time Z-Scale trains have graced the Guiness Book of World Records with their micro presence. In 1978, the same year Z-Scale trains were introduced to the market – a Z-Scale engine set the world record for continuous hours of operation totaling a whopping 1,200 hours and covering a vast 450 miles during its record setting trek!
The World Record Collection
Back in February of this year, we received a pretty interesting email about a massive train collection. Knowing Scott Griggs, naturally this piqued his interest, and he soon got in touch with the seller. I think even Scott was a little surprised when the owner of the collection said this was one for the books, and I mean that literally.
The Z-Scale collection was a world record collection containing over 1,000 engines and over 5,000 freight cars. The owner had been collecting Z-Scale models since their introduction to the market, and in 2016 was awarded the Guinness Book of World Records distinction for the largest Z-Scale collection ever assembled! This was a challenge Trainz.com was eager to take on, and before long plans were made for a 2,200 mile trip to the America’s West coast for closer look.
I could talk about the inventory and packing process, but I’ll save that for a later article – more on that soon. We loaded up that Famous 26ft Trainz box truck most of you have seen, and made our way to the location of the collection.
The location was Santa Barbara, California where most of the collection would be found in large tool chests and in display cases. You’d be hard pressed to argue against the idea that every single Marklin Z-Scale engine ever produced might be in this collection. This was a massive ‘perspective’ moment for me, introducing me to the idea that the Z-Scale market might be much bigger than I could have imagined.
Once Scott and the team got everything verified and checked out, the task of hauling this collection back across the country was underway. With most of the collection unboxed, our team got to work sorting, identifying, and moving all of the items into our inventory system. After about a month or so, we’ve finally started listing some of the Z-Scale trains on Trainz.com, and folks have had a blast.
Even if it was for a brief moment, I’m proud to say we were the owner of the largest Z-Scale train collection ever assembled. We’ve since sent off many Z-Scale models to their new owners. It’s kind of like a proud parent moment when your kid is finally off to college to pursue their dreams. With the record Z-Scale collection out of the way, I guess it’s time to start chasing the world’s largest G-Scale collection! Just kidding, I think we’ll wait until we’re in our new building for that one.
Z-Scale Trains at Trainz
While Z-Scale isn't new to Trainz.com, having so much of it at once is. We had a pretty sizable inventory of Z-Scale models in our inventory already, but things have grown tenfold since the collection has hit the shelves. Whether it’s Z-Scale locomotives or rolling stock, we’re adding more and more to our website every day. I’m personally looking forward to watching Z-Scale trains grow even further within the hobby.
Marklin has also spent years perfecting the Z-Scale experience, too. One of the biggest knocks on early Z-Scale models was the lack of pulling power the engines had. Marklin decided to listen to their customers (something they’re known for) and has since improved their motor, keeping the same marble size and increasing the oomph. For a visual example, I’ve got a Z-Scale train YouTube video posted by user SwedishZ-scale demonstrating some impressive muscle. A true mighty mite!
For the Z-Scale train market, I foresee things on the up and up. With more users online showing a growing interest in Z-Scale trains, be it on YouTube or online forums, I think it’s safe to say Marklin and Micro-Trains Line won’t be slowing down on production anytime soon. In addition to your mainstays, giants like Atlas have also entered the Z-Scale market along with smaller brands like Rokuhan from Japan, and American Z-Line. Competition leads to innovation, further increasing the massive potential for Z-Scale trains.
Closing ‘Micro’ Thoughts
I’ve got a glowing sense of optimism for the future of Z-Scale trains. With so many manufacturers getting behind the micro-scale, I think it’s only a matter of time before we see even more Z-Scale operators make themselves known through social media channels and train shows. Who knows, maybe we’ll even get Lionel to get cracking on some of their own Z-Scale trains.
When this collection finally came back to my homebase in Buford, Georgia I couldn’t wait to get into those boxes for a closer look. It was both humbling and satisfying to see the culmination of years of collecting. If you’re blown away by the thought of a world record collection, you’ll be even more blown away at the Z-Scale train inventory on our website. The whole collection isn’t posted yet, but more and more unique Z-Scale goodies are posted each and every day. Thinking about downsizing and going to Z-Scale? Well we’ve got everything you can imagine now, and hey - it never hurts to window shop. For now, I’ve got to get back on the floor to help the team, we only have a few thousand more Z-Scale items to go. No big deal. Wish us luck!
Works Cited
Chandler, John. “Part 1: Getting Started in Z Scale.” Gaugemaster, GaugeMaster, https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/rightlines-article/getting-started-in-z-scale.html. Accessed 1 May 2024.
“Z scale.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_scale. Accessed 1 May 2024.