Manufacturers
The number of people making things in Z scale is actually quite surprising, once you
start digging. Among this list you'll find everything from one-person shops selling one or
two items to big-name manufacturers of models in multiple scales. The quality will vary
just as widely, too, but given the relative scarcity of American Z scale merchandise, it's
all worthwhile. Some businesses have their own online shopping carts, allowing you to order
items directly. Included are some European manufacturers who make items suitable for use on
American layouts, such as automobiles. Links will open a new browser tab/window. |
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1zu220-Modelle
1zu220-Modelle is a German shop offering a wealth of etched metal detail items. While many items are European-based, plenty are useful an any layout. Plus, they're now adding a line of North American structures. Available direct or through ZTrack Center. |
1zu220-Modelle
1zu220-Modelle
Langstraße 11
63526 Erlensee 06183/72116
Gerhard Petkelis |
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3RWorks
Presently, 3RWorks makes only modern American tank cars—which is interesting, as the company is German. They also display some discontinued detail items that will hopefully be re-released. The products are of exceptional quality, and their website details the complex manufacturing process. |
3RWorks
Gutenbergstraße 5A
D-88677 Markdorf
Germany Kurt Lück |
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Aktionshaus MZZ
A German manufacturer with a mind-boggling line of vehicles. All European, but with possibilities for American modeling, such as road graders and other equipment. |
Aktionshaus MZZ
Aktionshaus MZZ e. K. Inhaber Helga Raab
Bahnhofstr. 6
90562 Kalchreuth 0911 / 56 98 050
Fax: 0911 / 56 98 051
info@aktionshaus-mzz.de |
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American Z Lines
American Z Lines makes rolling stock of all sorts, from brass locomotives to injection-molded freight cars, plus their own line of trucks and couplers. |
American Z Lines
Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
6142 Northcliff Blvd.
Dublin, OH 43016 614-764-1703
Fax: 614-764-1703
ztrack@aol.com |
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Animek Models
Newly-launched business, starting out with a laser-cut kit of Dorothy's House from The Wizard of Oz. |
Animek Models Ben |
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Aztec Manufacturing
Aztec specializes in track cleaning cars from G to Z, as well as tools and other unique items. Products are generally not available in hobby shops; to order, you must print out an order form and mail, fax or phone in your order with your credit card information. |
Aztec Manufacturing
2701 Conestoga Dr., #113
Carson City, NV 89706 775-883-3327
Fax: 775-883-3357
John Claudino |
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Black Bear Construction Co., Inc.
Black Bear makes Z scale trestle kits and related items for other scales. Order directly using their online shopping cart. |
Black Bear Construction Co., Inc.
PO Box 26911
Austin, TX 78755-0911 512-467-8400
Fax: 512-985-5110
barrett@austin.rr.com |
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Blair Line LLC
Blair Line has laser-cut structure kits, billboards and detail items in O, S, HO, N and Z. Shopping cart. |
Blair Line LLC
PO Box 1136
Carthage, MO 64836 417-359-8300
Dale Rush |
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BLMA
BLMA offers great etched metal detail and small structure kits in HO, N and Z. They make their growing product line available directly via their online shopping cart, and also distribute through a growing number of dealers. |
BLMA
16623 Pear Blossom Ct.
Whittier, CA 90603 562-712-7085
sales@blmamodels.com |
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Bulls Eye Railway Products
Bulls Eye offers four cast resin vehicles, including a pickup truck, a tractor-trailer, a military truck and a jeep. Mail order only. |
Bulls Eye Railway Products
11926 Leisure Dr.
Dallas TX 75243 Billy8@wans.net |
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California Roadbed Co.
HomaBed (Homasote-based) roadbed materials from Z to G, available directly via their online shopping cart. |
California Roadbed Co.
3568 Balls Ferry Road
Cottonwood, CA 96022 Richard A. Jayne |
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Creativ-Modellbau Klingenhöfer
Looking for unusual figures or animals? This German shop makes a variety of fine detailing items for Z scale, many of which have been commissioned. |
Creativ-Modellbau Klingenhöfer
Körberstrasse 7
50999 Köln
Deutschland 01522-5709438
Michael Klingenhöfer |
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Dmented
Dmented primarily makes jewelry, but has branched out and started making N and Z scale vehicles using their jewelry-making process. |
Dmented
Brooklyn, NY dmented@verizon.net |
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Downtown Deco
Downtown Deco is considering the prospect of re-expanding their solid cast Hydrocal building line into Z scale (they dabbled in Z in the past), so keep an eye on this link. |
Downtown Deco
5323 Fiddler Court
Florence, MT 59833 406-273-0942
Fax: 406-273-0942
downtowndeco@montana.com |
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E & D Models, LLC
E & D has bought out the Alan Curtis Models Z scale product line and is selling their spine car and flatcar kits online. More products are said to be coming. |
E & D Models, LLC
12229 Chandler Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170 734-446-6824
Fax: 734-446-6878 |
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FannoCreek Designs
FannoCreek Designs produces laser-cut kits for acrylic freight cars and micro-plywood structures. |
FannoCreek Designs
10569 SW Windsor Place
Tigard, OR 97223 info@fannocreekdesigns.com |
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Fast Tracks
Fast Tracks provides materials, tools and tutorials to hand-lay Z (and almost any other) scale track. |
Fast Tracks
47 6th Concession Rd.
Brantford Ontario N3T 5L7
Canada 1-888-252-3895
service@fast-tracks.net |
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Fox Valley Models
Fox Valley Models offers a few Z scale laser-cut wood kits and accessories, in addition to many N and HO items. Of particular interest are replacement metal wheelsets for Micro-trains trucks. Available through Z Scale Monster. |
Fox Valley Models
PO Box 1970
Des Plaines, IL 60017 Fax: 847-813-5172 info@foxvalleymodels.com |
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FR-Model.de
Freudenreich Feinwerktechnik is a quickly-growing German company offering exquisite etched metal locomotives and rolling stock for modelers of Swiss and American railroads; they will also custom-manufacture rolling stock. |
FR-Model.de
Schwarzer Weg 1b
D-18190 Sanitz / Meckl.
Germany +49 38209 49160
Fax: +49 38209 49161
H. Freudenreich |
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Full Throttle
William Dean Wright (a.k.a. Uncle Will) makes beautiful freight cars as well as his own line of trucks and couplers under the brand "Full Throttle." You'll find his unique items at dealers such as Zscale Monster Trains. |
Full Throttle
128 Burma Island Road
Leesburg, FL 34788 352-589-0303
will@wdwfullthrottle.com |
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Gabor Modelle
Maker of European vehicles, some of which can be used on American layouts. |
Gabor Modelle
Gabor Modelle E. Haselberger
Stollberger Strasse 31
09399 Niederwürschnitz 037296 93571
Fax: 037296 93572
kontakt@Gabor-Modellbau.de |
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GCLaser Innovations
GCLaser Innovations makes craftsman-style laser-cut wood kits in scales from Z to O. The offering in Z scale is varied and growing. Order directly using their online shopping cart. |
GCLaser Innovations
PO Box 612
Genoa City, WI 53128 815-354-6627
Fax: 262-279-6627
sales@gclaser.com |
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Gérard Huet
Brand new French manufacturer of fine etched brass American diesel locomotives, beginning with a stunning SW-1/9 switcher. |
Gérard Huet Gérard Huet |
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Gray Brothers
The Gray Brothers custom-build very fine classic period American structures. Each scratchbuilt item comes on a small diorama base. Order via email only, but they do accept PayPal. |
Gray Brothers
650 Clematis Rd.
Venice, FL 34293 graybro@comcast.net |
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Hay Brothers Garage
Hay Brothers Garage offers one of the biggest line of cast resin freight car loads you'll find anywhere. Excellent products. Order direct via mail or through distributors like Zscale Monster Trains. |
Hay Brothers Garage
PO Box 1551
Gilbert, AZ 85299-1551 480-600-6335
haybros@msn.com |
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Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
In addition to vehicles, Herpa makes airplanes and airport accessories in many scales. If you expand your search to include 1:200, you'll find dozens of unusual items. |
Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
Leonrodstreet 46-47
90599 Dietenhofen, Germany +49(0)9824/951-00 |
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IBL Products
Itty Bitty Lines (IBL) sells Z scale cork roadbed and prefab layouts by mail or through their eBay store. |
IBL Products
5452 Cascade Drive
West Bend, WI 53095 262-675-6220
ibl@hnet.net |
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InterMountain Railway Co.
Supplier of HO and N scale ready-to-run rolling stock, InterMountain has just entered the Z scale market. |
InterMountain Railway Co.
P.O. Box 839
Longmont, Colorado
80502-0839 800-472-2530
Fax: 303-772-8534
intermountain@intermountain-railway.com |
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KingMill Enterprises, LLC
KingMill is another of a growing number of laser-cut wood kit manufacturers that's recently expanded their product offering to include Z scale. What sets this business apart from the rest is that they offer a unique product/service: special software that lets you custom-design your own laser-cut kits, which KingMill will manufacture for your own use or for resale. Attractive shopping cart-enabled site. |
KingMill Enterprises, LLC
203 Camellia Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4208 434-979-7280
webmaster@kingmill.com |
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Mark 4 Design Ltd.
Mark 4 is a New Zealand start-up offering a modest number of HO, N and Z scale American kits. Right now for Z they make two hi-cube boxcar kits, several (desperately needed) vehicles and some acetylene tanks. This will be another one to watch. See their website for ordering information. |
Mark 4 Design Ltd.
393A Glenbrook Beach Road
RD1 Waiuku 2681
New Zealand +64 9 2353 744
mark4design@gmail.com |
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Märklin, Inc.
Yes, the venerable German toy manufactuer and inventor of Z scale makes American-style products, although many of them are not well proportioned. |
Märklin, Inc.
P.O. Box 510559
16988 W. Victor Rd.
New Berlin, WI 53151-0559 American Subsidiary of Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH, Germany |
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MARSILIUS-Line GmbH
German maker of American smooth-side passenger cars and, hopefully, much more! |
MARSILIUS-Line GmbH
Industriestraße 18
47803 Krefeld Helmut Marsilius |
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MCZ Models
A newcomer to the Z Scale market, current products include hi-cube corrugated shipping containers. Available through dealers like Z Scale Monster. |
MCZ Models Malcolm Cleaveland |
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Merten
Like Preiser, Merten is a venerable old manufacturer of people, animals and related details. Getting harder to find, but still worth finding; try Z und Meer for starters. |
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Micron Art
Micron Art has an impressive and growing line of etched N and Z brass kits and scratchbuilding supplies. Kits include an extensive array of very early automobiles, several structures and some new bridges. Their Nscratch and Zscratch products include brick sheets, numerous windows and doors, details and much more. |
Micron Art
8400 Washita Drive
Austin, TX 78749-3908 512-292-7065
micron@micronart.com |
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Micro-Trains Line Co.
The company most associated with American Z scale, Micro-Trains has few peers in the business. Originally, Kadee Quality Products of Oregon got into Z scale after buying the tooling for most of their Z models from Nelson Gray of upstate New York back in the 70s. Later, the brothers who founded Kadee split the company in two. Products are only available through licensed dealers, of which there are plenty. |
Micro-Trains Line Co.
351 Rogue River Parkway
PO Box 1200
Talent, OR 97540-1200 541-535-1755
mtl@micro-trains.com |
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Miller Engineering LLC
Chris Miller offers a handsome line of highly detailed etched brass structure kits (under the name Micro Structures), plus an array of dazzling lighted signs (under the name Light Works USA). Order direct from their online shopping cart. |
Miller Engineering LLC
PO Box 282
New Canaan, CT 06840-0282 203-595-0619
Fax: 203-322-6116
Chris Miller |
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minitec
German manufacturer of excellent ballast and scenery supplies (such as photo-etched corn) for multiple scales. |
minitec
Dahlienweg 9
47906 Kampen
Germany Bergs & Bongartz GbR |
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Monroe Models
Monroe Models makes HO and N scale bridges, structures and details. They have just entered the Z scale market with a few new items and more to come. Shopping cart enabled. |
Monroe Models
PO. Box 1120
Cokato, MN 55321 320-286-2854
monroemodels@cmgate.com |
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Nansen Street Models
Maker of laser-cut structures, and soft metal and resin cast detail parts and accessories. A division of The N Scale Architect, NSM is also a reseller of Shire Scenes models, a manufacturer in the United Kingdom. |
Nansen Street Models
4063 County Highway 2
Delancey, NY 13752 607-746-8416
The N Scale Architect |
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NGaugingBridges
NGaugingBridges makes custom wooden bridges and trestles from Z to HO. Order via email only. |
NGaugingBridges Terry Allen |
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Norm24
Exclusive North American models from Germany, including speeders, both finished and in kits. |
Norm24
norm24 - Detlev Stahl
Baustraße 21-23
42853 Remscheid 02191 92 90 71
Detlev Stahl |
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Paper Creek Model Works
Paper Creek has an unusual line of structure kits and scratchbuilding supplies for multiple scales, all based on highly realistic color printed paper. Online shopping cart. |
Paper Creek Model Works
PO Box 6863
Frazier Park, CA 93222-6863 papercreek@earthlink.net |
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Paw of a Bear
Paw of a Bear provides highly detailed, custom built z-scale structures. Special orders welcome and may be ordered via email and Paw of a Bear accepts PayPal payments, personal checks, and money orders. In addition to his custom building, Michael Duggan also offers a line of laser cut Z-scale kits. |
Paw of a Bear
1180 Fox Ridge Drive
Earlysville VA 22936 Michael Duggan |
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PennZee
PennZee has commissioned several very fine injected-plastic freight cars from Bowser, and offers a line of cardstock structures. No website, but available through retailers like Zscale Monster Trains (see Retailers). |
PennZee
1333 Crums Mill Rd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112 717-540-8853 |
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PERMO
Maker of European kits, vehicles and accessories, with some generic farm wagons useful for American modelers. Might be a challenge ordering from them, though... |
PERMO
Bäckerstr. 19, D-19348
Perleberg, Germany 03876 - 613001
Fax: 03876 - 613115
Frank Brauer |
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PROTO:87 STORES
Andy Reichert's PROTO:87 STORES and ACCURATE TRACK EMPORIUM has announced their intention to introduce a full line of fine components for handlaid Z scale track. Keep an eye on this!
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PROTO:87 STORES
The Proto:87 Stores
PO BOX 505
Pismo Beach
CA 93448 805-481-4625
Andy Reichert |
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Randy Brown Models
Formerly trading as Arrowhead Scale Models, Randy Brown offers a number of Z scale cast resin building kits—principally southwestern—and a few vehicles exclusively via his eBay store. |
Randy Brown Models
PO Box 53
Randsburg, CA 93554 |
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Robert Ray
Robert Ray started out by making laser-cut wood kits for items that he wanted for his layout but were not made by anyone; now he's making kits for resale by Ztrack, Micro-Trains and others (see Retailers). |
Robert Ray
Fremont, CA Robert Ray |
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Rolfs Laedchen
Rolfs Laedchen is another overseas manufacturer specializing in detail parts. While they are European in design, some products (like fences and furniture) are universally adaptable. Distributed in the US by Ztrak Magazine. |
Rolfs Laedchen
Friesenstr. 7
46359 Heiden Rudolf Pabst |
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Roy Bergauer
Maker of small kits and detail items. Although European, there are fences, sheds and other generic details of interest to almost anyone. |
Roy Bergauer
Untere Hauptstraße 37a
D-09439 Amtsberg 03725/23253
info@roybergauer.de |
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RSLaserKits
Manufacturer of HO, N and Z scale laser-cut structure kits and scratchbuilding supplies. |
RSLaserKits
5145 Gaffin Rd. SE.
Salem, OR 97301 503-371-4290
Fax: 503-585-0850
Rich |
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Scale Train
Scale Train has a seriously eclectic assortment of detail items, electronics and kits in scales from Z to HO. Poke around the equally eclectic site so as to be sure you didn't miss anything—there are lots of nooks and crannies full of little surprises. A mail order form is available "for those who do not have confidence in the automated checkout system." |
Scale Train
1521 E. Ave.
Edmundston NB E3V 2B8
Canada Alain Pelletier |
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Scale University
Scale University primarily makes O scale laser-cut kits, but this Marklin dealer does make a Z scale kit; hopefully they'll offer more. |
Scale University
196 Cider Hill Road
Exeter, Maine 04435 207-379-4731 |
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Schiffer Design
Yet another European maker of fine structure kits and detailing items, with a few possibilities for American modelers. |
Schiffer Design
Rudolf Schiffer Design
Modelle & Dioramenbau
Weyerstraße 4
D-50170 Kerpen (02273) 95 92-0
Fax: (02273) 95 92 32
Rudolf Schiffer |
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SEARAILS Animated Scale Models
SEARAILS manufactures animated scale models and their components including structures and accessories, and special order rail cars and vehicles. |
SEARAILS Animated Scale Models
Box 366
Valley Ford, CA 94972 1-800-929-3361
Jim (design), Larry (manufacturing), Kat (painting) |
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Smokey Mountain Miniatures
Smokey Mountain Miniatures makes a variety of detail products for multiple scales. For the moment their Z scale items include only a few freight car loads. Online shopping cart. |
Smokey Mountain Miniatures
9121 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37926-1425 865-961-2516
smokeymtnmin@bellsouth.net |
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Stonebridge Models
Stonebridge Models (formerly StoneBridgeDesigns) is expanding their laser cut structure kit line into other scales. They now have a nice new website with a shopping cart. |
Stonebridge Models
1325 Ramada Ave.
Medford, OR 97504 Karen and Loren Snyder |
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TeeterTotterTreeStuff
TTTS has two products of interest for Micro-Trains F7 diesels: wheel wipers to improve electrical pickup, and bright white LED replacement headlight modules. Sold through email, snailmail, or telephone contact with the maker. TTTS also provides repairs to MTL F7 locomotives, installations of above products and selected DCC decoders, and can fit dummy B unit shells to powered chassis to make powered B units. Email for information. Installation instructions online. |
TeeterTotterTreeStuff
100 Lily Court
Allen, TX 75002 972-396-7274
Glen Chenier |
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The Shawnee Railroad Company
The Shawnee Railroad Company does very limited special run five-packs of Micro-Trains freight cars. Available from retailers like Zscale Monster Trains (see Retailers). |
The Shawnee Railroad Company
PO Box 426
Land-o-Lakes, FL 34639-0426 tainnut88@aol.com |
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TrainCat Model Sales
By popular demand, TrainCat Model Sales is expanding their beautiful line of etched brass bridge kits, structures and details into Z scale. Bob Knight is adding new products often, so be sure to return to the website often. |
TrainCat Model Sales
Knight Industrial Technologies, Inc. sales@traincat2.com |
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Twin Whistle Sign & Kit Company
A multi-scale kit and pre-built structure manufacturer is now offering Z scale laser kits. |
Twin Whistle Sign & Kit Company
Twin Whistle Sign & Kit Company
31 Turnberry Dr.
Arden, NC 28704 828-684-6785
Fax: 828-651-0365
Allen Goethe |
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Westmodel
Makers of fine brass models from Z to HO. Their website displays a fraction of what they make, which includes Z and Nn3 steam locomotives, rolling stock and accessories. For a better look at what they offer, visit Aspenmodel. |
Westmodel
WESTMODEL Bachmann
Kannenhoferweg 68 A
41066 Mönchengladbach +49 (0) 2161 - 66 35 83
Fax: +49 (0) 2161 - 66 06 82
Klaus Bachmann |
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Wild West Scale Model Builders
Located in the heart of narrow gauge
country in Colorado, Mike and Korie Pyne offer nicely-detailed laser-cut structure kits in multiple scales. |
Wild West Scale Model Builders
P.O. Box 254
Englewood, Colorado 80151 Mike Pyne |
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Wright's Turnouts
Peter Wright of the United Kingdom is making drop-in replacements for Marklin turnouts to North American standards. Pricey but worth it. Order in advance. |
Wright's Turnouts Peter Wright |
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Z and N Models
Printed paper structure kits in HO, N and Z. |
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Z Scale Buildings
Tammy Oram scratchbuilds unique and marvelous structures, scenes and mini-dioramas, and sells them on eBay. Her website provides many tips and tricks for building in Z scale. |
Z Scale Buildings
West Valley City, UT 84120 Tammy Oram |
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Z-CALS Custom Decals
Custom decals made for RoadRailers. Unique "butterfly" decals feature paint and weathering effects in one piece. |
Z-CALS Custom Decals
P.O. Box 6267
San Mateo, CA 94403-6267 decals@z-cals.com |
