Model Railroad Club

Join Scottsdale's Premier Z-Scale Train Club!


Visit our exhibits, support our work, take part in our efforts!
Whether you are a Z-Scale enthusiast or have never seen a model train before, let us show you around!


What Is Z-Scale?

Z-Scale model trains are the smallest of the common model trains available. Each train is 1/220th the size of its real equivalent! The most common commerically manufactured scales are, from biggest to smallest: 

G (1:25)
O (1:48)
S (1:64)
HO (1:87)
N (1:160)
Z (1:220)

Smaller scales that are not yet as prolific are the ZZ-Scale (1:300) and T-Scale (1:450). The latter is currently the smallest scale train on the market.


McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is host to an assortment of clubs, each of which focuses on a particular train scale. Other clubs include the Paradise & Pacific Railroad Club (O-Scale), the Sun N' Sand Model Railroad Club (N-Scale), and the Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society (HO Scale).


Compared to other model train scales, Z-Scale trains allow for really efficient use of space when building train modules (standard area of track layouts). Much more detail can be packed into each module when the trains takes up less space and require less room to turn. 


We take full advantage of this at McCormick-Stillman, adding tremendous detail into our projects. We have already created interesting exhibits for you to see, thanks to the hard work of our team.



Meet the Founders

  1. Terry Watson
    Terry Watson
    Club Founder, President, Lead Track Designer, Project Coordinator
  2. Richard Fillman
    Richard Fillman
    Club Founder, Lead Electrician, Lead Scenery Designer, Carpenter
ZGuys Club was chartered in January 2018 with the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

The club began as a small display within the N-Scale exhibit, but in June 2018 it was granted a dedicated park section to explore new ideas. In short time, the club members put together the Island of Sodor, a Thomas the Tank Engine exhibit that regularly attracts crowds of all ages. Looking forward, expect to see improvements to the Island of Sodor as well as new and exciting layouts. Check them out below!



Our Current and Upcoming Projects


Island of Sodor


Helix Elevator


Fort McCain
Coming Soon!


Send Us Your Suggestions!


As our club continues to grow, we can always use your support!



Ways You Can Get Involved



BECOME A MEMBER

Join the ZGuys club to get hands on experience with model train design, implementation and maintenance! There are opportunities for new members to support in all capacities: laying track, shaping and setting scenery, testing electronics, programming Arduinos, and even community outreach. Contact Us for an application!


DONATE

Consider visiting our Donation page to learn more about how you can help support our projects!


SUBMIT YOUR SUGGESTIONS

Have a new idea for an interesting layout? Want to see some improvements to the existing exhibits? Send us your ideas and thoughts through the Contact Us page.


COME VISIT!

Want to see the Z-Scale layouts up close? Visit us in the 10,000 square foot Model Railroad Building in McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park!