Some Other Z Scale Terms

Other Terms

There are some terms that model railroaders, z scale or otherwise, use that you might wonder about. A short explanation about some of them follow.

Prototype or Prototypical. "Prototype" normally means a one-of-a-kind working model of something that, after testing, is copied to make the things that will be sold or used. In model railroading, a prototype is the full size item which the train engine, cars, building, etc. are made to look like - It's the real thing as opposed to a model. "Prototypical" just means "realistic."

Railroad Premise. The theme represented by your layout - the location, historical time period, or identity of the railroad. The idea is to avoid anachronisms in your layout. For instance, you wouldn't want an Atlantic Coast Line diesel train running through an old west town, or an Amtrak passenger train running by a Swiss or German village. Some model railroaders try to create a model of a real location. In some cases this is not particularly practical. For example, "briefcase layouts" with a simple loop won't model a real location. But they're awfully cute!

Scratchbuild. A building, for example, that was not just bought commercially or made from a kit. Sometimes items from several kits may be combined to create something completely different. Or a building is constructed completely from raw materials.

Selective Compression. Since it is probably not practical, for example, to model an entire city, just a few houses, businesses, or other buildings are used to give the feel for a larger area. You're not likely to plant an entire forest, so a quick gradation from large (nearby) to smaller (far away) trees gives the illusion of a larger forest. These techniques are referred to as "selective compression."




	Other Terms There are some terms that model railroaders, z scale or otherwise, use that you might wonder about. A short explanation about some of them follow. Prototype or Prototypical. "Prototype" normally means a one-of-a-kind working model of something that, after testing, is copied to make the things that will be sold or used. In model railroading, a prototype is the full size item which the train engine, cars, building, etc. are made to look like - It's the real thing as opposed to a model. "Prototypical" just means "realistic." Railroad Premise. The theme represented by your layout - the location, historical time period, or identity of the railroad. The idea is to avoid anachronisms in your layout. For instance, you wouldn't want an Atlantic Coast Line diesel train running through an old west town, or an Amtrak passenger train running by a Swiss or German village. Some model railroaders try to create a model of a real location. In some cases this is not particularly practical. For example, "briefcase layouts" with a simple loop won't model a real location. But they're awfully cute! Scratchbuild. A building, for example, that was not just bought commercially or made from a kit. Sometimes items from several kits may be combined to create something completely different. Or a building is constructed completely from raw materials. Selective Compression. Since it is probably not practical, for example, to model an entire city, just a few houses, businesses, or other buildings are used to give the feel for a larger area. You're not likely to plant an entire forest, so a quick gradation from large (nearby) to smaller (far away) trees gives the illusion of a larger forest. These techniques are referred to as "selective compression."