This Z10: Extra-Large Oval w/ Holding Track takes all the features of the Z8 Extra Large Oval and adds to it the Z7: Crater Lake Mountain and Village layout which is in and of itself a combination of two layouts: the Z5: Single Track Outer Oval w Siding and the Z6: :Elongated Figure 8.
We won't try to cover all the details about this combination of those three layouts on this listing page other than to say these two things: 1) each of the layouts has its detailed listing page and 2) you can save $300.00 if you buy the combined layouts as a set.
ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: UNLESS YOU MOUNT THIS LAYOUT EITHER AS A PENNISULA OR AS AN ISLAND, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE ACCESSING THE BACKSIDE OF THE Z8: EXTRA LARGE OVAL.
One possible solution: mount them on a portable table (not a fastened-down bench).
If you have not yet found these videos, here are some important ones to check out. Click on the hyperlinks as follows:
1. SHIPPING "STACKABLE" LAYOUTS" - How we stack and ship layouts this big -- and which you hook up at your place just by inserting the adjustable tracks between sections.
2. HOW TRAINS CAN SHARE A TRACK --EVEN IN DC (something that is possible once you have the right holding track technology in place).
3. BALANCING THE SPEED OF TWO TRAINS -- if you want two trains to share a track, you must get them at least somewhat close in speed.
As for shipping the layout, you will get the Z8 part of the layout in TWO SECTIONS. We will provide complete instructions, including how you will glue up the TWO LAYERS of 1" thick foam that we ship (so that the whole thing becomes a single 2" thick 'monolith' of material). Then you will use the adjustable tracks we send to hook the sections together. If you haven't already watched the video that was listed above on SHIPPING "STACKABLE" LAYOUTS" we highly recommend you do so now.
A couple of closing notes: The price listed includes the track, the turnouts and bumpers, and the glued-down scenery (which includes hand-ballasted track). Turnouts for holding tracks are powered but turnouts for sidings are manually operated, and while we provide all power feeds and cables needed, we do not include power controllers for track and turnouts -- nor do we include any buildings, locomotives, or train cars.
I close with a personal note from BILL BEIN of LoganSquareZandN: "I HATE powered turnouts from both Kato (N) and Rokuhan (Z), and I personally operate all mine manually -- even if I must first stop trains to do that. I can promise the Holding Track turnouts DID work when installed -- but I make no promise beyond that.
All track is Rokuhan. Shipping is FREE, but note that we do not accept returns.
In closing, have you seen our YOU TUBE video on our Logan Square Z and N SHOWROOM – where we have 12 trains running on 9 layouts – all at the same time? Here is the link to see it: YOU TUBE VIDEO

