Zmodell

09/04/2026

24/03/2026

ZM-LP-01W – Park light post, Era III-VI

One of my old and long-awaiting ideas was to create prototypical-size lights for my own layout. Unfortunately, a selection of fine scale lights Marklin was offering in the past is no longer produced, while the variety of model light from China features mediocre quality and the worst part is, it's completely out of scale. Basically, attractive prices is the only advantage of Chinese model lights. You can easily use their “Z scale” lights on N scale or even bigger scales layouts and so on.

During last months, I finally managed to find some time to realize this project. I decided to start from park light poles. Expectedly, the most challenging part was to find a way to make the light as close to prototypical dimensions as possible. At the same time, I kept in mind desired model rigidity and ease of installation that is also important to customers. Here is the first model from the new series.

The light is 17 mm high (without underground section) that corresponds to 3.74 meters in 1:1 scale – quite a typical light pole used in parks and other recreational areas along alleys and pathways. The diameter of the thin part of the pole is 0.8 mm. The size of the ball is 2.5 mm.

The underground part is 5 mm long. The light is equipped with warm white 0402 LED that has a special color tone that resembles the light of energy saving or fluorescent lamps – predecessors of modern LED lighting. White glossy opaque acrylic ball evenly diffuses the light around. The light is equipped with 28 cm color cables with PTFE insulation. They are thick and strong enough; they do not look like human hair that is too easy to tear.

Each light comes in small protective plastic box and supplied with 10 kΩ current-limiting resistor. Important: Do not connect the lights to AC or digital sources; please use only stabilized DC power supply. The voltage range is 8-16V DC; 12V is recommended. In case of higher power supply voltage (for example, 16-24V DC), resistor with higher value is needed (20-22 kΩ). A useful tool for calculating resistor values for LEDs is available here:
https://ledcalculator.net

Important: Please observe polarity and never connect the light directly to the power supply – it will destroy the LED immediately and void the warranty. Always use current-limiting resistor.

The new product is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-LP-01W-Park-Light-Era-III-VI::156734.html

24/03/2026

ZM-TDB-01US – Train departure board, United States version

After introducing the modern DB train departure board last year (https://www.facebook.com/Zmodelltrains/posts/pfbid02wG5dzPAEiwvMnmgQPw6rSusTsoeWgdDFdV8nwnb4V8DS1veVZWhogm8jhiZyYe4Zl), I was inquired by my American friends about a possibility of making the same item, but in the US style – the DB departure board has quite a specific look and therefore can hardly be used for another countries. I accepted this request and developed another variant – featuring different outer color, design of the display, train numbers and destinations. I decided to offer the new item in Europe, too.

Mechanically, the new item is based on the previous design. The departure board is very small – only 21.5 x 11.5 x 2 mm. Like in previous case, the article consists of a number of different parts. The main part is a tiny thin circuit board with 84 white LEDs. The outer frame is made of 0.1 mm etched metal and sprayed with black lacquer paint. It features ultra-thin double-sided stickers on inner sides. The article comes in the additional small protective box.

The new article is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-TDB-01US-Train-departure-board-United::156733.html

24/03/2026

ZM-INT-WU – Interior details for Württemberg design 2-axle passenger cars

Here is one more addition to the new category of my products – interior details for Württemberg design 2-axle passenger cars –the oldest model in the whole Märklin range, available from the very beginning of Z scale, 1972. Although this type of coach was already fitted with interior details in latest editions (for example, 87009), this item can be used for retrofitting older variants like 8700, 8701 and others.

The part comes already sprayed with prototypical color that resembles the light wood. It is compatible with my sliding contacts ZM-SC-006 (https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-SC-006-Schleifkontakte::140771.html) and does not require removal of the metal weight insert.

Here is the list of compatible Märklin products: 8103, 8700, 8701, 8739, 80634, 80911, 81390, 81420, 81563, 81845, 82101, 87001, 87002, 87003, 87009, 98031, 98181

Here is a couple of links where you can see some pictures of real prototypes:
https://bahnwelt.de/das-museum/fahrzeuge/cid-wue-12/
http://www.nmld.nl/de/objekt/2592

The product is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Inneneinrichtungen/Zmodell-ZM-INT-WU-Interior-details-for-Wuerttembe::156736.html

24/03/2026

ZM-INT-APM – Interior details for SBB type APM panorama car

I would like to start introducing the new articles I managed to develop and produce this year. The first product is ZM-INT-APM – Interior details for SBB type APM panorama car. It features the smallest details that is possible to create using SLA 3D printing technology – including tables between the seats and very detailed seats with separate headrests.

The part comes already airbrushed with gray lacquer paint. I painted the tabletops manually with precise brush afterwards. The toilet compartments have holes for the cables to allow making the wiring invisible from outside. The endings of the interiors are designed in a special way to accommodate the red taillights. The updated version of the digital interior lighting kit for APM panorama car is already available. I will post a separate report about it soon.

The part does not require removal of the metal weight insert. The fully assembled car looks absolutely stunning – we don’t see a gaping emptiness through the big panoramic windows anymore.

I decided to take additional care about the security of the item during handling and shipping. I developed a special box with a custom size that perfectly matches the dimensions of the item and cut it out from thick clear PVC film. Such additional measure protects the part from accidental damage. Of course, the item is shipped not only in this box, bus also in a zip-lock bag with cardboard padding and installation instructions.

For those who would like to take a look at the real prototype, a good selection of interior and exterior pictures of SBB type APM panorama car is here:
https://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/CH/SBB_Apm-pano.php

The article is compatible with the following products: Märklin 81594, 87660, 87661, 87662, 87663. It is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Inneneinrichtungen/Zmodell-ZM-INT-APM-Interior-details-for-SBB-type::156735.html

24/02/2026

Zmodell sound decoder for Azar Models SNCF class CC72000 diesel locomotive

Greetings to all,

I would like to introduce my first development for the model from Azar Models – the sound decoder for SNCF class CC72000 diesel locomotive. I really like Azar Models – a young and very ambitious company that, no doubts, performed a true breakthrough in Z scale. Once started with 3D printing like many of the small manufacturers, they did almost impossible – in a record time switched to professional injection molding technology and already delivered a number of models that outperform products of other manufacturers. Of course, in the first place I mean TGV high-speed train, but there is also another model that clearly demonstrates company’s great passion and enthusiasm – SNCF class CC72000 diesel locomotive.

This heavy 6-axle machine is very similar to DB’s BR 232 “Ludmilla” locomotive is terms of use, dimensions, wheel formula, speed and power. And like Z scale “Ludmilla” locomotive, Azar Models' CC72000 became a very good candidate for equipping with the sound decoder, too.

The digital board is based on ESU LokSound 5 Nano DCC sound decoder – currently the best ever solution for Z scale due to its extremely small size, extensive set of features and functions and what is the most important – a huge database of the sound projects for nearly everything that moves on rails. I already successfully used this sound decoder in my other projects like the sound kits for V320 locomotive, ETA/ESA150 train set and others.

The sound decoder offers some additional features. First of all, it is the integrated energy storage module with the total capacity of 440 μF. It is an already known fact that energy storage capacitors plays significant role in improving the driving characteristics of the model and preventing the light flickering, especially when the model is equipped with the sound decoder that itself always consumes somewhat higher current than a conventional digital decoder.

There is one more extra feature that extends the functionality of the model beyond manufacturer’s limits – separately switchable top headlights which are presented neither in analog nor in digital version of the original model. To use this additional function, the model must undergo a certain modification.

The sound plays through 15x8 mm thin SMD loudspeaker. The whole locomotive body is used as a sound box and delivers a crisp and loud sound. It is also worth pointing out that the sound project for SNCF CC72000 diesel locomotive is marked as “HiFi” that means exceptional quality of the sound.

The sound decoder has quite a complex structure consisting of 4 separate circuit boards. The main circuit board features an opening in the center for the motor. An additional small circuit board accommodating energy storage module is built on top of it.

Functions

Here is the list of the digital functions. The sound project for SNCF CC72000 locomotive offers 31 different functions. Please note that to access all of them, you need an appropriate digital command station that supports 32 or more functions. Some functions have a dual action – different sound plays or event occurs upon pressing and releasing the button. Some other functions have multiple choices that are selected by the number of button presses:

F0 – Directionally controlled dual warm white headlights and double red tail lights at both ends of the locomotive
F1 – Directionally controlled warm white top headlights at both ends of the locomotive (activate only when F0 is ON)
F2 – Switch OFF all lights of cab 1
F3 – Switch OFF all lights of cab 2
F4 – Dimming function (the brightness of all warm white lights reduced by 50%)
F5 – Shunting mode (maximal speed reduced by 50%, short acceleration and deceleration time)
F6 – Driving sound:

Press the button 1x – Warm start
Press the button 2x – False start
Press the button 3x – Cold start

F7 – Air horn (high, momentary function)
F8 – Air horn (low, momentary function)
F9 – Air horn (station platform, momentary function)
F10 – Coasting mode
F11 – Heavy load
F12 – Fan
F13 – Compressor
F14 – Sanding (momentary function)
F15 – Valve release (momentary function)
F16 – Curve squeal
F17 – Switch fl**ge (momentary function)
F18 – Coupling/Uncoupling:

Press the button – Uncoupling
Release the button – Coupling

F19 – Conductor’s signal (momentary function)
F20 – Station announcement 1 (momentary function)
F21 – Station announcement 2 (momentary function)
F22 – Radio communication 1 (momentary function)
F23 – Radio communication 2 (shunting distance, momentary function):

1st press of the button – Variant 1
2nd press of the button – Variant 2
3rd press of the button – Variant 3
4th press of the button – Variant 4
5th press of the button – Variant 5

F24 – HBA (momentary function)
F25 – Apply locomotive brake/locomotive brake release
F26 – Apply train brake/train brake release
F27 – Apply/release hand brake:

Press the button – Apply hand brake
Release the button – Release hand brake

F28 – Brake function:

Press the button – Full stop, reduced braking distance
Release the button – Resume driving at the set speed

F29 – Disable brake squeal sound
F30 – Sound fader (volume reduced by 50%)

Installation

The installation of the sound decoder comprises some steps that require exceptional soldering skills and accuracy. Again, I would like to point out that the top light is switchable separately which allows different usage scenarios with two or three lights.

I recorded the demonstration video with many light and sound functions. Beautiful station announcements with SNCF’s brand jingle deserve special attention:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5fUKC9Ux9o

By the way, here is a collection of jingles of different railways of the world. The French one really stands out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG7nYwzOZu0

Analog mode

One of the strongest points of ESU sound decoders is the ability of controlling the light and sound functions in analog mode. The behavior of the locomotive equipped with ESU sound decoder in analog mode is very similar to the digital mode except the method of control: unlike digital commands, the functions are activated and deactivated in analog mode by different voltage levels.

And that’s not the end – ESU sound decoders support not only conventional DC analog mode, but PWM mode, too. The only difference is that the functions are triggered not by the voltage level, but by different duty cycle value that is normally measures in percent.

The behavior of the locomotive in analog mode is really awesome – during first few moments, you cannot believe that all this happens without any digital control at all! The acceleration and deceleration in analog mode also occurs according to the settings of the sound project. 50 kHz PWM motor control and load compensation function remain active in ESU sound decoders in analog mode, too – you can always expect smooth and silent driving of your locomotive regardless of the operating mode – should it be digital or analog.

A comprehensive report with more details and illustrations can be read here:
https://f.z-freunde-international.de/viewtopic.php?t=25503

30/11/2025

ZM-PL-151 – Driver’s cabin interior reproduction for BR 151 electric locomotives

Again, I would like to compare the real photo of the driver’s cabin interior of BR 151 electric locomotive to the reproduction I meticulously designed on my own. Source of the photo of real BR 151 driver’s cabin interior:
https://www.bahnbilder.de/bild/deutschland~e-loks~br-151/1186829/blick-in-den-fuehrerstand-von-151.html

The metal insert in BR 151 locomotive has a different shape, and the plastic sticker must be attached onto it accordingly. It may be quite difficult, so I recommend being very careful and patient during this precise operation. The installation principle is the same. Again, the locomotive housing requires serious disassembly. But the final results are worth it – the real cabin details and driver’s controls are visible through the windows after such an upgrade.

Here is the list of models/train sets with BR 151 electric locomotives where this article can be used: Märklin 8826, 8857, 8858, 81862, 88261, 88262, 88571, 88572.

The new product is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-PL-151-Drivers-cabin-interior-reprod::156540.html

30/11/2025

ZM-PL-103 – Driver’s cabin interior reproduction for BR 103 electric locomotives

I decided to expand the range of locomotive driver’s cabin interior details with two more items – for BR 103 and BR 151 electric locomotives. After designing the same articles for BR 111, 120 and 143 electric locomotives several years ago, I hesitated making the same for BR 103 and BR 151 because the metal inserts in the housings of these locomotives have uneven horizontal surface – the part for BR 103 features a protruding k**b in the center, while the part for BR 151 is curved.

A while ago, I decided to get back to this project. After experimenting with different materials, I achieved satisfactory results that allowed the new articles to appear. I manually reproduced interiors of driver’s cabins of both locomotives with the smallest details. All this meticulous work was based on many real photos of locomotive interiors from different angles.

The pictures speaks for itself – you can look at the real photo of BR 103 driver’s cabin interior and compare the level of details. Source of the photo of real BR 103 driver’s cabin interior:
https://www.bahnbilder.de/bild/deutschland~e-loks~br-103/335004/fuehrerstand-einer-br103--aufgenommen-im.html

The interior details are printed on a special thin plastic adhesive film and come already precisely precut – no need to cut them out with scissors. Just carefully pick up the sticker with thin tweezers and attach it to the metal part. Of course, it is necessary to make sure that the metal part is absolutely clean from dust, oil and grease.

The locomotive looks much better when no metal is shining through the windows, but driver’s controls are visible instead. Here is the list of models/train sets with BR 103 electric locomotives where this article can be used: Märklin 8128, 8854, 8867, 81281, 81282, 88175, 88179, 88541, 88542, 88543, 88544, 88545, 88546.

The new product is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-PL-103-Drivers-cabin-interior-reprod::156539.html

30/11/2025

ZM-MS-032 – Double-sided delineator posts

Here is one more important addition – delineator posts – a small, but very common sign on many local roads.The sign comes in 50-piece set. It is made of 0.3 mm photo-etched nickel silver, too. An important difference in this case is that the signs are double-sided and printed using direct UV-printing technology.

Each set is supplied with a special plastic mounting gauge that allows easy and precise mounting the signs in two different variants – standalone and behind the traffic barrier (Art. No. ZM-MS-031).

The product is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-MS-032-Double-sided-delineator-posts::156536.html

30/11/2025

ZM-MS-036 – Set of direction signs in curves and guide plates

The next set is also very useful in enhancing the prototypical look of Z scale layouts. It contains 36 traffic signs – different types of guiding plates in curves and road splits. The set is made of the same material, 0.3 mm photo-etched nickel silver and features the same 3-layer paint coating. The rear side of the signs is half-etched, too.

The set comes with metal mounting gauge for correct and equal height of the signs on layout, and also paper drilling template for signs with two poles.

The set of signs is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-MS-036-Set-of-direction-signs-in-curv::156538.html

30/11/2025

ZM-MS-034 – Set of traffic signs for municipal roads

As I already promised before, I will continue expanding the range of prototypical true to scale traffic signs. The following new items serve exactly this purpose. All traffic signs match the current design according to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) of Germany, but some of the signs are suitable for other countries, too.

As I mentioned before, the total number of existing traffic sings is very big, and combining different signs on the same pole, in turn, produces thousands of possible variants that would be difficult to implement completely, therefore I decided to group traffic signs by the area of usage – for example, “Crossings”, “Parking lots”, “Municipal roads”, “Urban area”, and so on. I will follow this principle in further sets that I also plan to introduce later.

I would like to point out again that the signs come ready to use – with already applied plastic labels with high-resolution print, no need to do all this meticulous work at customer’s side.

Of course, municipal roads or local roads are modeled much more often on layouts than, for example, autobahns (especially in Z scale), that is why I decided to pay attention to the signs that are used on these roads more frequently. The following set consists of 38 different variants of true to scale single, double and triple traffic signs and allows improving the look of the layout in a very realistic way.

The signs are made of 0.3 mm photo-etched nickel silver covered with 3-layer paint coating – metal primer + silver paint + clear matte lacquer. This combination gives a very realistic look of slightly weathered zinc-plated metal. The set comes with a special metal gauge that allows easy mounting all signs at the same height. The rear side of the signs is half-etched.

The set is available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Zubehoer/Zmodell-ZM-MS-034-Set-of-traffic-signs-for-munic::156537.html

Useful information about road categories in Germany is here:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stra%C3%9Fenkategorie

30/11/2025

ZM-MRK-SGNS-006E – Stakes framework for type SGNS 4-axle flatcar

I would like to introduce a few more new products in the very end of this year. After introducing ZM-MRK-SGNS-006 – wood load for type SGNS flatcar (Märklin 80833, 82640, 82641), I received many positive feedbacks, but also a suggestion to add an empty metal frame without timber as a separate product. I accepted an argument that type SGNS flatcars equipped with stakes for transporting wood are also travel empty, without any loads, and decided to introduce one more variant – in the form of empty framework with stakes.

Like in previous case, the framework is made of thick 0.8 mm photo-etched brass. I only changed material slightly and used the hardest grade of brass in order to make the product more rigid and stable. The framework is assembled from the set of separate parts joined together using SMD soldering technology.

Assembled frameworks then thoroughly cleaned in the ultrasonic bath from residues of flux and receive 3-layer paint coating – metal primer + two layers of lacquer paint. The framework features small pins on the bottom side that fit into the holes on the flatcars (like containers) and prevent the load for sliding and falling away. The product comes in a special rigid packaging for additional security.

The new load inserts are available here:
https://www.1zu220-shop.de/Zmodell/Ladegut/Zmodell-ZM-MRK-SGNS-006E-Stakes-framework-load-i::156535.html