January 23, 2026
Description
This roadbed provides you a snap-together approach at layout creation for Märklin (Marklin simplified) Z gauge trains. Each section is embossed with the track part number it is designed for, has bi-directional locking tabs at both sides, outside rims to ensure the correct geometry, and locating pins for the track ties in many of the parts.
The current inventory includes:
| Part Name | Version |
|---|---|
| Straight 8500 | v2.1 |
| Straight 8504 | v1.1 |
| Straight 8505 | v1.0 |
| End Cap | v1.1 |
| Curve 8510 | v2.8 |
| Curve 8520 | v1.7. |
| Curve 8521 | v1.5. |
| Curve 8530 | v1.7. |
| Curve 8591 | v1.4. |
| Straight Feeder 8590 | v1.1. |
| Turnout Straight RH 8563-6 | v2.4 |
| Turnout Straight RH 8592-5 with 8500 | v1.8 |
| Turnout Straight RH Extension 8500 + 8591 | v1.5 |
| Turnout Straight LH 8562-5 | v2.4 |
| Turnout Straight LH 8563-6 with 8500 | v1.8 |
| Turnout Straight LH Extension 8500 + 8591 | v1.5 |
| Double Slip Switch LH Turnout Extension Package | v1.0 |
| --------- | --------- |
The roadbed (Gleisbett / Schotterbett) has a track height of 2 mm (0.44 meters in 1:220 scale or 1/13"/17" scale), and an overall height, including side rims, of 3 mm Sections are 21.5mm wide to allow 25mm (1") centers for adjacent track.
Initial assemble may require light taps from a small hammer while inverted. Separation of the sections for reuse may be accomplished with finger pressure and a slight rocking motion. Reassembly will be easier following a single use.
To simulate ballast you can apply a fuzzy skin in the slicer prior to printing.
I will be adding new track roadbed parts to fill out this library over time and hope to have all the common track sizes represented.
Notes: Depending on overlap, roadbed around switches may require slicing or even custom parts (the iterations are exhaustive). After trying to slice the parts to fit, if you are still unable to assemble a working solution to a track segment, feel free to contact me with an accurate description of the parts in use and their orientation and I will respond when time permits with a potential solution. Flex track and brands other than Marklin are not supported.
Take Note: Track segments are intended to be inter-connected completely first, then inserted into the assembled roadbed sections. Z gauge railroading is not easy for a beginner!
Revisions: Check back for new parts. The following are technical revisions or corrections.
02/04/2026 Tabs on curves 8510, 8520, 8521, and 8530 were on the accidentally transposed and corrected in latest revs.
02/06/2026 Tabs on 8591 curve and switches updated. Curve 8530 text imprint corrected.
02/08/2026 Adjusted geometry of the turnouts. Seems there is a 0.22mm overrun on 8591 curves compared to a 110mm straight.
03/10/2026 Updated naming of Turnouts to reduce confusion - Old naming was left over from development naming.
03/20/2026 Added a table of available parts and new Double Slip Switch with 8506 and extension option.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - No Derivatives
VetterTech
