Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
I'm currently planning out the roads for the RF&L project, and I'm currious to know if anybody here has ever used the Woodland Senics Paving tape and either the concrete or asphalt road surfacing material they offer to go with it?
That's what I'm thinking of going with for the roads on this layout project.
I'm going to put down some 3/16" thick gatorboard for the roadbed, and then I'm going to do the Woodland Senics material over that.
Unless someone has had some major issues that they would disuade me from going that route?
NOCH and BUSCH make a roadway tape which is relatively inexpensive and can spare you a lot of aggravation.
If you want to do it the way we used to do it -- try household PLASTER. It always CRACKS and you go over the cracks with a black acrylic pen and it looks just like roads did in the late 50's/early 60's. It looks incredibly real, the only problem is getting the surface even.
D/
Video If the problem is Digital,
The Solution is ANALOG!!
On our modules, we have used regular plaster of paris. We mix it to a soupy consistency, then pour it into pre assembled forms (we have used strip styrene and square styrene for these) and then level it using the edge of a metal scale ruler. It also helps to put down a bed of screening to pour into to strengthen the plaster. To paint the roads, we found that Ace Hardware has a paint color called "asphalt" which works very well.
Pictures of some of our finished roads can be seen on our website http://www.amherstrail.org/DHMRRC/index.html
Jason
Dry Hill Model Railroad Club
One thing worth mentioning at this point for anyone new to the hobby since the late 1980's / early 1990's;
Using plaster versus foam adds a significant amount of WEIGHT to the deck of a layout. Many published plans for benchwork using light weight materials frequently show the use of 1" X 2" wood for legs. If you want to use a significant amount of plaster and real rocks, your benchwork should be held up by good old 2"X4"'s for sturdy support.
Also, if you live where you can get it, and can break off pieces with convincing surfaces, there's nothing like integrating REAL rock on a layout.
Another time-tested material for blacktop roads (rooftops too) is emery cloth cut to order.
D/
Video If the problem is Digital,
The Solution is ANALOG!!
I've used both the Woodland Scenics Road System and plaster. I like them both and they both give very good results.
Joe P, KC2PJL
Charter Member of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, NJ Chapter 15
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