Layout Progress/layout Question

[tjsprague]

Well, the trains have been running for a while now. Which probably has caused slowdown in the construction progress. But sometimes you just got to run trains.

Did take a break in running, to carve a river and set the bridges over something.




I also finally designed the control panel. I painted on an old logo and graphic i scanned from a box. Then i sanded it a little, and gave it a coat of stain. I'll give it a few more coats of stain then mount the xwitch throws, accesory buttons and toggle switches.



Then i have to fini***he landscaping. Now comes the question.

I made a "plot" of sorts, using 2' styrafoam, and cutting in some stairs. Trying to give it the pre war scenic plot look. Anyone know a good color source for the grass? I've tried a few colors, and nothing seems to match the olive-yellow kind of grass I've seen on original plots. For bushes i was going to use sponges, then use what ever color turf I come up with, plus a little estra deep green.

Any suggestions on colors? Scenic Express/ Woodland Scenics?


Thanks,

Tim

[wrmcclellan]

Tim,

I use flat tan latex paint as a base. While wet I sprinkle some sifted sand into it for texture and some "tooth" as painters say. Then I use Woodland Scenics "turf" gound foams, mixing colors until I get a blend I like. I soak the area with a spray of dilluted white glue or matte medium (4:1 ratio of water to glue). If the color comes out wrong, I simply go over it again after it has dried.

Regards,
Roy

[Roger Bielen]

I'm with Roy on the method. I've had great results

For sifting the sand I've found a cheap set of tea strainer/flour sifters. As to the sand, if you plan on using a lot go to HD or Lowe's and try to get a bag of a color that suits your needs. I have one of gray that works great for gravel walkways, etc..

I've also scraped up silt outside, stirelized it on the grill before use.

[overall]

Question: How do you secure your track to that styrofoam?

George

[underworld]

Woodland Scenics has a lot of great colors available.

underworld

Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Wow! The layout looks nice, from the pictures you've posted. I love the look that you are giving it.

[tjsprague]

QUOTE: Originally posted by overall

Question: How do you secure your track to that styrofoam?

George

1" drywall screws. barely tightened. Plus, I power about every 2" by inserting spade connectors into the bottom seam of the tubular rail. The bottom of the spade connector goes about a half inch into a punched hole in the styrafoan. this also adds some fastening.

Tim

[wrmcclellan]

George,

If you bond your ballast with the dilluted glue/matte medium mixture, you can remove the screws.

I also saw a good article in Model Railroader last year where the builder layed a bead of "foam safe" adhesive (e.g. latex based Liquid Nails for Projects - Foam) to press the track into (if you are using Atls or Gargraves with lots of ties). Make sure you get the right adhesive product for foam (read label carefully) or the chemicals may melt the foam. Use screws to temporarily secure the track while the adhesive cures.

Regards,
Roy

[Anonymous]

I store my layout vertically; track adhesion to foam is critical. I tried about 8 products. The best by far in terms of working time, elasticity, adhesion to foam and metal is 'DAP All Purpose' adhesive. difficult to find a retailer, however.