corkboard question

[Anonymous]

quick question. If i want my train yard at road level how would i bring the track down from the corkboard level? carve a grade myself or is there pieces you buy?[D)]

[DSchmitt]

I use 1/2 width HO cork under my N scale main line and usually lay spurs directly on the roadbed. I use a Stanley Surform Shaver to shave the cork down for the transition. This leaves a 1/16" or so step at the end of the cork, but this is no problem. It is hidden after the track is balasted.[:D]

The tool is also handy for shaving pink or blue styrofoam and even plywood.

[mls1621]

Woodland Scenics makes tapered styrofoam strips that will work for your purpose. You'll need the Incline Starters. They come in several gradiants.

The sidings on my N scale layout are on grade, below the mainline, and I used this method to bring the track down. Once glued down, I trmmed the excess from outside the ties. After ballasting, it will disappear.

It makes for a nice transition from the mainline.

I hope this is helpful.

[Anonymous]

The other way to do this is to bring the road level up to meet the tracks. This is what I will be doing over most of my layout actually... In the "yard" area specifically, I will lay the track on a big sheet of cork, instead of cork roadbed strips. This will make it easier to fill in with cardstock or styrene to get everything to the same level. You could also use styrofoam (extruded or white "beadboard" - I have a 1/4" thick sheet that came as a door protector for a bar fridge I bought), or maybe foamcore.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by masonjar
I have a 1/4" thick sheet that came as a door protector for a bar fridge I bought), ...
Andrew

Say Andrew, next time I'm in the Ottawa area, could I come over & "see" your bar fridge ?
Oops, I meant to say RAILROAD LAYOUT.....[:0]don't know what came over me....must be the endless snow here.[;)]
regards
Mike in Meaford

[Anonymous]

Yes Mike, the fridge does indeed reside in the layout room. Hate to disappoint but there's nothing in it right now. Bailey's doesn't need refridgeration - it just goes straight in the hot chocolate or coffee that seems to be required with these frigid temperatures... almost -40 today with the windchill. And at that temperature it doesn't matter what "scale" you use... [;)]

Andrew