Tracks in street

[Anonymous]

I am building a cityscape with a small loop trolley line. I used drywall patching compound over a 1/4" plywood base. This all went together well, but after about three weeks large sections began to severely lift off the base. I will probably end up repaving these sections and would like any advice to prevent the streets from lifting.

[Anonymous]

I would try getting rid of the compound and build a "box" form framework out of styrene strips and pour your streets with a soupy hydrocal. When it's dry, sand smooth and carve cracks and joint lines with a hobby knife. Then paint an asphalt or concrete color and add color variations of tire marks, oil drips etc.

[Anonymous]

You might also consider fastening some screen or the like to the plywood first, to give the plaster or whatever you end up using something to grab onto besides the smooth plywood surface.

[edo1039]

I recall an article in MR in the 80's,I believe it was the BRANDYWINE Trolley,great article and a great blow by blow description to lay the track and foundation.

[thirdrail1]

Ed, time flies..........The Brandywine Transit Company articles were in the 1975-1976 "Model Railroaders"!!! Just had the 1975 book out yesterday (I have the bound volume since I had an article published in the Dec. 1975 issue).

[Anonymous]

You're right! I omitted that important detail! Woodland scenics has a "road and street system" product out there but don't know anyone who's used it. If it's anything like alot of their other products it should be fairly decent. Has anyone else used it?

[edo1039]

Gregg your right a little OLD TIMERS DISEASE!! The articles also show you how to build structures to go along with the plan,which I built and still use today.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help. I thought about using the screen shortly after posting the question, so its good to know i was headed in the right direction.