I'm laying track on top of a layer of 1/4" homasote, on top of 1" foam. This puts the track a scale 40" above the surrounding terrain (top of foam). While it make sense in eastern Pa that the roadbed both rises above and sinks below the surrounding terrain, I'm looking for techniques to raise the height of the surrounding terrain by just a few scale feet immediately adjacent to the roadbed.Another issue is how much of the track is covered by ballast or even dirt. While looking at pictures from the early 1900s, I see ties on top of ballast, partially and fully covered with ballast, and in urban areas, dirt up to the tops of the rails.I'd appreciate some help help trying to make all this look right. I'd like to see pictures of how others have done this, as well and any thoughts.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Hi Greg
For that rocky look I am sold on foam. For the rolling hill look I like cardboard strips covered in old sheets or Tea towels dipped in Plaster of Paris. I then paint it a dark colour and cover it with real dirt that has been sifted and baked to kill the living things that may be residing in it. I then use various ground covers from the hobby or craft shops to finish things off.
Good luck.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
gregc Another issue is how much of the track is covered by ballast or even dirt. While looking at pictures from the early 1900s, I see ties on top of ballast, partially and fully covered with ballast, and in urban areas, dirt up to the tops of the rails.
Another issue is how much of the track is covered by ballast or even dirt. While looking at pictures from the early 1900s, I see ties on top of ballast, partially and fully covered with ballast, and in urban areas, dirt up to the tops of the rails.
I'll address the ballast issue. I assume you are modeling the early 1900s by your statement. 19th and early 20th Century ballast practice was not the flat ballast of today. Ballast was to be peaked in the center, generally at tie height, and taper/slope toward the tie ends. Tie ends would normally be partially exposed - only the bottom half or less of the tie end would be covered with ballast. And ties back then tended to be taller, narrower, and shorter than they are now. Standard gauge lines often spec'd 6"x8" x 8ft ties. Narrow gauge lines used 6"x6" or 5"x7" x 6ft or 6.5ft ties. Creosote was not used until the 20th Century, so particular woods were used for a combination of rot resistance, spike-holding, and strength in the ties.
Dirt was the usual ballast until about the 1880s (and often later) except in critical drainage areas. Sloping dirt ballast improved its drainage, which is why it was peaked in the center. Finding suitable ballast rock was not as simple then as it is now - crushed rock was a lot more expensive (relative to today) to produce and transport. River rock - the natural gravel and rock in river streams - was a common ballast material. Cinders and slag were also readily available materials that were slightly better than dirt -especially dirt with heavy clay content that is common in a lot of the US.
As trains grew heavier and longer, 19th Century track standards simply weren't good enough. Tie plates, treated and larger ties, real ballast, and heavier rail were brought into use to sustain the heavier loads on the track and right of way.
The photos of that time are a fascinating study in differences.
Fred W
To raise and lower the terrain alongside your track you could cut some strips of your 1" foam in half to bring it up a little, stack two (or 1 1/2) of the pieces to raise a little above. You can also use Sculptamold to vary your lurface height.
As for covering ties with ballast, it can vary conciderably. Mainlines usually are well groomed, tops of the ties showing, but balast up to the tops, spread full width of the length of the ties. Branchlines may not be as well maintained, thus tie ends showing, ballast not filling between or over the ties. Sidings, depending on amount of use are much more lighty ballasted, ofter with other material mixed in, dirt, cinders, sand, whatever is handy. In some places the ties have sunk into the mud and only the rails show.
Have fun,
Richard