"Diggin' thru foam @ A "N" scale road question"

[Anonymous]

Hi ModelRRder's
[:D] I have 2 questions,1) I have a foam base for my layout, and I want to add autumoatic switches (ATLAS code 80) what is the best way to run the wires of the switch thru the foambase?
2) What is the width size of a "N" scale street or road?? Thanks for the help[;)] TrainsRMe

[retsignalmtr]

my n scale layout is mostly on foam. the base is about 3" thick. when i have to run feeders up to the rails i take a piece of rail about 6" long, chuck it in my cordless drill and drill down through the foam at a slow speed close to the rail. this piece of rail also has a small hole in one end to attach the small feeder wire and pull it down through the foam after i drill the hole. it even works where i have some 1/4" plywood under the foam. the rail drills right through it.
as for roads i've been making them about 2 1/4" wide. even for railroad crossings for one lane in each direction which allows for a small shoulder on each side.

[ereimer]

you can use a drill at low speed , or a straightened out coat hanger to make the holes

modern roads are about 12 feet wide per lane , about 7/8" for N . so a road would be 1 3/4" plus the shoulders and drainage ditches

[Anonymous]

I used a drill bit or thin screw driver to "punch" threw the foam. You may have to use the tip of a screw driver to pu***he wire(s) threw also. Pretty simple, and Go N Scale! [tup]

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, I will get to work on the ideas ASAP!!
TrainsRMe