Transition between sloped roadbed and depot

[Blind Bruce]

I have built my mainline with cork roadbed that is sloped 45 degrees for ballast support. What is used for the transition to a parking lot or a depot? If I use some flat material such as 1/4 inch foam, there is a significant gap to fill where the square edge meets the sloped cork. I am very new to scenery of any kind. I will have the same situation when the sidings go in.

BB 

[selector]

You could use anything that you can shape like a thin, long wedge, Bruce.  This ranges from strips of tape of varying lengths to drywall mud, cedar door jamb shims, you name it.  In fact, I believe sanding the cork roadbed to thin it as it enters the yard is not a bad way of dealing with the requirement to have the ties right in the dirt.

[ARTHILL]

Any of the many formulas for Ground goop would be my choice. Plater of paris would work, but it sets up so fast I find it hard to work with. My favorite is premixed drywall mud, latex paint, sawdust and a pinch of lysol. For some things I need to ad a little water. For small amounts I use artist acrylic tube paints for color or put it down white and color later.

[Don Gibson]

IF you are using cork roadbed, take one piece of cork - upside down - and raise the station platform somewhat.

PLATFORMS are higher than ground level but still need portable 'steps' to take on and discharge passengers.

PARKING LOTS are always @ street level regardless of station location - which is  trackside. Exception may be stub-ended stations built after 1938 such as LA's Union Terminal.

NOT ALL train stations provide parking. Some lease out their space to vendors, who collect money; and gone is the 'free'. Portland (OR) is $8 day, wheras smaller stations up and down the line are free.