Not sure if this is the right section but Im lookin to do one on my layout but I had a question on how to do it. I'm looking to make the tracks look surrounded by just blacktop (no rail ties visible) like in this photo where the cars are lined up by the Auto Racks. Thanks for any help guys. James
I lay the track down on my foam, then glue 3/16 cork sheet around the track. Then a sheet of .020 styrene glued on top of the cork will line right up with the top of a code 55 rail. I paint the styrene a grimy black (any flat black will do) before I glue it down. Weather to taste and viola!
http://http://www.joe-daddy.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=134:jeff-morrisons-railroad&catid=69:friends-layouts&Itemid=85[/URL] go to this web site half way down is the way i did mine.i used drywall mud jeff sorry about the link i don't know how to make it clickable
It's not an autorack facility but close enough. I used joint compound thinned with water and tinted. To outline the area I taped down 1/8th balsa strips. They also acted as screed supports. I had to go back and sand the whole area with a ramdom orbit sander, quite a messy step! To get the mud clear of the flanways is a bit of a pain but doable using a small screwdriver. Lastly I marked off section lines with a small scribe. Brian
If you run an old pair of trucks along the track while the mud is still soft, you will have clear flange ways. It also works with dirt when burying track.
I tried that technique but after draging the truck a few inches I noticed the surface mud was starting to wrinkle up. Maybe I tried to clean out the flangways too soon?
I used cardboard tp raise the level up to rail height, and then glued plastic sheeting (painted garage sale signs) to make surface. I still need to add seams and weathering to darken it up a bit more, as the concrete color appears too light in photos.
