I have added plenty of roadways to my layout and want to add center line striping as well as parking spaces in the city roads. What are the best methods that you have used to add these details? Thank you for the input. DrMikeCSX
I use tape---Chartpak White Matte 1/32" by 648" cut to length item # BG3110M and Yellow crepe tape item # BGCP3111. 1/32" seem the correct width to me. Some complain that the tape is and "add-on" therefore there is a "bump". Yes, if you run your hand over it, you can feel it but this does not bother me and you can not tell it is tape by looking at it. Sure is quick too, even when you have to cut all the white lines for down the middle--I cut each to about 3/8" long. Glenn
Colored Pencils I like to use colored pencil. But it doesn't work well on softer surface roads. Works good on styrene or wood roads. Here is a little sample strip using white and yellow colored pencil on styrene.
I use 3/4" blue painter's tape, the quick release kind, cut in half lengthwise so it'll fit within the road. I lay one outside edge down the center of the road, followed by the other outside edge about 1/32" away. Make sure the edges are pressed very hard onto the surface or they will leak. Then paint with whatever yellow paint that's handy, I used Floquil CSX Yellow, but it doesn't make any difference because different towns used different colors. Pull the tape fairly soon before the paint hardens, or it might peel the paint. BTW, I touch up any minor yellow leakage with the original road color and a tiny artist's brush.
I'm with Hytec..Spray them on..By the way,different eras use different colors.Center lines usta be white..
I use a VERY sharp piece of chalk. Sharpen every 1-2 " of stripe. Most of my stuff is pretty heavy on the old and weathered, so the lighter coverage works for me.
We (at club) have parking lots that are black construction paper. On these we use a yellow crayon pencil (the kind you get at craft stores and peel a paper strip to expose the crayon) and an "erasing shield" (thin metal shim stock with various slots). Place the shield where you want the stripe and apply the crayon. We think it looks OK and it is quick.
I have used both the rub on lines and spray painted them. While I am happy with the rub on dry transfers (seal them with dull coat after and mine have lasted 20 years) I think spray painting is better. I use chart pack tape, too, but in a different way than Hytek - I use 2" (or appropriate) styrene for the roads. If I want white centerlines, I use narrow chart pack tape to mark the CL and edge markings, and then paint the road grey, concrete, whatever. After drying, I remove the narrow chartpack tape and have a white line remaining. I some or all needs to be yellow, then I paint the styrene yellow before marking the road with the tape. To me, the small variations in doing two side by side strips are enough to ruin the effect whereas masking off the lines with one narrow chart pack tape gives perfect width, every time.
Jeff, That's great. I have to guess where the centerline is going to be while laying the first piece of tape. But you see the centerline and can move it to where it looks best before any painting....Neat. :tb-cool:
Thanks. I should add that I measure carefully and draw a light pencil line to follow when laying the tape to get it as straight as possible. I will try anything for a good looking road. Doc's Caboose in KC has or makes road stripe decals in HO and N, including some crosswalk markings, etc. I have used those too, and was very happy with how straight they went on, for those who want to try that. Only come in white, but I am sure someone has yellow stripe decals for rolling stock that could be converted. Their decals have the broken stripe, which is always harder to do when masking.
