My method may be a bit backward from most. After I got my Styrofoam grades laid down I glued my roadbed directly on the top of the grades. Next I built up the terrain on both sides. Lastly I took paper towels cut into 1” strips dipped in plaster of Paris and placed them along the edges of the roadbed to hide the edges of the woodland grades. This method insured that the surface I was gluing the roadbed to was perfectly level. It also covered up any gaps between the incline and the foam topography. The plaster and paper towel did reduce some of the height of the roadbed but I think most roadbed it too tall anyway. Brian
WS recommends a single layer of plaster cloth, with no overlaps to cause ridges. I have also seen and used their putty (or joint compound, but that is a lot of material to fill in those gaps.
I think I would have to agree with Arctic Train's method. Secure the roadbed and track to the inclines first. If you use plaster cloth over the incline, then you are going to have to make sure everything is level and smooth when applying the roadbed and track. Also remember, plaster cloth is a porous material and if an area gets wet for whatever reason, then it may lift up your track and roadbed causing problem areas. Use wadded paper covered with plaster cloth to build your terrain on either side of the inclines and this will cover the gaps. If after all is said and done and there are gaps along the top, use thin strips of plaster cloth or paper towels dipped in plaster of paris to cover any remaining gaps. I just think that this method is going to ensure smoother operations down the road.
mjdx88, Here is how I covered my risers using scenic plaster cloth There are pictures if you click the link below. Alan
