"disappearing tracks" through scenic dividers I'm toying with ideas for a small (no more than 2' x 3') layout that would essentially be a loop with a siding or two, and I want to use a scenic divider diagonally across the loop to divide the layout into two "scenes". My layout design question is, how have folks handled the points at which a track needs to pass through a scenic divider/backdrop from one side to the other? Having the track disappear into a tunnel is one obvious way that I've thought of, but while that might work once, I think four would be overkill on so small a layout (and also be somewhat limiting geographically. I can also envision track disappearing via a road overpass, a wooded cut, and a siding into a building that is not really a siding because it comes out the other side and continues the loop. I would really appreciate seeing pictures and hearings ideas from people who have successfully tackled this issue. Thanks, Jeff
This loop has a ridge as divider. You need only one tunnel. http://railwayeng.com/Newloop/ A wood serves also: STEAM - just for fun Wolfgang
The only other ways I can think of off the top of my head are: Track runs through overhanging trees - no cut needed. Looks more realistic if it's a siding rather than a mainline. Track runs under a pedestrian bridge, piping, etc between two buildings in an industrial complex. Run the track behind some foreground buildings before going through the backdrop. Sorry, no pix but you might be able to Google some.
Trees galore Here are some pictures of how I did just that. In the photo below, the back side of the loop in the upper right eventually gets concealed with trees (see final photo).
thanks Thanks for the responses, guys. Both of you included pictures that made the point to me that you really can accomplish a lot in terms of hiding track just with a heavily wooded area. Jeff
I have covered foamboard with groundfoam and/or lichen to make viewblocks that hide tracks at the back of my layout shelf. The viewblocks are held upright by finishing nails driven into the surface of the shelf (Homasote). The small heads of the finishing nails makes it easy to slip the viewblocks into place or remove them for access to the tracks for cleaning. Double track mainline hidden behind viewblock: With viewblock removed: Two staging tracks with viewblock in place: Staging without viewblock: That's the viewblock set on the tracks at the front of the shelf.