Track Tips

 

Tip # 1 - Cork Has Many Uses
Cork roadbed makes an excellent sound absorbing foundation for track. But it also has many other uses. Here a couple other uses.


Many roads are slightly higher than the surrounding land to allow proper drainage. The cork can be topped with a thin layer of plaster, painted like a road, or covered with earth.


Jagged cliffs are easy to model with cork roadbed. After making a mountain or hill, create a flat straight side as shown.

Break the cork sections into ragged strips.

Stack the strips on top of each other against the flat side of the mountain.

Glue and nail the cork into position.

Now, make a slightly "soupy" mixture of plaster. Brush this plaster on the cork. Make sure you don't cover the ragged edges on the cork,

When dry, paint the plaster a rocky color.

Glue down some grass, earth and lichen and you've got a rocky, realistic cliff for your layout.


Tip # 2 - Add Life To Old Cork
Old cork roadbed can get dry and brittle, making it hard to reuse on a new layout. To remedy this, soak it overnight in water. The cork will then be more flexible and easier to bend without breakage. Nail the cork into position on your new layout but let it dry thoroughly before adding track and ballast.

Tip # 3 - Weathered Track
Although track is realistically detailed, you can add a few touches to really make it look authentic. Use dark brown spray paint on the entire track section. This will change the ties from molded black plastic to a weathered wood appearance. Then, using a fine brush, paint the sides of the rails a dirty rust color. Go over the tops of the rails with a track cleaning block to remove any paint on the surface.
Tip # 4 - Let Your Fingers Do The Testing
Train derailments are often caused by uneven track joints. You can get smoother performance for your train by testing the track after assembly.

Rub your index finger along the top of each rail. Sensitive fingertips will often detect problems that the eyes do not notice. Feel for rough joints.

If you find any, realign the track joiners and rails until the joint is smooth. Minor bumps caused by misaligned or loose rail joiners can be fixed with pliers.