Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Best Materials For Making Roads
Dwight asks:
“I’m building a modest N-scale layout and wondered what you guys think is the best material or technique for making roads?”
You can contribute comments (and view comments) under this post.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
You don’t say what type of road but the picture shows paved roads. I have had good success with Woodland Scenics Paving Tape and “Smooth It” plaster. All you need is a colour to finish it (Asphalt or Concrete).
Bill, I wish that was my railroad in the photo. The blog people must have added the photo to make the post look interesting. I am flexible on which road making methods to use. I just want ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Dwight.
I tried several commercial products and found none to my liking. Working in the garage one day I was using some fine, black sandpaper. Works and looks great. And it’s a lot cheaper than the other stuff.
I haven’t done it myself but I heard that very fine emery paper (Black sandpaper) works well.
Robert
Although a lot of people discourage modelers from using joint compound, I used it with tremendous success before I read I wasn’t supposed to use it. LOL. I used foam tape for the borders and I applied a very thin coat. It required hardly any sanding and once it was dry I used my “grungy gray” weathering powder to make them appear old and worn. I also have a tip on gravel or “2-tracks” roads. Start with joint compound then use a popsicle stick with 3 rounded notches on it so the two “bumps” between the notches are the same width as a passenger car. The high parts should be the center and both edges. It will give a worn look where your tires go. Then you can put some green or tufts in the middle as well as on the edges.
For asphalt I have used P1000 emery paper, and lightened it with talc. But I’m a good-enoughist!
You guys are soooooo helpful. Appreciated very much!
The fine grit sandpaper seems like a good idea as you can lay it down to look like a freshly paved road surface or it can be wrinkled up to look like areas of asphalt roadway that are in desperate need of repair. The creases could be accentuated with a fine tip permanent marker to make the cracks look like deep cracks in the road surface. Experimentation is the key to finding out what may work best for your layout.
I am building an HO layout and planning on using a roll of asphalt roofing material I found in the alley. With some gray or black spray paint it looks good. Can also use some drywall patching compound if you need a smoother surface. It can be cut with a scissors or carpet knife and since it is 3 feet wide you can cover a large area. It can also be used for roofs (imagine that) of scratch built buildings.