Building a road in N scale

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am wanting to build a highway (2 lane) with shoulders on my N scale layout. I am thinking of using Durams water putty for the pavement, what I would like to do is make a “mold” on the layout and put the water putty in the mold and when dry, remove the mold. What I am looking for are some ideas for the mold. I was thinking of using some cork roadbed along the sides for the mold but is really to thick. I am wanting something that is flexible to go around the curves and about 1/8" thick.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use, what have you used? Thanks, Mike

2

i use the n scale cork as a mold system with joint compound and have no trouble going around tight curves. if i have to bend it tighter i cut the cork into a thin strip and bend it and hold it in position with pushpins.you have to build joint compound up in thin layers as it shrinks and cracks if it is put on too thick at once. auto parts stores have cork gasket material in thin sheets of 1/16"th or 1/8"th.

3

I’ve been satisfied with the Woodland Scenics method and have used lightweight spackling for the road material. It does not crack when dry.