I am building A layout and need help. What do you use to elevate the track.
[#welcome] Welcome to the Forums.
If, by, “Elevate,” you mean, “How do I form grades?” the easiest answer is build on cookie-cut plywood. As long as there are no splices on the transitions at the top and bottom, the plywood will form smooth vertical curves.
If you’re building on foam, WS manufactures pre-cut grade blocks. You will have to provide proper vertical easements top and bottom - the top can be done (messily) with a sure-form tool, the bottom will require some kind of filler.
If, on the other hand, you mean rising up onto something like the New York or Chicago elevated transit lines, all bets are off!
For bridges, use the, “Don’t raise the bridge, lower the river,” method. Drop the riverbed well below track level and fill the space between with a bridge and appropriate abutments.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with LOTS of grades and bridges)
If I use the foam blocks will I be able to ballast the track ?
I’ve used the Woodland Scenics risers and they work well plus they have a pretty good variety of grades.
YES.