I was looking over the only train yard for miles around here and I see that the yard tracks themselves are not on a ‘bed’ but just kinda on the ground itself. The tracks do have some ballast but nothing like the nearby mainline. Is this the way most all yards are?
This should also simplify modeling the yard a wee bit too because I don’t have to use the cork roadbed, but instead transition the track down to ‘ground’ level and go with it. I think I’ve even seen where some use N scale track in their yards.
How did you do yours?
Jarrell
I reduce my track gauge by one level and just mount it to my foam base without using cork roadbed. You need to transition down (can use transition joiners and shims to do this) to the lower level. Looks good when done.
Ron K.
I used Wodland Scenic N scale track-bed components under my yard - the big wide strips rather than an individual row for each track. For more fun I split the N scale roadbed and butted the flat side against the strips around the perimeter of the yard area so it all has a sloping shoulder.
–Randy
I’m actually using a 4’x8’ roll of 1/4 inch cork on my yard. That way there is no transition to worry about and the yard is flat. The cork makes some on the scenery easier to do as well.
I also taper my yards and some sidings down to a lower level. I also use smaller rail in yards and sidings. For passing tracks, it would be accurate to have these either at a lower level or at the same level. Since I don’t have long passing tracks, I have mine at the same level. I use code 83 for the mainline, code 70 for the branchline, yards, and spurs off the main, and code 55 for spurs off the branchline. I only wish I could find code 40 flextrack, and code 55 turnouts.
To accomplish lower track, I use thinner roadbed material. I use “putty tape” for roadbed, this stuff is used for sealing around doors and windows in mobile homes and campers, it’s similar to AMI instant roadbed, but not nearly as tacky. It can be removed and repositioned fairly easily. I find a thinner roll for use in steel buildings, sealing between sheets of steel siding.
Brad