Good way to do plywood trackboards

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

After you introduce a plan with some grades which take off from a turnout, it frequently seems possible to cut a “tongue” out of a plywood sheet tabletop and elevate it with risers attached to crossmembers from the table framing. What is the strategy to determine the location of these cuts for the elevated trackboards? Does one merely lay out the grade track on the deck, mark it, cut, and push it up? I have how-to books which mention the so-called cookie-cutter approach, but none which actually show in process as it is executed.

also as you cut the track boards in the vicinity of 3 1/2 inches wide, how do you provide a basis on which to mount a tunnel? Do their locations have to be precisely known as the track boards are installed and add those positions a 90° extension on each side of the track board is cut out of the trackboard material?

any recommendations for a good book?

2

I use a steady rise-over-run, from 0 elevation to 4.5> over/under point. Without seeing your trackplan, some of this is hard to “unpack” to give guidance. I have used the “tongue” sub-roadbed cuts, using 1x3’s as risers. Before you make any cuts, try using some Lionel graduating track risers, to see if your equipment is capable to negotiate the line.

Hope this helps a little.

3

Using Gargraves track. But on grades, inside mountains (I have three stretches) wouid use Lionel tubular 027 to take advantage of magna traction?