ok im wanting to make a tunnel that i can take off my layout if i need to, any ideas are apresheated
Get some pink or blue styrofoam from a construction site. Glue pieces together with low temp hot glue or any water based glue or caulk so it is larger than you want. Cut it down to look like a mountian with a steak knife. Turn it on its head and carve out the tunel space. Then paint it. It will look better of you are not too careful. If you want more specific instruction email me.
The only thing I would add to Art Hill’s description is, be sure to put in some kind of locating pins (nails, golf pencils or whatever) to assure that the mountain will always go back in the same place - especially if the tunnel clearances are at all tight.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with LOTS of tunnels)
ok thanks
This is the easiest way. I’d make two corrections for my way of doing it, though: use some tacky glue to secure the pieces together, and instead of a steak knife, use some low grit sandpaper (I use 600 grit, I think).
Yep. I made the top half of mine removable in case I need to get to the track. The entire tunnel/mountain could have been removable. Dowel pins can be used to guide it back into postion.
The last tunnel I built was six feet long on a curve. While the sides of the tunnel were solid the top was designed to be removed. The lights for the tunnel (yes, it was lighted) were embedded in the top portion with the wires connected to two metal plates on the underside of the top edges. These plates would contact two matching plates in the body of the mountain. Therefore the lights in the tunnel would be on when the top was in place but would instantly turn off when the top was removed. That system worked well for seven years. At that time I tore the layout down and started the one I’m working on now.
I wouldn’t build it solid then carve the opening for the tracks. I think that would be too hard to get the train clearances right unless you carve out the entire inside.
I would build a basic tunnel around the tracks first and get it pined (keyed or located) in place and then make sure your trains clear first. Then I would add foam pieces around it and glued to it making a larger hill or mountain. Then carve the outside surface.
thanks every one ill use the ideas for when i redoo my layout. hopefully i wont be a [D)] any more.
Folks:
I just want to make sure everybody takes note of young BNSF’s username and avatar here.
Now that’s impeccable taste. The legend of steam rolls on! And RRs like the Frisco could always use more attention.
i finaly found a frisco steamer picture that i like. if i were to sell all my ho stuff and start over i would do frisco in the 20’s proly
Better plan,. cut yourself some unnoticed teeth in, and leave a base. (Reasearch a “cut, not the verb, but a path of track”) Give yourself a back to prevent the mountain from sliding, or better yet, a rock flange on the inside
Nan des’ ka??? Watashi-wa Nihon-go to Ei-go hanashimas’, anata-no-go wakarimasen.
Translation - I need one, into either English or Japanese. You, my friend, need spell-check.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)