I have a turnout on my main that is up on 1/4" cork. I need to run the diverging route down to the base of 2" foam. Not a problem so far BUT…
The diverging route is the beginning of an 18"R curve. Therefore the “ramp” must be curved as well. Not a good practice I know but it is necessary in this case.
I hope I have explained this enough to get an idea or two.
Thanks,
I can think of a couple of ways, Bruce. You could build a cardboard form…as in cereal box cardboard… and then do a pour…like a curved driveway. You’ll need some plaster of paris and it will have to be “helped” a bit as it sets. Even so, you’ll have to shave it with sandpaper or something to get the slope right, but at least the curve can be handled easily.
Another way is to build a curved stack of the same cardboard, but in decreasing lengths. The first on the surface of the bench will be the longest, followed by one somewhat shorter, say 3/4" or so, and so on, until you have your rough slope. You can then lay your tracks on that rough wedge. You are only dropping a bit, so you shouldn’t (hopefully) have too many troubles. I would mock it up first with track nails and test your steamers up and out of that turnout to see if they don’t mind the grade. Transitions will be tough if it turns out you need one right at thge diverging route. You may have to alter your track path a bit to work a transition into the diverging route right after the frog, and then do your curve.
I’d lay cork roadbed just like you normally do. Then sand it down to the level of the base foam. I have a siding that is 1/4" below that of the main, and that’s how I did it.
I’ve done that in a couple of places. I just used a piece of scrap styrene to make the ramp. Once it’s painted and ballasted, you can’t tell the difference.
For those who are saying, “But styrene sheets are expensive,” they’re really not. If you buy sheet styrene off the Evergreen or Plastruct rack, it’s overpriced. But, you can get the same styrene with a For Sale sign on the back of it for lots less at Wal-Mart.
Knowing I might use a lot of this stuff, I ordered a couple of large sheets of styrene (like 3x5 feet) from U.S. Plastics. Great price in bulk. Check local plastics places in your area.
Try cutting your curve out of a 24" wood shake. Give it a good coat of paint after, to give it some strength and avoid slivers.
Brent