I have experimented with many different techniques for creating realistic macadam roadways, but never have been happy with the results. This afternoon, however, I discovered a simple method for creating them quickly and at very low cost. Begin by purchasing one of Woodland Scenic’s “Track-Bed Super Sheets,” typically available for less than $5.00. I purchased mine in HO/O scale. Lay the sheet on a flat surface and sprinkle a very small amount of plaster-of-paris on the sheet. You always can add more if needed. You also might consider using light gray or similar shade weathering powder. Next, use a flexible foam sanding block to spread the powder, working it into the surface of the sheet. With a bit of experimentation, you can lighten or darken the surface. The result is a surface that has the same type of non-reflective, textured surface that is characteristic of real macadam roads that have been in service for a few years. Use a razor saw to cut the sheet to the desired length and width and glue it in place. Use ScultaMold or similar material to grade up to the edge of your roadway. While completing surrounding scenery, I protect the roadway surface with plastic wrap, but suspect that it would be possible to achieve the same end by spraying the roadway surface with a very thin coat of matte urethane.
Bill, we don’t take too kindly in these here parts to fellas who post interesting and new ways of achieving modelling perfection, and who don’t post images so that we can see what you mean. The last guy who did that wuz rode outa town on a rail…know what I’m sayin’?
[:D]
Bill that’s exactly what I used extensively on my now dead British layout, and if I ever build the planned diorama/small layout I’ll use it again.
Easy to colour with plaster, pastels and paint.
Great stuff. I’ve always recommended it, but the only thing you have to watch for is vehicles leaving dimples in it if they stay in the one place too long. The dimples always disappear with time.
As you can see I had gaps to fill. I used clay for that.
Mike
Mike,
Wow! Do I love your pictures! You have captured that look of a rainy day in Britain so well! Thanks for sharing these pictures - they are a great inspiration for me, building my British outline OO scale layout.
Btw, what happened to your layout?
Bill, thanks for this tip. One nice advantage to your technique is that Woodland Scenics sells that same black foam product in larger sheets, so it would be possible to have, say, an entire corner in unbroken macadam, with no gap or seam – which as it happens is exactly what I need for a certain scene on my layout. And I assume that the plaster of paris was chosen simply for its color, and that any white powder that happens to be handy (chalk dust, talc, hydrocal, whatever) would do just about as well?
I guess I would add only, don’t go overboard on roughing up the texture. These streets looks quite smooth until you get far closer than we ever could to our modeled street surfaces.
Dave Nelson
What the heck is macadam? In case the reader doesn’t know either, here is a link that might be of use:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macadam
OK, you learn something every day …
Thanks Sir Madog
Sadly the layout has been scrapped to make way for the new New England layout I’m building. The table it was on was very wobbly and the layout didn’t operate well.
Mike