What is the best way to get a road across a railway?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
21

I would go with the latter. You need all the headroom you can get.

22

I used to live in Concord, Massachusetts. The commuter rail trains fit in a space between two grade crossings at opposite ends of the station, but they keep the gates down while the trains load, anyway, because the systems are automatic and they are still sensing a train. So, there’s another prototype for “blocking” the grade crossings.

Further down the line, there is a highway underpass where Route 62 dips and goes under a girder bridge supporting the tracks. This bridge has very low clearance, and it’s not suitable for tractor-trailers or other tall vehicles. They have to go around a different way. If getting a full-height underpass is a problem, you’ve got a prototype for a smaller one, too.

23

If possible, cut out the plywood along with the foam where the underpass is going. Screw a piece of scrap under the hole against the plywood, it will give you a few more scale feet. I’d use a girder bridge, cut in half, use a half on each side, then you can keep track and ballast in tact.

24

Cutting the plywood would give you another 3.6 scale ft, assuming1/2 inch plywood, that along with a girder bridge would give you plenty of room. cutting the plywood would also might give you a chance to use a different type bridge, if a girder isn’t to your liking. Have fun

25

I think you’d be better off scratch building something, perhaps with strip styrene. Using a commercial model may cost you too much space, unless you kitbash the heck out of it.

26

Instead of cutting out the plywood, paint it ‘mud’ and cover it with Envirotex. Then keep the red lights flashing - the underpass is flooded. That’s why there’s no moving traffic on the road.

So, how do vehicles get around the flood? By using the overpass at the other end of town - on the unmodeled part of the railroad.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

27

That sounds like an excellent idea.

Thanks

Paul

28

Thanks for an interesting thread. I’ve enjoyed this one a lot.

Instead of permanent flashers, I’d suggest barricades and police cars. If you’re modeling modern times, get a car with operating flashers. I think it would be a great little scene. And, lest we forget, post some pictures! We’d all love to see how it comes out.

29

That’s a fantastic idea! Now I’m thinking where can I do maybe that.