I just have installed a 3% incline using Woodland Scenics Sub-Terrain foam products and the WS black insulated foam roadbed. THIS IS DEFINATELY the way to build a layout! MR should have a new “railroad project” entirely created with this stuff so the majority of hobbyists know it works–and can leave big saws , big mess and homasote behind!!!
My layout is a simple over-and-under figure 8 with spur tracks on a 4 x8 foot layout. I installed the inclines for the entire layout in under 2.5 hours; the black roadbed took a little longer than that, as I had to splice the roadbed down the middle and glue each piece (because most of the track was curved track). I used an $8 glue gun from Sav-On with all-temp glue stix for fastening.
I am using Atlas True-Track code 83 + plastic roadbed over it, the True Track or similar track systems offer simplicity when setting things up. I dont think I will be putting down flex track with real ballast; I am happy right now with the “artificial” look and heck, the train runs great on it!!! I installed 22" radius instead of 18", and it still fit great with adequate clearance under the bridge for rolling stock. What a frustration-saver Woodland Scenics is!!!
Regards,
Tom M.