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Moderator 5,800 posts Neil Erickson NeilEr Moderator 5,800 posts
Neil Erickson NeilEr
I've been wanting to try a Homosote spline roadbed but my sectional approach has led me to try making my own roadbed. A 4x8 sheet of "sound deadening board" costs about $20 from the lumberyard so I wasn't in the mood to cut it to match my plywood sub-roadbed for fear of too much waste. Using 1/2 board cut into 1-1/2" strips seemed flexible enough to use like giant cork pieces but with enough profile to look right under my On30 trains. Center-to-center is from 2-3/4" to 3" (or more) so two pieces under the ties with similar strips cut with a sloping edge works out pretty nice. The strips were laid just like the HO version using cork. Starting at the centerline and working out, staggering the joints, and fitting pieces at the switch went very smoothly and looked very nice. Woodland Scenics T-pins hold things in place until firm. My siding is 6" lower than the main so some transition will need to be sanded down - not sure it was with it yet. The curve off in the distance goes into staging so will be concealed by a hillside and drywash where some trees can overhang the track. On the right will be a coal and oil dealer so I cut away the plywood and lowered it down. A trestle will be build at my desk and dropped in place later. Somewhere will be a cattle pen and chute. Always like the look of a herd being driven right through the middle of town. Hawaii's stations had their own look. Many were unique and would put me "on the map" so, as much as I like Waipahu, Halaewa, or Pearl City stations it will probably be of my own design with it's own flair. All those years of architectural training will finally go to some practical use (grin). With the boss out last week and my wife's birthday retreat, I' quote happy with my modest progress. Let me know if you've tried this before. Homosote should hold spike better than my other Celotex section.

Neil Erickson, Hawai’i 

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