Repairing the Grade on a Model Railroad Layout
Рет қаралды 19,978
3 жыл бұрынIn this video I demonstrate repairing the grade on a model railroad layout. As I am expanding my home layout, I had some issues with the grade of the mainline where the new section connected with the existing layout. In this video I show you how I remedied these issues to creat a subroadbed that will allow for bullet-proof track work and eliminate excess verticle curves.
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@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
See how I build the benchwork to my layout in this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fqugi6Sht6eVY5s.html
@willsagraves6535 3 жыл бұрын
Your building videos have been super helpful! I'll be starting my permanent shelf/wall layout soon and these videos have become a great resource. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I'm excited to hear that, Will. Good luck with the new layout.
@JoeG-firehousewhiskey 3 жыл бұрын
Very nice, I like the level! Definitely a must have.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Yes, a regular level is great, but this one that tells you exactly what your grade is fantastic for controling sharp grades and keeping them smooth.
@tubeflorian 3 жыл бұрын
Editing is excellent. Thanks for taking the time.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@charleslowery7914 3 жыл бұрын
Good point about the liquid nails project. I have been using that as my foam adhesive for a while but didn't realize how strong it was until I needed to remove the foam. Took pry bars and a lot of destruction. Lol
@N-Scale 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ron , you are making good progress , for sure. Mike
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Mike. I am really looking forward to getting this industrial district up and running, not to mention getting trains running across the whole layout again.
@dwightatnorthernstar1820 3 жыл бұрын
Yes, Ron, THAT is really important thing to do before laying track. Many derailing issues could be avoided if the layout base is level BOTH ways, so the track is not cockeyed which many cannot just see. I have solved many Derail issues by going back and fixed that issue.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hey, Dwight. Yes, I couldn't agree more.
@jamescraft672 3 жыл бұрын
I use 2" foam for the subroadbed. It is strong enough to support a large person (like me). And it makes it easy to manage vertical curves.
@tubeflorian 3 жыл бұрын
I chose 100psi. I could park a real loco on it.
@MrBsHiawathalandRails 3 жыл бұрын
Great help. We don't think about that at times.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Yes, sharp verticle curves can cause real problems and, if you don't check for them, they can happen without even realizing it.
@johndillon8130 3 жыл бұрын
Good info, thanks Ron!
@rjl110919581 3 жыл бұрын
thank you for detail video on way your build your detail layout
@sparky107107 3 жыл бұрын
when using shims you should put them on either side of where you are putting the screws. most the time a screw will split the shim and over time work there way loose.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
That is good advice. It also helps keep the work level.
@mikeh4800 3 жыл бұрын
Another really well done video. Should you in the future need to make two sheet of Plywood even using a block of wood and screws, and the screws you were using in the video will not work. Try the deck screws for TREX decking. These screws have two different threads which adds in pulling the boards tight against each other.
@mlkesimmons758 3 жыл бұрын
Ron. You make very informative videos. I have always made it a point to screw everything together in a way that it can later be unscrewed. Recently I needed to remove a joist to install a turntable and found that a screw joint was covered by bench work. The joist had to be split with a chisel and ripped out. I still need to find a way to cut off the pertruding screw. The screws on top were easily located under flat scenery using a magnetic stud finder. I suggest you avoid placing screws that will eventually be covered by road bed and track. I am looking forward to your next great video.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike. That is a good suggestion. In the case of this cleat, I wanted it as much under the track as possible to make sure the surfaces were flush at that point. That said, can you access the screw that needs cutting with a multi tool (oscilating tool) with a metal-cutting blade?
@mlkesimmons758 3 жыл бұрын
@@RonsTrainsNThings Ron. Thanks for your reply. A multi tool may be just the answer to reach my hard to get at old screw. In the case of your cleat, perhaps a bit larger cleat installed at an angle would solve both problems of a flush surface at the joint and no screws hidden under the roadbed and track.
@donaldshroyer8633 3 жыл бұрын
Nice vid. I've used much thinner plywood on my N scale layout to make track mounting by pins easier, only to have some warping problems. I'm surprised to see that warping still occurs with the thickness you used. Wow.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I used 1/2" and the warping is usually quite minimal, but it does happen. 1/4" will certainly warp all too easily.
@anthonymcmillan5881 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your detailed explanations. Thanks, Iowa fan
@jolliemark6294 3 жыл бұрын
Good advice on all accounts, just a small hint, I've been using a percentage tool on my phone for grades, but that level looks to better....thanks for sharing 👍👍
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I've seen those apps on phones. I had one several years back and was not impress with its accuracy, but both apps and phones have improved drastically since then. I should check out another one. Which app are you using? Iphone or Android?
@jolliemark6294 3 жыл бұрын
@@RonsTrainsNThings android the one I'm using is called -bubble level-
@FBMRR 3 жыл бұрын
Great update Ron and awesome pick of the week. My only concern with that 1x4 is that your screws will be covered with scenery. if you should ever have to remove that section, how would you remove that piece?
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I can't imagine why I would ever remove it, but worst case, if I did I would simply cut the screws between the two pieces with a sawzall or an oscilating/multi tool.
@bdhd206 3 жыл бұрын
In many cases using wood putty would provide a more predictable solution to these type grade issues. Using this 1x4 technique many not have worked, now what. Also, I have stopped using the pink extruded foam. Its not flat and undulates across the 4 foot width which causes the exact problem we are trying to fix here. I now used the blue 3M product from Lows. It is extremity flat and dimensionally sound, it's also harder than the pink panther product. Loctite PL 300 is specifically designed for foamboard.
@1Celltech 3 жыл бұрын
Clearance holes in the ply would have made the wood draw together better. A little glue would have made a much stronger joint. Your layout extension is looking great.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure what you mean by "clearance holes." Please explain.
@1Celltech 3 жыл бұрын
@@RonsTrainsNThings clearance holes let the screw pass through freely so that the screw only grips the bottom piece allowing the wood to draw together better. Sometimes if you don't use clearance holes when the screw grabs in both pieces you can end up with a gap between the bottom and top pieces.
@kennybroomfield8402 3 жыл бұрын
Ron you should have shown the sanding action. I think it would have been......smooth. 😂😂 Looking good as always my friend.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
wha.wha.wha 🤣
@timjohnson3128 3 жыл бұрын
A quick fix and old one for the slight "hump" would be to use a wood plane
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
If solid wood yes, but that would make a mess of plywood. I think my belt sander will make a neater job.
@bneagleriversubdivision6224 3 жыл бұрын
Great video. But if you can avoid it, never put screws under your track. They can back off over time, plus access is a problem.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hey, man. Good to see you. I hear what you are saying, but in all my years of model railroading I'v never had a screw work loose on a layout. There is just no vibration to cause it. That said, your suggestion is probably a good idea nonetheless.
@TheTrainFreak 3 жыл бұрын
Bullet proof eh? So are you saying I can use it as target practice?....lol just kiddin. Great tips Ron. Also I had an instance where the plywood thickness is a hair thicker on one edge than the adjacent one. I did the same thing with a 1x4 underneath and had to get out my oscillating saw to trim that extra thickness to make it flush. - Jason
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, Jason. Yes, I've seen that too. For me, I have either sanded it smooth or used a bit of putty or spackle to level out the surfaces, but the oscilating tool is a great remedy.
@TheTrainFreak 3 жыл бұрын
@@RonsTrainsNThings i tried the putty, still a pretty bad hump that you can see in one of my latest videos, I am going to have to go back in and fix it. Not looking forward to it.
@anthonyciotti3295 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Ron what scale vehicles on N scale layouts
@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 3 жыл бұрын
good update to you layout an keep posting updates up
@kadebrown6162 3 жыл бұрын
my phone has a digital level feature but the camera sticks out so unless its on top of a small block its essentially useless
@anthonyciotti3295 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Ron what scale vehicles on scale layouts
@randydobson1863 3 жыл бұрын
HELLO RON ITS IS RANDY AND #1 FAN'S THANKS RON FRIENDS RANDY ?????? COOL VIDEO
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hey, Randy. Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoy the channel.
@jacjac5761 3 жыл бұрын
Great job Ron how big is your layout now? Can you do a over view of the layout of you don't mind.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Hey Jac Jac. I plan to do a new full tour as soon as I get the mainline laid and running on the new section. Should be just a few weeks.
@jacjac5761 3 жыл бұрын
Ron l didn't get a notification of your video til today I feel bad cause I missed a lot of videos. Now I have to catch up
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
@@jacjac5761 Unfortunately KZfaq's notification system is sketchy at best.
@IMRROcom 3 жыл бұрын
I went to Lowes today and they looking for those swihs you used to level your railroad pike, Lowes said they did not have swihs. Did you buy your swihs from Home Depot.
@davidmcrae5183 3 жыл бұрын
I finally understood what you meant by "swihs" when I began to pay attention to the video. Funny!
@marksawyer5299 3 жыл бұрын
I use the composite swihs to avoid shrinking and expansion.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@chrisenglish3837 3 жыл бұрын
Vertical curves :-) you mean hills and valleys. Really little humps and dips for RR purposes. I personally really like to look of features that break up long straight lines. Clearly sharp edges have to go. If the general rule is to limit a prolonged slope (say a helix) is in the 2% range, its not that a 5% bump is a power or passing issue - you are saying it all about coupler / coupling reliability. Does anybody know or any supplier ever state the vertical play in a coupling - it must be a in the 5 degree range. I enjoyed your video on easements, any similar analytical guidance on vertical easements?
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I wasn't trying to say eliminate all verticle curves. If we did there would never be any change in incline. I was saying smooth them out and eliminate those sharp, unintentional bumps that cause our trains to run unreliably.
@Madonsteamrailways 3 жыл бұрын
As an Englishman, I have probably never heard the term ‘grade’ used instead of the full ‘gradient’ to mean a slight change of height!! It’s probably because I’m British rather than American!!
@doublediamondrailroad5949 3 жыл бұрын
Ordering a Digi level! Check my Existing Grades!
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
I think you will love it.
@jamesbach2021 3 жыл бұрын
Please cut the end off the Liquid Nails container in a different way. Your asking for a trip to the ER.
@kents.2866 3 жыл бұрын
That's how everyone in construction opens them. If your thumb is below the blade, you're good.
@jamesbach2021 3 жыл бұрын
@@kents.2866 Been in the trades for 30 years. Still got all ten digits
@daddybearlv 3 жыл бұрын
Why are you so concerned with vertical curves? Do not real railroads have vertical curves?
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
Sure they do, but as Insaid in the video, they can become exaggerated in a model much more than the prototype, just like our horizontal curves are much sharper. They use engineers to control them as well.
@BadBadDrivers 3 жыл бұрын
@Cloud Burst 117 were you just born a dumb ass or did you work real hard on being this stupid. Some people should have the keyboard removed from their computers and surgically shoved up their, If you can not figure it out who this is about, This is you.
@RonsTrainsNThings 3 жыл бұрын
KZfaq flagged your other comment as spam, but to quote another KZfaq channel: "Here to have fun and enjoy the marvels of the modern world. No Shades of grey. It's either "Right or its "Wrong". A word of advise "Research You Subject", that way you can get it right "First Time". Take care All."
@tubeflorian 3 жыл бұрын
@@RonsTrainsNThings I reported it.