Just a note, I was registered here before. and when I tried to log in again my account was gone, I know it's been a while sense I logged in, How ever it shouldn't have deleted my account.
On with my question. I just spent the last 6 months working on the layout and wanted to get train back on the track again. I just put every thing back together and well the track is not level. So am I missing some thing. I used the plaster cloth on my layout. That took 16 rolls. So how do I get the track level with the layout. All I get is derail after derail.
Thanks
Joe M
I used a lot of plaster cloth too. Did you use risers?
My suggestion you may need a small leveler and go about 12 inches a time and either raise the rails in low spots or shave some using a knife or file in the high spots.
Good luck.
Yes, I did use risers. That does sound like an idea. I'm just trying to come up with an idea on how to full in spots.
joe11a-
I don't understand your question. What isn't level? Did you remove your track
and are now replacing it? Please give us a few more details.
-- D
Hi! Don, Long time, Any way, The level of the track on the layout. I used plaster cloth to make my layout. Now after completing the layout. The track is not level with the layout. Like the other guy said. That I should just fill in the space with some thing to make the track level with the layout.
Joe-
I'm still not understanding. Is your layout warped? Did your roadbed change
with temperature and humidity? Has your fastening method fail? Maybe a few
photos would equal the proverbial 1000 words.
-- D
Ok, Don sorry your not under standing, I'll try and explain one more time.
The last 6 months I been working on the layout adding plaster cloth. The plaster cloth I added to the layout. has made the area when the track lays at uneven. When the train runs over the uneven areas. It derails.
Even if I sent photo's. I don't think it would show a clear picture of what I'm talking about.
The other guy is right. I will have to come up with an idea to fill in the uneven areas with gravel or some thing. To keep the rails even.
Are you saying that you did all your scenery and are now trying to lay track on it? This is backwards to accepted procedure. You lay track and form scenery around it. May be time to start over.
Quote from: AGSB on January 22, 2014, 11:20:19 AM
Are you saying that you did all your scenery and are now trying to lay track on it? This is backwards to accepted procedure. You lay track and form scenery around it. May be time to start over.
Are you nuts, I can't. I have over $1200 in my layout all ready. I would have to throw out over a $1000.
Quote from: bigjoe11a on January 22, 2014, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: AGSB on January 22, 2014, 11:20:19 AM
Are you saying that you did all your scenery and are now trying to lay track on it? This is backwards to accepted procedure. You lay track and form scenery around it. May be time to start over.
Are you nuts, I can't. I have over $1200 in my layout all ready. I would have to throw out over a $1000.
Well you still haven't answered the question no matter how much money you have in it.
Yes it does, I mean NO. Your talking about spending a lot of money for me to do the layout all over again. There's no way of saying it any other way. Sorry.
I am confused, did you do your track layout before you built the scenery, or not? Although I understand you might have put a lot of money into it, I am not sure what step you did first? Also, pictures would be nice to understand the gravity of the situation.
Quote from: shleds on January 22, 2014, 04:01:41 PM
I am confused, did you do your track layout before you built the scenery, or not? Although I understand you might have put a lot of money into it, I am not sure what step you did first? Also, pictures would be nice to understand the gravity of the situation.
Ah, no. The track layout was change 10 times. Because the track didn't work. This guy on this forum helped me with it last year. Now that I have the track right. And that 2 trains run on it. I started on the layout, I been working on it sense last summer. I just got the last part laid down a bout 3 weeks a go and just completed the track about 1 week ago. When I tested the train. Is when I saw it derail. And that's why. The track wasn't level so it derailed.
Like the guy from an earlier post said I should use gravel or some thing to fill on areas that won't let the track lay flat. The idea is sound. And it looks like a good idea. So I'll be working on it this weekend
Guys, What I 'm pretty sure happened was Joe set up the track the way he wanted it. Then, when he was happy with how it was working, took it apart and put plaster cloth down, then put the track over that.
Would you be "this guy on this forum" who helped him last year, Morg?
Jward and I did help Joe with his lay out because we both had anyrail. It was Jeff's plan that Joe used. ( at least that's how I think it ended up) However, I didn't give any help with landscaping.
I remember, you and a number of others, including myself, tried to help. But I also recall how things "ended up".
if I understand the situation, you've put plaster cloth under where the track sits. it probably wrinkled when you laid it (I know it does when I use it) and the resultant bumps under the track are causing derailments.
if this is the case, probably your best bet is to mark the edges of the track, pull the track up then scrape away the plaster cloth where the tracks will sit. then carefully put the tracks back, using a small level to ensure that the tracks are level across the rails. you can use index card as a shim to level things up by raising the lower rail. also, try first to eliminate any areas where the track twists, as this is most likely where most of the derailments occur.
Quote from: Morgun 30 on January 22, 2014, 09:19:09 PM
Jward and I did help Joe with his lay out because we both had anyrail. It was Jeff's plan that Joe used. ( at least that's how I think it ended up) However, I didn't give any help with landscaping.
As soon as I can get my batteries changed up in my camera. I'll have to post some photo's it came all real good too. It's just I have this small problem, and I don't know what to do about it.
SO I'll try the other users idea and see what happens.
To all: Level track and good construction UNDER it is paramount for good reliable and realistic operation . Like real-world construction, there is a sequence of events in layout construction, and any of you guys who either haven't ever done a layout, or are unfamiliar with construction technique in general-and NONE of us are all things to all people. Design it, go over the plan, get other modellers' opinions, then if all is OK with you, start laying out your track-work, one small section at a time. Your best friends at this stage, are going to be scales; zig-zag rulers are pretty good to have. Levels-lasers, if you can get a good one. Solid sub-work, even track in all three planes, electrical integrity (get a good multi-meter-you will have more uses for it then continuity). Finally, when all of the "roughing-in" is done, try an engine or two on it; the most dependable rigs you have. Just as in SCUBA diving, house construction, motor trips etc, plan the activity right down to the nines so that there is no place where you are saying (well, maybe it will work...etc...). As Big Joe is finding out, this can be a costly corner to paint yourself into. Take your time!! This is a hobby, not a race; it is meant to be an enjoyable pastime; not a source of aggravation or a money pit.
Rich C.
I been working on this for over a year now. and with the help from a lot of users on this form. I don't think I would have made it. Thanks to every one on this forum for your help and support.
Thanks for the kind words electrical whiz kid
Thanks
Joe M