Streets and Roads

Building a model train layout requires many hats to be worn, sometimes more than one hat at a time.  These hats can include:  dreamer, artist, civil engineer, traffic engineer, landscaper, architect, electrician,  financier, and many more that I'm sure I'm missing.  

I think this post falls under the civil engineering hat, the designing and building of streets and roads.  Some train layouts don't leave much room for roads, but I think they are an important part of completing the scene.  

On my previous layout I used 1/16th thick 4"x36" balsa wood for my roads, and with great success. It's easy to cut, easy to paint, and gives a nice texture to the scene.  I received many compliments on my roads, so I'm continuing to use balsa.  Why mess with success.

Once my roads are laid out, I just cut the balsa accordingly and glue to the foam using general purpose wood glue.

Many model railroaders do not add any road materials to their crossings, and I have never understood this.  I think they are afraid it will hinder or obstruct the running of trains through the crossing. If done correctly, trains run just fine and the crossing looks more realistic.  I generally build my own grade crossings, but more and more pre made products are available all the time.

Here is a three way intersection with crossings and a sloped road to the right.  Notice the battery being used to weight down the road until the glue dries.  

I use Ceramcoat paints for my roads.  For this layout I will use dark grey on the main roads.  This will eventually get weathered and road markings.