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Tracks in Concrete

Kaolin2FS

Entry posted by Kaolin2FS

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There's been plenty of debate on RMWeb over the best way to achieve the look of track inset into concrete at industrial facilities, so I thought I'd add my method used on the Trevanion Dries test-track. I've gone for the simplest solution possible and used a general household shrink and crack-resistant filler that was lying around after the last room redecoration. A few quick photos by way of description (trackwork at this stage is still N gauge):

 

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When applying the mix, the knife was used at a slight angle in order to leave a very slight 'U'-shape between the rails of each track and between each track. This means that when track cleaning is required, the rails stand slightly proud of the surrounding concrete. Once it had been left to dry for 2-3 hours, an old piece of rail was scraped along the inside of each of the running lines in order to remove the filler from where the flanges will run. The mixture shrunk very slightly as it settled and dried out and so it needs another quick skim (or sandpaper) over the top prior to painting/weathering to hide the slight bumpy effect and smooth everything out - it's still a bit rough and ready as you can see.

 

I've yet to establish if this process will work with steel rail or if the filler applied next to the rail will start off the rusting process. I've read quite a lot on use of steel rail elsewhere on this site, and for layouts which will stay inside in non-humid conditions it seems the jury's still out. I want to use it for appearance so if anyone has got any more observations on use of steel rail, especially in relation to inset track, then please let me know, otherwise I'll post results here after I've had a trial!

 

Graham

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bcnPete
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I'm probably not the best person to offer advice on this following my experiences off inset track :lol:

 

Tom E and Tony Simms have both undertaken this with excellent results though...using DAS I recall.

 

Alternatively you could add a check rail which does help...

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cornish trains jez

Hi Graham,

 

I used polyfilla to represent concrete on my very first layout that I built (I think I was about 12 or 13 at the time). I used it in the depot area of the layout and if I can remember rightly, there was no evidence of rusting to the rails. Can't remember if the rails were steel or nickel silver though.

However, I managed to get a super smooth finish on the polyfilla (which was mixed to a creamy consistency) and once painted really looked the part. May even have an old photo or two kicking around somewhere.

 

Best regards,

 

Jeremy

 

Edit: Just thought I would add in that once the mixture was level, I used a scraper dipped in water and ran it over the top of the polyfilla, leaving a nice smooth finish.

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Kaolin2FS

I'm probably not the best person to offer advice on this following my experiences off inset track

Pete, on the contrary, it was your trials and errors that prompted me to try the polyfilla route!

Tom E and Tony Simms have both undertaken this with excellent results though...using DAS I recall. Alternatively you could add a check rail which does help...

Thank you - I've seen Tom E's and it really does look the part. Thanks for the tip on Tony Simms' post too. I'd thought of adding a check rail but will try and get away without one; on the photos I've seen there are only a few where a check rail is obvious and I'm not sure if it would make my life easier or harder!

Hi Graham,

 

I used polyfilla to represent concrete on my very first layout that I built (I think I was about 12 or 13 at the time). I used it in the depot area of the layout and if I can remember rightly, there was no evidence of rusting to the rails. Can't remember if the rails were steel or nickel silver though.

However, I managed to get a super smooth finish on the polyfilla (which was mixed to a creamy consistency) and once painted really looked the part. May even have an old photo or two kicking around somewhere.

 

Best regards,

 

Jeremy

 

Edit: Just thought I would add in that once the mixture was level, I used a scraper dipped in water and ran it over the top of the polyfilla, leaving a nice smooth finish.

Thanks Jeremy, I'll just give mine a going over with some sandpaper before painting. On the final version, I'll make sure I do this scenic work first, to avoid the uncharacteristic sight of a Cornish snowscene!

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