hey guy's what's yall's thought's on the woodland scenic's riser's and incline set's. how do i figure out how many i need for them and are they worth it or is there something else better out. thank's zach.
Zach, I plan on using their incline sets for my layout, but not the risers. Here is a shot of them temporarily installed, these are 2% grade. I only went up to 3 inches, not the 4 inches that they are capable of if the complete set is used. I’ll have to get back to you on how I like them after I am finished, but so far I think they will be fine: From Walther's web site: "Flexible inclines are designed to simplify adding changes in elevation along straight or curved tracks. The pre-cut foam sections are molded in 2, 3 or 4 percent grades, which takes the guesswork and complex math out of building different levels of track. The 2% Sections (#785-1410) raise the track 4" in 16'. The 3% Sections (#785-1415) elevate tracks 4-1/2" in 12'. Four Percent sections elevate trackage 4" in 8'. All sections measure 2-1/2" wide x 24" long." The starting section is very thin so you need to handle with care. The ends broke off of mine, but they can still be used. If you need more then 4 inches of rise you will need more than one box of risers. They are on sale now for $15.98. Michael
Michael's construction in process picture shows what I think is where the WS incline sets are best utilized - foam on foam. My table tops (2 X 8) are foam boards on top of a wood frame. There are no horizontal surfaces made of wood. The risers are glued to the foam board. They go where you want and generally how you want, limited mainly by curve radius. I think others might use wood splines if they used the open framework construction method. The WS incline sets, as best as I can tell, give you a perfect X degree of incline throughout their length, and like it says, taking any guesswork or measuring for other types of support for the roadbed. It would probably work well on top of any flat surface (i.e. plywood, homasote, etc). While you do have to fill or cover the gaps in the inclines before adding scenery, plaster cloth, paper towels soaked in plaster of paris, sculptamold or anything similar does the trick.
As long as you passed 5th grade I think WS inclines and risers are fool proof. I've used them for ever. There are other ways, cooking cutter, splines, etc. but why anyone would not use this WS product will always be a mystery to me. Jim
I've used the WSC risers on a 4x8 railroad, and they work pretty well. They sure are a lot easier, and less messy, than cookie-cutting plywood. I haven't seen the idea of using foam for roadbed over the risers, but that might work pretty well. I suspect a thin layer of foam (1/2" or so) works better than a thicker layer. Just be aware that you will need to shave the vertical curve at the top of the incline, where it meets the level risers, or your track will not lay down properly. The same problem can occur at the bottom of the incline, but the track will adjust to the vertical curve with less of a issue. Patrick
I think they're a great idea.. I did, however have a problem with the price. It's not so hard to actually make your own.
okay thank's guy's for the input on this. i think im gonna use them on my layout the normal and the incliene's as well. thank's for the help is there anyway to figure out how many pack's of each id need thank's zach.
They're great, I have them on my layout as well. They saved me from doing all that cookie cutter woodwork! The only issue is covering up the gaps, I usually cover them with masking tape or stuff them with crumpled paper/paper towels and smooth over the top with Sculptamold. This is important when ballasting because you don't want any ballast or glue spilling into the gaps!
I'm new to model trains and planning on using WS risers and inclines. It was mentioned in this thread that the gaps need to be filled... can you explain why? I was planning on gluing the cork road bed onto the risers. Didn't think the gaps need to be filler.
Possibly what was meant was applying a layer or two of plaster cloth on top of the risers as stated in the Woodland Scenics books. You don't fill them in with putty or plaster or anything like that. Jim
WS Inclines are the greatest thing since sliced bread. There's no need for the "risers" though unless you want to model a railroad where every track is on a 30-foot embankment. For tracks at or slightly above ground, level, "wedding cake" construction where sheets of foam are cut to match the ends of risers is the way to go.
