The Unitrack is great. I found my trackwork stinks. I can't blame atlas code 55, except the #5 turnout's. Here is the problem, The rip up really caused some damage. After the WS risers were soaked with alcohol, water, glue, etc. They do not sand well at all. I have a very very unsmooth surface. What's the best way to fix it ? Thanks, Loco1999
Dig out what is above the surface. Use wood putty to fill in. It smoothes out well with a wide putty knife. Let it dry thoroughly.
Thanks, I will see if I have any. Can you use joint compound? Or should I put in new risers? Loco1999
Joint compound will shrink if used in thicker than 1/32 inch. Wood putty generally does not shrink. Use wood putty.
Loco1999: I would use new risers..... just to be on the safe side... There is no point in redoing it a third time.... Stay cool and run steam....
Thanks for the advise. I tried some wood putty and I don't think I will be able to get a smooth surface along the grades. I am ripping up the risers. What a mess..... Thanks, Loco1999
Loco1999: When are you going to start rebuilding your layout? You have enough room to build a multi-leveled layout. Consider that option. It's easy to do with the Unitrack. Stay cool and run steam....
Whoa! Do you have a belt or random-orbit sander? Those will take care of any irregularities in a jiffy.
Aren't the Woodland Scenics risers beaded styrofoam? I wouldn't care to try smoothing beadboard with a power sander--the beads will just keep pulling off, leaving it rough until it's all ground away. I'd say your best bet would be to put a layer of something over the risers to act as a fresh surface--something stiff enough to compensate for the irregularities. Styrene, foamcore, or maybe a layer or two of HO cork roadbed--something along those lines. If the thickness wouldn't be a problem, you could even glue another thin layer of cookie-cuttered styrofoam on top of the risers to make a fresh start. Just some suggestions...
If I get some time I'll whip out a bench. I already did the "all for scenery" attempt, the next bench will have no scenery and I will snap together unitrack in a "all for operations" mode. Then after the holidays I will try take what I have learned and attempt to marry the two. ( On the new bench with foam and risers, etc. ) I guess I won't have photos to post for a while. The WS risers are not beaded and do sand well. But after they have been soaked and soaked with glue and water they don't really sand at all. Yes a layer of 1/4" foam would work. I don't think I'll put the time into it. Thanks Guys, Loco1999
Damn, I really feel for you - Good luck buddy! Can't wait to see the new stuff - YES WE STILL WANT PICS!!!! Even if there isn't any awesome scenery.
My one suggestion: after I had my track down (before I decided to go without tunnels) I ran the SNOT outta my track, making sure that all the joints were smooth, and turnouts worked as advertised, and, well, you get the idea. Did that for 2 months before I went any further. So run it for awhile, testing out all your cars and all your engines before you do anything else. I think you'll get the the op + scenery marriage before you know it.
Mike, my understanding is that with Unitrak you only have to run the SNOT out of it for two hours (we shall see). Loco, You will probably be up and running and fully sceniced before I have laid down a single piece of track.
GG: It takes a few days to get any minor kinks out of the Unitrack setup. Take your time..... However in two hours you'll know where you stand. I couldn't possibly test all the loco's I have on the roster in two hours. Stay cool and run steam.....
