[Doug]

Motivated by JohnP, I've started my borders. I wasn't keen on buying plastic ones as I would of had quite allot to get. Here is a cheaper way of doing it.

I've used 8 mm foam ceiling tiles cut to shape. I used some spare curves of the same radius as the track and a metal ruler to cut the foam. One glued with a special foam glue (no solvents), it is not even 1 mm above the track surface. This is easily sanded down to be level with the track allowing the outer lane some side-sliding room.

About 2.5 cm from the track, I'll start the decoration. Either grass or gravel. The gravel traps are sweeping curves going into the corners of the table. I'll have 'metal' barriers and tires on the inside of those.

Where the foam ends, will be the scenery, either turf or tarmac for the pits areas.

I noticed that the paint finish was better where I sanded down the foam and perhaps with the heat of the sanding, sealed the surface a little.

The paint is a water based acrylic. I notice that it does slightly eat the foam in placed where I haven't sanded. Not even noticible though. Gives a more natural look.

 

[Doug]

I already have an update.

I masked off the slide area. Mixed some PVA (white wood glue) with brown acrylic paint. painted it on to the corner. Sprinkled some HO train ballast (mixed brown). and voila!

 

[astro]

Thats looking very nice

 

[Doug]

This is what I'm after, but if it's slightly more coarse, then it'll be fine.

 

[Fergy]

Looks good Nuro!

And I love the fast updates!

QUOTE if it's slightly more coarse, then it'll be fine

Couldn't let that one go by...

 

[jonny s]

Cracking job. I`ll give you some catch fencing and posts when I see you. If I can crack posting pics I`ll show how good it looks and how it stops cars falling onto the floor. Mind you it`s the same as Yves so I figure you know. A quick tip if you are interested? If you allow the styrene to go to the edge of the layout and paint it /flock it green it will all look the correct height with the grass level up to the track side, no need to build it up . Looks really good

 

[jonny s]

Forgot to say that I would be happy to show you how I converted a Scalex Dunlop bridge to fit over six lanes , using a mountain bikre tyre. This was filmed for "short Circuits" but the producer chose to show more bloody silly Jon and Alex races instead of useful tip for slotties! I`m not bitter

 

[ListerStorm]

Nice job, that really came out great!

 

[thomas]

EXCELLENT!
...the only problem is - I can't get 8mm foam over here - 10mm is the thinnest available :-(
Any hints where to get that stuff? Need lots of them!

 

[dreinecke]

Doug,

That looks outstanding!!!

 

[taxi]

Nice work Nuro.

Keep the pics coming, please.

Rob

 

[Intergrali]

looks good, but you glued it down? we have REAL gravel traps! ie no glue just lots of kitty litter!! new of course and as BSN knows it can win or lose a race!
Moped might want to recall his visit

 

[Fergy]

I hope the kitty wasn't recently in the box...

 

[Doug]

Why are the wise, wise

Because they've messed up before doing the same things that you are doing or will do and you will probably mess up too - unless you heed their worldly wisdom.

Here is some worldly wisdom: Don't rush your scenery and start from the inside of the layout and work out to the edges. Or, if there is a wall at the back, work from the back to the front.

 

[tDI_Fahrer]

You're doing a really nice job there!!! Do you have any pictures of your entire project?

And euhm... just a question...

Whitin a few month's I start building my own permanent track... and I want to use foam too as borders. But, if the cars drift over the painted foam, won't the paint come of? Or won't the foam get all messed up?

Gunther

 

[JohnP]

...once the borders are sanded, painted with acrylic and then given several coats of diluted PVA glue (which dries pretty clear) they become quite tough and resilient. Later on, it should be easy enough to patch up any wear and tear with a little paint, etc...

Lookin' good Nuro

 

[Doug]

I cleaned all the mess from the table, removed the remaining barriers that were attached to the tracksides (too close).

I've added foam to the inside of the track where I'll build pits and parking.

 

[peter]

Really nice job... layout and the arches and all... just thinking about the arches - would look good with some car parking options there I think...

Oh its not really my business. But it does look good I give you that and it is fantastic that you share the experience with us here - makes me want to go and dig myself a cellar under the house where I live to create a space for a 'proper' track...

//peter

 

[Mecoprop]

Digging a cellar under an existing house is a fantasy that has haunted me for years - I wish you had not revived the thought!

I wonder if that has ever been done without the house collapsing?
Conjures up pictures of WWII escape attempts from POW camps!

 

[Mr.M]

My Dad built a house back in the 80s with a large cellar/basement attached to the back of the underground double garage. He was obsessed with the thought of Reagan pushing the button. I remember at the time thinking "What a waste of space"

D'OH!!!!!

Mr.M