DB Interchange & Port RR Update 7-11-2020

Another technique that may be easier is to cover the spaces with chunks of styrofoam glued together with GreatStuff then surface coat with lightweight joint compound, when slighty dry cover with earthtone paint and grass an earth material.

That would be an easier method,  but I did that with 2 previous N scale layouts and decided to go a different route this time.

Dan, There is nothing wrong with trying new ideas even after finding something that works.  You may find something that works better for you or gives better results than a previous good method.  I have seen many of Eric's videos, but have not seen his mountain building ones.  I modeled in N scale and HO scale over the years.  In fact my last N scale layout was the one I got the farthest along on scenery, and used foam and hardshell both on that layout.  I'm looking forward to seeing your progress, as you know I'll be ready to start scenicing my layout as well.

How can you go wrong if the grandkids love it??  

@Mark Boyce posted:

Dan, There is nothing wrong with trying new ideas even after finding something that works.  You may find something that works better for you or gives better results than a previous good method.  I have seen many of Eric's videos, but have not seen his mountain building ones.  I modeled in N scale and HO scale over the years.  In fact my last N scale layout was the one I got the farthest along on scenery, and used foam and hardshell both on that layout.  I'm looking forward to seeing your progress, as you know I'll be ready to start scenicing my layout as well.

How can you go wrong if the grandkids love it??  

Thanks Mark.  Eric has some amazing videos and he is adept at applying what he has learned.   He actually creates a hardshell liner inside of his mountains but I am going to skip that and focus my limited money and time on what I can see.   

BTW, your track plan is awesome with the elevation changes and tunnels too.   Me and you both will have a lot of scenery to do!!   I wanted to have some elevations initially, but did not have the room to incorporate them without removing other aspects I wanted more.   Oh well, life and hobbies are always a compromise. 

Thank you, Dan!  I'm working on leveling out my temporary trestle grade.  It has some dips that were no problem for the SD40-2, but as I suspected the H9 pilot hits the track some places.  I already fixed the roadbed a couple places where their wasn't enough grade transition for the h9.