looking for help about roadways for layout

Chris:

Although I used sections of roofing shingles for roads in the distant past; after viewing one of Rich Battista's Black Diamond videos several years ago, I switched to using Masonite as he recommends.  It is easy to work with, has an appropriate height and can be cut to whatever width you desire for your roads.

Curt

I recall the stuff you are talking about....but not seen it advertised in years....IIRC they ran a small ad every month in the mags....may no longer be made. 

You are thinking of Moondog rubber roads. They also made rubber ties. I liked their products, but unfortunately they haven't been around for years. I haven't found anything close as a replacement.

I use Masonite as well. 

Neal Jeter

Yes, Moondog Express it is; thanks. So anybody have any extra pieces to sell? I've done the standard Internet and eBay searches with no success. 

Chris

Scenic express carries a decent foam roadway system with lines pre-painted.

I used it here.  All I did was cut, fit and glue it with tacky glue

Bob

Chris

I had a bunch of this  and it's ok but, I didn't use it. This seems to  the typical stuff you find readily available on the  e-net now.

I went with Masonite instead.

I put this up for sale  several months ago but no one was interested in it. It's still boxed up around here somewhere.

Good luck

Larry

The big craft stores carry a foam material sold in one foot square sheets about 1/8 thick. All kinds of colors I'd go with dark gray to black.....depends on the look you want. Cut with scissors and mark with paint markers. It's $1 a sheet but is often on sale at 50% off. 

Thanks for all the help. Dave, I'm going to give the craft store materials a try. Can't go wrong with that price, and I like the flexibility. For my small layout, I don't really need markings, but what are paint markers?

If you go to Harbor Freight, they sell a black rubber-like tool box shelf liner in rolls. One side has ribbing but the flip side is smoother. The advantage of having it in long rolls is that you do not have all the joints and can cut it to any configuration you want. Parking lots are easy because of the width too. It of course does not have center lines on it, but you said you did not need them for your application. This stuff is thinner than using foam board or Masonite so it does not have to be blended for the height on a table top layout. I bought some but have not used it as I am going to use Super Streets for roads first. 

Paul Goodness

Chris Dunn posted:

Thanks for all the help. Dave, I'm going to give the craft store materials a try. Can't go wrong with that price, and I like the flexibility. For my small layout, I don't really need markings, but what are paint markers?

Marker pens filled with a type of paint......they are available in white, yellow....all colors....but will show well on black surface. In Hobby Lobby they are in the plastic model and art depts. Test marker before you use them a lot. 

I used cork road bed, painted with top coat, a little weathering, and lined with a white out roller for center and stop sign/traffic light stop lines.  Much easier to apply...and it looks very convincing, as the texture of the road bed gives the white out a broken worn effect and looks like a real road with wearing out marker lines'... 

my roadways are going to have NO LANDING zones for flying cars

I am considering using this roll of black Anti-slip tape for my roadways.. it is 4" wide and a gritty texture .. .. look pretty good, adhesive back. before I jump into using it does anyone have any feedback  .. good or bad? I want to be a little careful when cutting it as I don't want any loose surface grit to get anywhere near the drive wheels etc of any engines and migrate to the grease on gear sets.

Also .. I have unrolled a few feet and have not seen or felt any loose grit .. at 4" wide and 65-1/2 feet .. it is pretty inexpensive (e-bay)

I saw a movie and the person was trying to learn how to paint a bowl of fruit. The apples always just looked like circles. If your roads look like a strip of something you put there, it's kinda the same thing. Roads are not a perfect surface with no variation in color.

The artist gene is missing from my DNA

I suggest a product called "taskboard material" which can be purchased in sheets 1/16-inch thick. It is an ultralight wood fiber board that is easy to cut, glue in place and color with acrylic paints. It has a perfect texture to simulate concrete or asphalt roads.

MELGAR

Larry, there are so many options for roads.  Melgar's recommendation is a good one. However, If you really want to try the tape, I would recommend placing it on top of some foam board, chipboard, or roadbed cork.  It will look more realistic as the road will have some height  and not be completely flat. All roads have  what is called a crown.  meaning the center of the lane is raised, so water runs off to the shoulder.... The finished product of O scale roads depend on how much time and effort one applies.  Many use spackle,  Arizona models has a real cement powder that works great.  I think any experienced modeler will agree that exploring the many techniques of making roads, and finding the method that works best for you and your layout'....  Good Luck...

 If you want to see some pixs of roads I've made, send me an email...... 😃

@MELGAR posted:

I suggest a product called "taskboard material" which can be purchased in sheets 1/16-inch thick. It is an ultralight wood fiber board that is easy to cut, glue in place and color with acrylic paints. It has a perfect texture to simulate concrete or asphalt roads.

MELGAR

Melgar where can you find this “task board material” sounds like a very good idea? I have some of the Harbor Freight stuff for my tool box and think it may be a little to think but also sounds like an interesting idea. 

Eric's Trains did a grate video on how he makes his roadways.

Excellent video I think you can find it on you tube