How do you represent roads?

[Alex Crawford]

Hi,

Just a quick question. As the title suggests, how do you represent roads on your layout?

At the moment I simply paint my roads a dark grey. I know you can get self adhesive roads and also a very fine tarmac scatter. I even tried to use a very fine wet and dry, but it didn't work out too well.

Any comments?

Alex

[steam for ever]

I have used a number of methods in the past.
One is using fine black sand paper which gives a good effect but is fiddly to lay and the seams show. You might do better though.
Hronby do road sections in their skaledale range but as the sections are made of resin you are limited to the number of angles you can have at corners but a good effect is still given.

Why don't you try different shades of grey and what sort of paint do you use?

[swisstrains]

You already appear to have tried all the usual methods Alex. In N Gauge I find that a matt painted surface works well enough especially after it has gathered some dust Do as SFE suggests and try various shades of grey with the odd darker patch thrown in the represent repairs. These can be added with the aid of masking tape to get nice straight edges. Much of the realism is obtained by adding kerbs/pavements in towns and grass verges out in the country.
For the white lines I use one of those fine white marker pens available from most arts and craft shops.

[Bubblewrap]

Tried black board paint it dries mat.

[Alex Crawford]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your replies. At the moment I simply use a mix of black/white poster paint. Dust, I have plenty off I may find some inspiration at the Glasgow show in February.

Attached piccy shows my paths and drives. Each 3ft x 2ft slab has been cut out and stuck down individually.

Alex

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by Alex Crawford

.................Attached piccy shows my paths and drives. Each 3ft x 2ft slab has been cut out and stuck down individually.

Alex

Looks good to me Alex.
I bet your back was aching after laying that lot.

[Alex Crawford]

Hi John,

Hmmm, I cheated slightly. I cut out appropriate lengths/sizes of plasticard for the paths and drives and sitting in front of the telly I stuck down the slabs to the pieces I had cut out. Then after a paint and black wash went out to the shed and stuck them down.

Sneaky or what.

How's your layout coming along?

Alex

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by Alex Crawford

....................How's your layout coming along?

Alex

Very slow...... I spend too much time on this forum.

[Alex Crawford]

Hi John,

I'm supposed to be researching a new book but I can't be bothered right now. That's why I've so much time to spend on my layout.

Alex

[Gandalf]

My layout has been underneath the snow which now having melted has been replaced with assorted weeds.
John (G)