It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many meters of OO track can be covered with a 250g bag of ballast, as...
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How many meters of OO track can I cover with a 250g bag of ballast ?Read more -
What are my curved platform options in model railways?Read moreA good many real-life platforms have some sort of curve incorporated into them to accommodate either the topography...
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How can I create a reversing loop with Y-shaped turnout on my layout?Read moreA reversing loop is a section of track that allows a train to change direction without reversing. Reversing loops can...
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How do you design a track plan?Read moreThere are several different ways to design a track plan for your model railway project. There is no right or wrong...
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How do I connect track?Read moreThe track is connected using rail joiners, also called "fishplates". They are thin metal plates that simply slot...
How can I model decay on model roads?
Making model roads is easy thanks to the range of products available that can be used to fashion a suitable road surface as well as ready-to-go road rolls for a quicker approach. However, making a road that appears 'well used' is a little more interesting.
If you are using a road roll, sheets or sections, stick-on potholes are readily available and can be used to make your road appear as though in disrepair. But if you are creating your own bespoke roads using a substance such as 'Smooth It' from Woodland Scenics, be sure to add a few potholes and imperfections before it sets.
Once your road surface is dried and painted, the surface can be taken back a little using fine-grit sandpaper, 1200 grit should work just fine.
Next, smudge a dark pigment or sanded pencil lead to create any tyre skid marks or oil spills on the road surface. Doing this will also help accentuate any potholes or cracks that you have already modelled into your design.
Finally, use a heavily diluted dark-coloured wash to add to areas of the roadway that would have seen the most usage.
There is no right or wrong way to create a decayed roadway, so play with the techniques to discover what works best for your road. The worst-case scenario is you having to sand back the paint and start again, so give it a go, you'll be impressed with the results.
Posted in: Best practices
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