roadbed to yard transition

[AllenB]

I'm sure this has been covered but I can't seem to find it. When my HO mainline switches off into the yard (no roadbed), what are you putting under the turnouts to angle the track off of the roadbed? Wood shims come to mind but they don't bend

 

[Secondhandmodeler]

I would try not to do the transition under a turnout. I would lower it down either before or after the turnout. I used flex track and just left a gap under the track for a few inches. Later on, I stuffed some scrap cardboard under it and ballasted the area. That way the transition is nice and smooth. I'm sure others have better ways but it worked for me. Good luck.

 

[Motley]

I, like the Secondhandmodeler, used some flex and let it lay naturally. And then squirted some caulk under there to support it.

 

[cengel]

You could also use one of those cheese grator type tools that is used for sheet rock to create a small grade in your cork. Then I used alot of caulk to glue it down.

I'm actually going from HO scale cork down to N for the yard lead and then down to nothing in the yard.

Here is what I'm referring to : http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-21-399-6-Inch-Surform-Pocket/dp/B00002X1ZQ

 

[TwrOpr 87]

On my old layout, we used a cork roadbed and cut the cork on a grade to make the yard tracks lower than the main. Works well but isnt a perfect science lol