Achieving Track and River Elevation

[r6racer]

I am attempting to create a small rise in elevation, 1/2 in, for the part of the track at one end of my layout and also a small river that requires a drop in elevation for the river bottom. Basically my layout is a double oval with some turnouts. I know most of you are fond of foam and I've read a lot about how you work with it.

BUT would it just be easier to use the technique where you trace the elevated section of the track, cut it like a flap and support it with braces to achieve the heights I need. And then do the same with the small river but drop it down? thanks,

 

[Motley]

Doing this is much much easier with a foam layer. But if you already have your benchwork, subroadbed, and track already laid down, then yes what you described will work just fine.

Its actually called a "cookie cutter" solution for elevation changes.

If you have not begun the construction of the layout yet, I would strongly suggest just use the foam layer.

 

[Railfan87]

FWIW, I'm an L-girder, risers, plywood and homasote guy. We're still out here

 

[blackz28]

HERE YOU GO i posted this tip to make foam risers any size you need real cheap

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=17022

 

[NIMT]

I am attempting to create a small rise in elevation, 1/2 in, for the part of the track at one end of my layout and also a small river that requires a drop in elevation for the river bottom. Basically my layout is a double oval with some turnouts. I know most of you are fond of foam and I've read a lot about how you work with it.

BUT would it just be easier to use the technique where you trace the elevated section of the track, cut it like a flap and support it with braces to achieve the heights I need. And then do the same with the small river but drop it down? thanks,

I do all of my setups just like that!
Just cut a path about 1/2" to 1" wider that the road bed and support the rise with blocking.