Design and build a lightweight layout system easily and fast for any project! No experience necessary, no complicated calculations, no power tools and no dusty mess.
Yes. SubTerrain foam products are made from unique, high-density foam and will not crumble or fall apart.
When modeling in O scale, Inclines and Risers need to be placed side-by-side to double their width.
Tunnels can be made in a variety of ways.
Ready Landforms are an easy way to add a tunnel. They are preformed, landscaped and ready to place on a layout. Available in HO and N scales and straight or curved designs.
Self-supporting Shaper Sheet is another easy way to add a tunnel. Form into tunnel shape and arrange over track. Cover in Shaper Sheet Plaster and add landscape materials. For added realism, paint underside of Shaper Sheet to resemble blasted rock.
Use 1/4" Foam Sheets or 1/4" Modeling Sheets to make tunnel walls and roof. Use No-News Paper or newspaper to add paper wads around the tunnel foundation to model terrain, and add a double layer of Plaster Cloth to form a hard shell.
Use the Tunnel Liner Form to mold tunnel sections from Lightweight Hydrocal, Shaper Sheet Plaster or Super Strength Plaster. Connect sections together with Plaster Cloth to form desired length of tunnel.
Click here to view a video about making a tunnel.
Risers and Inclines are 2 1/2" wide. You will need to install 2 sets side-by-side for any scale double track.
Cut out a section of Riser where the under table switches will be located. Use 1/4" piece of Foam Sheet, Masonite or plywood to bridge the gap. Notch each end of the Riser to accomodate thickness of material. Material should be level with Riser. Glue into place and mount the switch.
Yes, they can be carved with a Hot Wire Foam Cutter, Foam Knife or other hobby knife.
Click here to view a video about Foam Sheets.
Yes.
Incline Sets are a packaged set of foam inclines that create a pre-determined 2%, 3% or 4% incline within a specific distance. Incline Starters contain from 6 to 8 two-foot sections of 2%, 3% or 4% foam inclines, each beginning at 0%. Starters are used in combination with sets and risers to simplify the construction of even the most complex layouts.
Click here to view a video about Inclines/Declines.
We wanted a foam product that was lightweight and easy to use. You can cut SubTerrain quickly and neatly, it will not crumble or fall apart, and working with SubTerrain high-density foam rquires no previous modeling experience. When cut with a Hot Wire Foam Cutter, it does not emit toxic fumes.
Cut a notch in the Risers and install a hard board to support the mechanism. Cut a hole in the base for installing and servicing the switch machine. Complete the installation according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The tightest turn Risers provide is 9”.
No, you do not need to use Risers under Inclines, but using both allows you to increase the elevation of the track throughout the layout to create lower surrounding areas easily, such as creek beds and ravines. For further information and instruction about using Risers and Inclines, watch the how-to videos on our website and consider purchasing the SubTerrain® Manual.
Our SubTerrain® Lightweight Layout System is made of a high-density foam material that can withstand a lot of weight. It's designed for this application.
The "n" stands for narrow. On30 describes the modeling of narrow gauge railways, using O scale trains with narrow tracks that run on HO gauge track. For your On30, you can use SubTerrain Risers and Track-Bed.
A standard powered locomotive will not have an issue making it up the grades we offer (2%, 3% and 4%). The issue with a train having trouble making it up a grade depends upon how many units of rolling stock it is pulling. The more powerful the engine, the more rolling stock it will be able to pull. As there are so many variations in locomotives and rolling stock, this is an at-home trial and error test.
You can add a switchback (or extreme incline) to your layout following the same techniques used to model a SubTerrain track area. Start by constructing an incline base with a 1 " Foam Sheet. Construct the support with 1/2 " Foam Sheet and add 1/2 " incline pieces for the track. Fill the contours with newspaper wads, cover with Plaster Cloth and apply terrain products as usual.
We do not make 3.5 inch risers. To accomplish this, install our 2 ", 1 " and 1/2 " risers on top of one another to create that height. Each package contains 4 each and each piece is 2.5 " wide x 24 " long. The quantities to purchase will depend on the planned length of your track.
Latex paint can be used to paint Profile Boards. We suggest lightly sanding boards with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any rough areas before painting.
No, do not cut the Track-Bed with a Hot Wire Foam Cutter. This may emit toxic fumes.
We recommend using the Hot Wire Foam Cutter with Risers, Inclines/Declines, Profile Boards, Foam Sheets, Modeling Sheets, Road Riser, and Support Panels.
Using the Hot Wire Foam Cutter on products other than what is listed is not recommend. Toxic fumes may be omitted.
The opening width, or length of the wire from prong to prong is 4 1/2" (11.4 cm) wide. The depth from the prong down to the handle, is 6" (15.2 cm). When using the optional straight rod, the tool cuts a path 3 1/2" w x 6" d (8.89 cm x 15.2 cm). Use this option to cut in tight places and for faster cuts.
Click here to view a video about the Hot Wire Foam Cutter.
You should not wash any Woodland Scenics plaster product down the drain. This includes Shaper Sheet Plaster, Carving Plaster, Super Strength Plaster, Lightweight Hydrocal Plaster, Mold-A-Scene Plaster, and Smooth-It.
Plaster residue that remains after applying Plaster Cloth should also be discarded in the trash.
Another way you can apply Plaster Cloth is to lay managable sizes of dry Plaster Cloth strips on the project. Use a spray bottle to mist with water and use your fingers to smooth out the plaster filling in all the holes.
Click here to view a short video about Plaster Cloth.
No. The Hot Wire Foam Cutter is designed to use the Replacement Wire. The special nichrome wire retains an even temperature, which is necessary for consistent cutting of our foam products.
Both adhesives work equally well. Foam Tack Glue is high tack white glue and works well as a contact cement. Low Temp Foam Glue bonds instantly and works well for a quicker installation.
Click here to learn about adhering SubTerrain.
Foam Tack Glue can be used to attach plywood, Risers and Inclines/Declines, and Track-Bed to pink extruded foam, but it must first be sanded with #120-grit sandpaper. This type of foam has a slick surface that needs to be roughed up so the glue has something to hold on to.
Use the contact gluing method to adhere materials to the extruded foam. Spread an even layer of Foam Tack Glue on both contact surfaces. Let the glue dry until clear (maximum working time is one hour) and then press surfaces together. The glue will bond instantly, creating a secure adhesion.
Yes, Foam Putty can be painted. The dried surface of Foam Putty is gritty. For a smooth surface, sand dried Putty with a very fine grade sandpaper (220-400 grit) before painting. Apply two coats of paint, sanding lightly between coats.
Foam Putty™ has a 2 1/2-year shelf life and cannot be reconstituted. You can determine the manufacture date of a particular container by looking at the code on the lid. The first number denotes the year (8 = 2008) The next three numbers denote the day of the year (085 is the 85th day of the year = March 25) The expiration date for this code is March 25, 2010.
Here are some drying time guidelines:
Very thin layer - 20 minutes
An 1/8 " or thicker - 1 to 2 hours or more
These drying times will vary depending on air humidity and temperature. If it seems slow to dry, place a fan in the room to help circulate the air.
Yes. SubTerrain foam products are made from unique, high-density foam and will not crumble or fall apart.
Tunnels can be made in a variety of ways.
Ready Landforms are an easy way to add a tunnel. They are preformed, landscaped and ready to place on a layout. Available in HO and N scales and straight or curved designs.
Self-supporting Shaper Sheet is another easy way to add a tunnel. Form into tunnel shape and arrange over track. Cover in Shaper Sheet Plaster and add landscape materials. For added realism, paint underside of Shaper Sheet to resemble blasted rock.
Use 1/4" Foam Sheets or 1/4" Modeling Sheets to make tunnel walls and roof. Use No-News Paper or newspaper to add paper wads around the tunnel foundation to model terrain, and add a double layer of Plaster Cloth to form a hard shell.
Use the Tunnel Liner Form to mold tunnel sections from Lightweight Hydrocal, Shaper Sheet Plaster or Super Strength Plaster. Connect sections together with Plaster Cloth to form desired length of tunnel.
Click here to view a video about making a tunnel.
Yes, Flex-track can be used with no problem.
Cut out a section of Riser where the under table switch will be located. Use 1/4" piece of Foam Sheet, Masonite or plywood to bridge the gap. Notch each end of the Riser to accommodate the thickness of the material. The material should be level with the Riser. Glue into place and mount the switch according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cut a notch in the Risers and install a hard board to support the mechanism. Cut a hole in the base for installing and servicing the switch machine. Complete the installation according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mod-U-Rail kits are not pre-built. They are kits containing terrain and landscape materials needed to complete each modular section. Track, train and other details are sold separately.
For the 9 x 9 layout, you need the following:
(2) ST4801 - Straight Kit
(2) ST4790 - Straight Stand
(5) ST4802 - Corner Kit
(5) ST4791 - Corner Stand
(1) ST4780 - Connector Set
The extra items are terrain and landscape materials needed to complete the suggested layout. Exact placement depends on your layout design. The included instructions cover how to use most of the materials, and our website has loads of how-to video demonstrations. Also, the individual products contain instructions explaining how to use them.
Yes, connector plates made of composite wood and are cutable.
Suggested track plans for N and HO are included in the instructions, however Mod-U-Rail is compatible for scales Z through O.
We recommend Foam Tack Glue for attaching track.
Click here to view a demonstration of attaching track.
Mod-U-Rail Modules can be connected to the Scenic Ridge Layout. To connect the two together, we recommend using the Mod-U-Rail Connector Plate Set.
A modified track plan that connects Scenic Ridge to the Mod-U-Rail Modules will need to be configured. We do not have track plans, but there are many available resources. We suggest searching the Internet or purchasing a model railroad track plan book.
Yes. SubTerrain foam products are made from unique, high-density foam and will not crumble or fall apart.
Tunnels can be made in a variety of ways.
Ready Landforms are an easy way to add a tunnel. They are preformed, landscaped and ready to place on a layout. Available in HO and N scales and straight or curved designs.
Self-supporting Shaper Sheet is another easy way to add a tunnel. Form into tunnel shape and arrange over track. Cover in Shaper Sheet Plaster and add landscape materials. For added realism, paint underside of Shaper Sheet to resemble blasted rock.
Use 1/4" Foam Sheets or 1/4" Modeling Sheets to make tunnel walls and roof. Use No-News Paper or newspaper to add paper wads around the tunnel foundation to model terrain, and add a double layer of Plaster Cloth to form a hard shell.
Use the Tunnel Liner Form to mold tunnel sections from Lightweight Hydrocal, Shaper Sheet Plaster or Super Strength Plaster. Connect sections together with Plaster Cloth to form desired length of tunnel.
Click here to view a video about making a tunnel.
Yes, more experienced modelers can adapt the Layout Kits to another scale. A new track plan will need to be configured, and some items including, Portals and Culverts may not be the correct size for your scale. You may want to consider using the Mod-U-Rail System.
We do have some suggestions:
Method #1 - Install and wire the track for "block " control. This requires a seperate power pack or transformer for each train and wiring a number of switches to determine which transformer has control of a train on a particular block of track. Block control is not expensive, nor is it difficult to install.
Method #2 - Use a digital command control (DCC) system. DCC requires a more expensive electronics package, with corresponding decoders in your model train engines. A DCC system can be designed to control switches, lights, sounds and other operations.
For expert, more detailed advice, you can research these topics via books, railroad magazines and Web sites. Local model railroading clubs are also a great resource.
Cut a notch in the Risers and install a hard board to support the mechanism. Cut a hole in the base for installing and servicing the switch machine. Complete the installation according to the manufacturer's instructions.
This is possible, but requires designing a new track plan and reconfiguring the layout of the Risers and Inclines/Declines.
The track plan for the Grand Valley Layout Kit was designed using Atlas Code 83 Snap-Track.
Plywood or particle board would work well. We recommend 3/4" medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Be sure the material you use is sturdy and provides a work area large enough to accommodate the Scenic Ridge Layout.
Yes, connector plates made of composite wood and are cutable.
To build the Scenic Ridge layout as it is pictured in the catalog and on the Website, you will need to purchase the following items (additional common household modeling supplies are also required).
-Scenic Ridge Layout Kit
-Town & Factory Building Set
-Scenic Ridge Atlas Track Pack
Mod-U-Rail Modules can be connected to the Scenic Ridge Layout. To connect the two together, we recommend using the Mod-U-Rail Connector Plate Set.
A modified track plan that connects Scenic Ridge to the Mod-U-Rail Modules will need to be configured. We do not have track plans, but there are many available resources. We suggest searching the Internet or purchasing a model railroad track plan book.