Laying Track


	Layout



			Started out by putting down the track temporarily. This is really just to see how steep the grades are by actually running the train. Battery really helps here. Still have to level the track side to side.



	Had to add a few bricks to remove some of the steeper grades. This is actually an opportunity to build a trestle. I could build up to the track with dirt, but then I might affect the drainage in the back yard. I don’t want ballast washing away. Besides, a trestle will be a fun project.

Conventional wisdom has you digging a trench 6 inches wide and 3 inches deep and filling it with ballast. On top of that, you lay the track.

After getting 4 bags of crushed granite (80 pounds each!), I figured there had to be a better way.

First, I leveled the track. I ran the train quite a bit to make sure it could make all of the grades.

I then cut roofing material a bit wider than the track and placed this directly on the ground.

On top of this, I put 3/4 inch foam insulation - cut to about track width. It was PINK, so I ended up painting it gray - in case if would ever show!

Once that was done, I put down the crushed granite. 320 pounds was just enough for the entire layout.