Separating trackbed/ballast from the surrounding soil

[beancounter]

I'm curious as to what other folks do.
Initially, the ALR used plastic lawn edging to act as a boundary between the permanent way and the surrounding earth, as
seen in the bottom left hand corner of this picture:

It did the job, but was fragile, became brittle over time, and was - well - a bit artificial looking.

I've been replacing it with roof slates, which do a good job of keeping soil from marauding cats and birds being thrown all over the track. They're also less obtrusive (to my eye) than the green edging:

But I still think it looks a bit too "artificial".

So what do others do?

 

[trammayo]

The slate looks good. I suppose you could chop it up to look like a vertical slate slab wall. I use large pebbles and "allow" the vegetation to encroach. I say allow, because I can't be bothered to control it until it causes a problem (and the weeds can't be beaten fully). The only problem I get is if the birds think the wires are worms or if they think there's something under the moss or vegetation!

 

[TerrySoham]

I use the rolls of wooden edgeing (not the "logs" but flat sections) but then again mine has to be grandchildren proof as they enjoy walking around grandad's railway track when the trains aren't running!!

I suspect that your slate edging is a good compromise - it doesn't look intrusive and it will be long lasting. That is providing you don't have children wanting to walk along your track!!

Kind regards

 

[stockers]

I use a solid base for the track. Both blocks and timber. Up to (and over) this I allow the vegitation to develope.

 

[beavercreek]

Where the trackbed and ballast was going to be slightly above the lawn/earth area, I used log roll and have disguised it by putting large rocks, stones and gravel in front to add scenic interest. There are a couple of stretches where the logroll is still exposed but that is to be sorted ussing the same method.
Where the track is at ground level I have used limestone/sandstone edging bricks (to match the rock pieces elsewhere) laid flat to be level with the track and lawn. As the bricks are carved/shaped from 'real' rock, this gives a natural looking edge to the lawn and goes with the general look of the scenery for the layout. The sandstone bricks come in different flavours to suit the colouring of other shades of rock.

This shows the rocks placed in front of the logg roll, the 'bare' areas have now been fully rocked. The sandstone bricks were used to make the step for the arbour area.

Some stretches are still to be 'rocked'

Sandstone bricks are used for edging the lawn and as a barrier to the grass encroaching onto the track.
Since this photo was taken the 'bricks' have been moved further into the lawn area to allow another passing loop in front of the station.

 

[beavercreek]

I also think that the slate is way better for your railway John as it is more suited to the era and geography you have chosen.
Was just posting a suggestion for any folk who might not be modelling the same type of layout...more american than euro.....

 

[beancounter]

Thanks chaps.

Mike, I use your method of blocks where the the line runs alongside the lawn, and it works fine.

Nigel, what I've thought of doing is making a few sections of stone wall, with embossed plasticard, that could slip over the slate to act as a better backdrop for photos.

Fussy - moi ?

 

[owlpool]

I'm a fan of slate myself
rocks too

 

[Madman]

I'm curious as to what other folks do.
Initially, the ALR used plastic lawn edging to act as a boundary between the permanent way and the surrounding earth, as
seen in the bottom left hand corner of this picture:

It did the job, but was fragile, became brittle over time, and was - well - a bit artificial looking.

I've been replacing it with roof slates, which do a good job of keeping soil from marauding cats and birds being thrown all over the track. They're also less obtrusive (to my eye) than the green edging:

But I still think it looks a bit too "artificial".

So what do others do?

I like that Diesel Loco. What brand is it?

 

[steve parberry]

Slate idea well and trully Nicked.

Now whos got a slate roof round here:thumbdown::thumbdown:

 

[tramcar trev]

I like the slate too.... but being a number 1 type I would get a small diamond saw and cut it onto strips and then lay it. Like one lays bricks with the joins all over the place though, with a bit of a batter to resemble a natural slate "outcrop" stick it together with a dab of acetic cure silicone..... maybe a bit of work and in due course moss may be encouraged to grow in the joints.....the silcone would encourage it to grow if it is the acetic cure stuff. The slate is going to last until stonehenge becomes sand....
I have actually seen it made into sheets and used on "feature walls" internally

 

[tramcar trev]

Slate idea well and trully Nicked.

Now whos got a slate roof round here:thumbdown::thumbdown:

Maybe a trip to Wales? I'll get mine from Mudgee..... seriously Slate floors were all the go a while back so I'd have a look at tile and flooring places to scrounge any "remainders" or leftovers

 

[beancounter]

Interesting idea about the strip slate into walls idea, Trev. Hmmm....

Dan, the diesel is an Accucraft Baguley; it's just being re-introduced with a new metal chassis.

 

[Madman]

AH HA, Accucraft. Too pricy for my pocketbook. But very nice stuff.