Model Realistic Roads & Paved Areas - Model Scenery | Woodland Scenics®

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

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[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Fantastic! This video is jam packed with great information and tips, this was 18 minutes worth watching. I'm inspired to build a city. Please keep videos like this coming, great products, great information and superb results! Thank you.

[@unbewoxgaming]

the legend is here...

[@angusdassler3052]

Luke has spoken! But there still is b o city construction vid yet...

[@epiklike003gaming]

Hi Luke what's going up?😀

[@DJScott87]

Coming from a true legend!

[@mgamga9476]

Luke the master at doing all this.

[@walkerbelle]

I sure wish you folks were around in the mid 60's when I first got into the hobby. The hobby has really changed throughout the years & it's companies like Woodland Scenics that's made that possible. I just got into DCC operation with sound & it's a whole new world of model railroading. Thanks a bunch Woodland Scenics.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Bernhardt Heckendorn Yes, the hobby has certainly changed! Thank you for your support and kind words! Happy Modeling!

[@avlisk]

Over the decades, I've tried just about every way to make roads, and this WS system is the best. And I hate mixing plaster products, too, which this is. But, it's worth putting up with it for the results you get. It turned out so well, I used it for a second road, 2 parking lots, and an engine terminal. I used it for tarmac and for concrete lots. Good job.

[@rexman971]

Thank you a lot for your help Mr. Matt. You practically answered all my questions. Take care

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

We are not sure what your plans are for this technique and we have never tested this combination. However, given what we know about the products, we believe that if you want to model flat, horizontal roads on a stationary layout, you should not have any problems. However, we suggest trying this on a test area first to make sure you get the effect you want. Hope this helps! Happy Modeling!

[@hohobbyist1098]

Even though following these tutorials will basically give WS a monopoly on my layout, I think I still will follow them.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Yes, if you would like to practice with the products first, try our Road Systems Learning Kit, Item LK952 or our Road Kit, Item RG5151. The Road Kit includes a Road Ruler that guides you in modeling road work in the correct scale. Happy Modeling!

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

For more control over where the Top Coat is applied and for an even application, dip your foam brush into the paint and then brush it onto to your project area.

[@shawnpowell5876]

Man, you do ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL work especially w doing the RxR crossing! That looked like the real thing! I took notes while watching this video for the crossing, the sidewalks and the roads w the weathering. Thanks for sharing this video and I'm viewing this from Delmar, Delaware.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

+PeterCommedian 2015 - There is no 'reply' link on either your comment nor a 'dicussion' tab on your KZbin channel, so I am responding to your question here about the width of an N scale road. The following are approximate, and it will also depend on how it looks to you. Hope you find this answer and that is helpful. City Street - 26' (15/16" in scale) Country Road - 20' (1 1/2" in scale) Highway Lane - 11' (7/8" in scale) and a Sidewalk - 4' (5/16" in scale’)

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Outstanding video/tips and techniques!

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Fantastic video lots of inspiration and information

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

That's very nice of you. We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@boriswong6196]

Wow! That was amazing! I'm just getting new to this hobby and I'm making a 80's police chase scene! This really helped!

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Welcome to the hobby! Please send us some photos at [e-mail], when you have completed your scene. Would love to see it! Glad the video was helpful. Happy Modeling!

[@SMTMainline]

I just use the foam road, Maybe not as realistic but still fine.

[@stevegoossen7967]

Thank you so much for replying back and I appreciate your suggestions. Happy RR modeling to you! Steve G.

[@francoisgermain3991]

What a wonderful hobby, it's amazing!!

[@ravenlorans]

Light Weight Premixed Sheetrock Compound works Great also and Less Expensive. On simple Layouts, Roofing Felt/Tar Paper will work.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Srajan Jain, if you click on the "Show More" above, it will provide you with the list of materials used and also provide links to each product. Happy Modeling!

[@thomasm9384]

I'm building a small N scale Christmas decoration complete with auto reversing trolley to honor my late grandmother, and uncle. Christmas village, and HO layout masters respectively. I have never made anything close to this, so all of your videos have been very helpful in trying to do their favorite hobbies justice. Thank you for helping me get it right the 1st time.P.S. I love the product line! Very easy to use.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

That's amazing! We're glad you enjoy using our products and find the videos helpful. Feel free to share photos with us on social media or by emailing them to [e-mail]. We'd love to see how everything looks when you're done.

[@gordonlay5766]

Watching the grade crossing vid. Matt said if you get chips after making a groove for your trains to touch up with top coat. Having chips in your grade crossing gives it that aged weathering look after years of vehicle crossing over.. Makes it more realistic..

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

This is definitely true! Some people prefer the more weathered look, but not everyone does.

[@AtsfMike559]

I built a section of US Route 66 through Essex California, on my Santa Fe Needles Sub layout in N Scale. An extra added challenge was to find very small beads, and orange glitter to place the small "Cat eyes" on the lines, I used HO Santa Fe Hood Decal striping for the lines down the middle. They average out to be about 4" in N Scale. Mike in Fresno, Ca.

[@awblenko]

A very helpful tutorial - thanks Matt.

[@HalomasterA69]

I just got my DD40AX, And some track, i just dont want tack on some table, i would like some realism close and around the track, maybe just grass or something, how can i do that? Im completely new at this hobby, and it seems like alot of fun!

[@nscaler711official]

I was going to add that BLMA has Modern Grade Crossing pads, for N, Z, and HO scale. you can purchase either Rubber, or Concrete pads. But my question is how would you integrate that into your road paving system? Oh and those Roads are simply awesome!

[@KingCarl77]

On my model railroad, I have many mountains and hills, however I am covering the entire layout (including all flat surfaces) with WS Plaster Cloth. Should I let that dry and then use the steps in this video to make the road, or should I make the road and then install the Plaster Cloth?

[@torskdiver]

If I wanted to make breaks in the yellow line, as if the line had not been repainted in years, what would be a good way to do this?

[@CrownStreetTMD]

Hattons stock both the smooth it and paving tape. I have used both and they are very good!

[@dep92]

What do you suggest for width for city streets, with prking space on both sides of the street? I'm going to be starting my "city" streets son. BTW In my opinion nothing beats Woodland Scenics products, for my streets and roads that all I use.

[@trainsmad12]

Nice one crownstreet ill get some sorted out. I fancy having a go at doing some roads. Thanks again

[@chrish.60]

If there are minor imperfections in the initial application of smooth-it, can a second layer be added on top to cover and fill in?

[@trainsmad12]

Very good not sure if you can get smooth it in the uk. I model trains and all my products I use are woodland scenic they are very good. I'll have to look in to the smooth it. I have never seen it on the woodland scenic stands at shows or model shops. Thanks

[@minermaxi]

Thanks for the help and hello from New Zealand

[@topseyshakehands]

cracking layout i will be sure to show our local club this video.

[@4360mechanic]

Is it just me? I've never seen a street corner that's an exact 90 degree angle. Every street I've ever seen has a radius-ed corner. I imagine that this was done to facilitate vehicle turnuing and help to curb pedestrian mishaps by eliminating a sharp edge.

[@ldc71960]

Don't forget to sprinkle a little bark from log trucks and fine sawdust "wood chips" from chip trucks on the sides your roads, ideas for some of you on your layout ... I model modern HO forestry , I'm in love with woodland scenics products ...

[@TreefrogflagProductions]

Before he puts the stripe on it seems like the road changes color from the sanded gray to light black. Why is that?

[@NorfolkWestern484]

Hey cant you use light weight hydrocal? The reason I'm asking this is because it's pretty hard too, also it will let your tipe of paint on it.

[@swiftstar7]

I was wondering how big the grass mats are and how exactly should I apply turf in which you shake on? I know to apply the gravel on the tracks you pour it on then add 50/50 glue and water with a drop of fairy liquid (Dish soap).Thanks a lot :)

[@MastacheJackass]

I'm going to buy the grass and the materials needed to do the road.thank you helped a lot

[@MastacheJackass]

I did the road.Where did you get the road decals,and on your website is it called stripes yellow for $5.49 thanks helped a lot for the road

[@markrob5762]

i like these how to viedos will help me whit my layout love train hobby enjoy your viedo

[@shockingblow94]

Would the weather completely ruin a road like this if it were built outdoors? (I/e a graden railroad layout)

[@jmk3438]

Looks very nice.. If your road is over styrene, I recommended sanding the styrene then to paint, use a light gray primer ( spray can) , then airbrush the road using rubbing alcohol and India ink ( 2 teaspoons india ink and about a pint of rubbing alcohol) ... hold it about about several inches above the road surface and slowly mist the road until it gets a mist of black, covering the whole road . then you can use a black chalk powder to spot oil stains and so forth ..THEN seal it with dull coat to give it that flat look. you can always scribe the styrene with an utility knife to indicate cracks on the road.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

I forgot to say I love your stuff. with a layout as big as mine, I would need a month of sundays to make roads this way. but I do love WS products

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

+Wasatch Range Railway Thank you very much for the kind words! Other than maybe the Superbowl, what better way to spend those Sundays. Have Fun!

[@nickessex6862]

You can use drywall plaster works the same

[@CatToadettey]

Nice 👍☺️

[@mokanlines]

This is the best WS video yet! I WILL use this technique on my layout!

[@judahrice]

love it. Y'all's systems work so well. Been using it on my T-Trak modules lately.

[@geomodelrailroader]

if you are making a crossing use the required DOT code for stripes. stripes need to be two inches apart and they need to be set about three inches from the crossing. you need two solid stripes on each side and a white stop bar before the crossing don't use a single stripe and never use dash stripes remember this is a no passing zone and passing on a crossing is illegal.

[@neil7367]

I've gone back a year with these posts. Found one query re paving in-street track. I assume it's similar to a road crossing - but longer! I'm concerned about cutting through the ties when the Smooth It dries. Could I just run a wheelset through the semi-dry Smooth It to create a groove? I'm starring at about twenty feet of roadway that I'd have to chisel my way through.

[@dep92]

@ModelSceneryExpert Thahnk-you very much for your reply! Sorry it took a bit to get back to you. I'm going to follow your advice and that advice of the video very soon!

[@britblad]

if you were gona age the sidewalks would you just use the pencil let thing like you did on the road?

[@andreastomatkinson3236]

Very nice video . I love this . Thank you very much for information. 😊😊😊

[@dckuk]

Nice; I just did this the hard way! If and when it comes time to make another road, I'll give it a go your way. Striping would have been the biggest help, but I used paint pens. The results (in progress) are on my blog; let me know if you need directions on how to find it if interested...

[@jamesmckelvey]

Hi, I'm looking to make a cobbled street and I'm wondering if you would have any tips or techniques I could follow? Thanks

[@stevegoossen7967]

Hello again! I'm enjoying watching your demonstration and getting good ideas. Back in before 1990, I started out building my model RR which the layout was 6' x 12' and made it 1/4 of it done, until I was involved in a severe vehicle accident in 1991, eliminating my efforts to continue due to body injuries from neck to lower back. I had to tear up my layout but saved all my HO train supplies. Does wet sandpapers like 320 grit, make good pave roads, parking lots or side walks?

[@hohobbyist1098]

I have seen sandpaper used for roads before. I've personally never done it, but it likely would work as an easier alternative to the methods shown here.

[@strokin2005]

Amazing tutorial, and great quality results!

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

What about using drywall mud then use 200 grit sand paper to smooth out thr drywall mud

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

While drywall mud has some similar characteristics to drywall, which is known to be a good material to use with our Road products, we cannot guarantee the desired results.

[@walkerbelle]

Howdy Matt, I've checked the WS website several times & I can't seem to locate the dry transfer double yellow road stripes? What am I doing wrong or are the road stripes not a WS product? Surely they can't be those stripes in the 4"x5" sheet which is only one sheet? Thanks again for all the great products! BTW, I just purchased your new "Just Plug System" & that is THE coolest lighting product to hit the world of model railroading! I bought the entire system & enough accessories for roughly 100 lights & the price for this system is extremely reasonably priced. Thanks again Woodland Scenics for making this such a great hobby!

[@Goldchucker1]

Great step by step instruction. I would however note that rarely do you see 90 degree corners at cross streets. Generally, the corners are a sweeping radius. Just saying. Thank you for your demo.

[@TheMonkeysphere]

So is the Linn Creek facility the only one or are there others? I'm trying to get an idea of the scope of the company. Also, do you accept applications in person or is it necessary to go through a temp agency?

[@stupidponys]

I am making a horse ranch for my stable mates!!!! love the supplies

[@spartanscenery]

If I just painted the roads on my layout, would it take realism away?

[@colnagocowboy]

one thing ive seen a lot on the great planes but other placez as well, are foubdations of houses long abandoned, or burned out in a wildfire. often just a worn cracked slab and a chimney. i think woodland scenics road kits might be a good way to model an old slab foundation.

[@ajkleipass]

Do you have any products and / or advice for making crowned roads (higher in the center), gutters, manholes, and drainage grates along the curbs, as are typically found in larger towns and cities with storm drains?

[@MastacheJackass]

Wait I watched this again and I looked at the bootom what did you use for the base of the layout.If it's buyable can I get it off your website

[@arlingtontrains7]

ok.. when applying the topcoat... do I just pour a good portion on what im trying to cover with the topcoat?.. and go at it with a sponge paint brush?.. or is their more to it?

[@bobo327]

very nice video you can learn a lot from this😊

[@colinmansell3524]

Fantastic - thank you

[@No1_Inpa_Ticular]

Love these Vids. They inspire me to work on my layout. Thanks for posting guys

[@thomaswouters9141]

Thank you for the instructions! It realy adds allot of realism to my railway but i got a question. Is using plaster an idea to use for making smooth roads? I have allot left from rebuilding the house

[@geomodelrailroader]

another tip and I learned this from Steve Otte at MR. if you don't want white showing add six parts Smooth It to two parts water to one part each of Concrete and Asphalt paint this way you get that gray consistency of a freshly laid road. when you are done add details which can be anything from Atlas crossing strips, Blair Line Crossbucks NJ International Signals, you name it when your module is done add it.

[@mgamga9476]

I do not want to knock anything you are doing because I am learning from you and never did any of this before. But the funny thing is I been looking at the black top streets in New York. The blacktop is actually lighter where the tires roll. Possibly from all the salt that was used over this winter?

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Yes. You can add weathering to show these details.

[@bobd2754]

This stuff looks great, but how is it different from plaster of Paris, or something similar? Thanks

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Hi Bob, Smoot-It is not quite as porous as some other products, making it easier to spread and has a smoother appearance.

[@bobd2754]

Thanks

[@epicjulian99]

What if you have a very large layout,how can you get all the details in the model without damaging the scenery? I am planning on making one of the maps from the game,world of tanks.

[@TheGamingEevee8]

I cant find any of your products in South Africa so any chance you going to market your products here, since we got a lot of people doing Model trains here

[@lehighandnewengland]

Light weight joint compound works for making a road And what was the pen like object you use for applying the road stripe decal

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

It is called a 'burnisher.' It is the tool you use to apply Dry Transfer Decals. You could also use a dull pencil or other lightweight instrument. Hope this helps!

[@45barber1]

Can you use this on n scale too or or there a diffrent thing I have to buy?

[@chan27]

good job man..can i know,what scale for the whole model that u use?

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

How about useing foam tape for sidewalks

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

We thoroughly test our products for their intended use. Since we have not tested using foam tape as a replacement for Paving Tape, we cannot offer an opinion on the results.

[@Gavs_rc_hobbies]

fantastic vid, this will help me when i start building my new model railway.

[@monham5041]

How many roads have square corners? Maybe that's a thing in the US, but not in other parts of the world. Do you have road formers with a 4m radius curve to create these more realistically?

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Hello! Thank you for your comment. Our best offering to help draw and model a curved road would be the Flexi Edge and Paving Tape, if needed or desired. Flexi Edge: woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/C1294 Paving Tape: woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/ST1455 We do not have a tool to form specific radius curves but these tools will help draw out and build a smooth, curved road.

[@matthewroberts4357]

Wow! Thank you for all the information... this is the only video as far as I know that actually helped me build my city, step by step with clear instructions. But one question: Where can I find *modern* model cars so that I can place it in my model?

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

+Matthew Roberts We are delighted this video was helpful to you. As far as modern model cars, there are several manufacturers who make them. Not sure what scale you are wanting, but if you will Google 'modern scale vehicles' you will find several options. Good Luck, and Happy Modeling!

[@LongIslandCityLayout]

Thanks for the video guys. It was actually very helpful!

[@Belg1970]

I was wondering if there is an order to how to do a city street? Roads first then building and trees....... If you were to place all your buildings and then try to do a road it would be very difficult.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

We recommend that you plan your streets, sidewalks, parking lots and other flat areas in advance. These will need to be done in sections as you will create perimeters for each area using our Paving Tape. Adding structures and details such as road striping, light fixtures, vehicles would be last finishing steps. Hope this helps!

[@stevegoossen7967]

Hello there! Excellent demonstration! Your models look very realistic. Just curious about the die-cast cars in your video, are they 1/64 scale or 1/87 scale? Which one do you prefer to the model railroad layouts or does it matter? Thank you so for sharing your video and keep up with the good work.

[@static45a2]

may get a kit to test it out on my O Gage

[@low72]

1) Instead of the "Smooth-It" stuff, can't you just use regular drywall mud? I've been using that for my paintings, & after you sand it, it looks great. 2) For the road striping, can't you use yellow double pin striping like what you would put on a car? Couple night ago I thought instead of painting pictures and doing 2D things, I could put both together and create 3D things, and then I came across Diorama boxes and stuff. This is very cool - looks time consuming.

[@Andrewz411]

What product was used at 14:30 before the fine gravel??

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

The layout base was covered with Plaster Cloth and then the gravel was attached onto the Plaster Cloth. The Smooth-It was applied to the other section for the paved parking area.

[@Andrewz411]

+Woodland Scenics what was the white paste that was used to hold the layer of the gravel down?

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

It is just Plaster Cloth that has been wet down to help it adhere to the base. Once you apply the Gravel you will want to add a layer of Scenic Cement to keep everything in place.

[@royalflush5000]

I've been looking for the decal set you used for the roadway striping in this video on walthers.com, but I can't find them there. What is the product called? Have they been discontinued? What was the product number?

[@mikel4510]

Is Smoothit gray? Or did you add paint to it while mixing? And why is it better than, say, Hydrocal or other plaster-based products?

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Smooth-It is grayish when it is wet and dries to a very light gray, almost white color. It is designed to be used with our Top Coats, Asphalt and Concrete.

[@IndyB25]

How would you go about banked areas?

[@TheMonkeysphere]

This is a bigger company than I thought. I figured it was just one small factory shipping out to regional hobby shops, with output severely hindered by a recent fire. I had no idea it was national.

[@rttx]

Good video. The music is distracting.

[@jmk3438]

I use styrene for the sidewalk and roads.. I do this because if I use putty or smooth it for roads and use styrene for sidewalks, I find it difficult to create the perfect curb. However, I sand the styrene so it has that flat look, then is use a very thin layer ( maybe 1 mm think) of smooth it or Durham's putty , this way I can create pot holes and cracks on the road.. I paint the roads with a mixture of black and white, then I weather it with white chalk and then black chalk

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

Thank you for sharing your modeling technique. I'm sure others will find it helpful. Happy Modeling!

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you for youre helpful video]👍

[@sofiadragon1979]

I have a scale question. I am going to be making dioramas and I will be using allot of woodland scenics products. The people that will be in the dioramas will be about the height of a soda can (5 in approx) what scale would that be for model railroading so I can come up with some better dimensions.

[@ModelSceneryExpert]

+JR Lenard - Hello JR! You really are going to make me do math! HA :-) Usually we use the average adult male height of 6 ft. as the starting point. So if a 6 ft. man is represented by a figure 5" tall, than the ratio becomes 5 scale inches to 72 real life inches, or 5:72, divided down to 1:14.4, which is slightly smaller than 1:12, the standard dollhouse scale. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@sofiadragon1979]

+Woodland Scenics Thank you so much that helps allot

[@battycheeseknob]

are the roads waterproof?

[@dep92]

Forgot to add in my last comment subed and favorite! Thanks again for some great advice, I was a little "gun shy" on building my roads, untill now!