Bench work question

[Badhorse79]

Ok I have a issue where the main line is raising and a siding is falling ! What is the best way to transition the track and not cause uneven couplers and plow rubbing I use shims but they re to short ! The actual siding is just two stubbed tracks should I just use road bed to keep it from being to short of a drop !?

[NSyorktown]

Unless your siding is very long, I would create the transition with cork roadbed material, carefully sanding the cork to allow for a smooth transition between desired heights.  I know Model Railroader had an article in one of their "planning" issues or "best of" magazines a few years or so ago.  I can't find it right now, but here are three links that might help . . .

http://modeltrains.about.com/od/DRGW-Project-Layout/ss/Installing-A-Siding-On-The-Rio-Grande.htm

http://csxdixieline.blogspot.com/2009/03/howto-homemade-cork-roadbed.html

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/190664/2083259.aspx  (<--I would not use foam like in this article)

Each of these three links has photographs that show the intersection of the mainline and siding.  That is a key point, as too abrupt a change in height will routinely result in disconnections.  So plan on installing whatever technique and material you use, and then don't be surprised if (when) you have to re-install the track due to a small section causing problems.  We've all torn out freshly laid track due to these kinds of issues!

[Badhorse79]

Thanks I will try this after work I do appreciate the info I was getting to frustrated and my head wasn't in the mood to figure it out ! Thanks again

[NSMoWandS]

If using cork roadbed... I use HO sale on mainlines and N scale on sidings... I glue HO thru the switch nd about three more inches.... then I use a plane to shave down the HO until it has a nice transition to the N at the siding.... hope this helps.