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building asphalt roads

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  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Sunday, October 8, 2017 3:18 PM

JohnnyK

  the Baron

Did you make those bases using the method described at the model railroad site you shared?

Baron,

 Yes, i used the same method described at the nodel railroad website. It is a pretty simple way of making an asphalt base. I also glued plywood to the underside of the foam to keep it flat.

 

 
Cool, thanks!  I figured you did but I asked to make it clear.  One of the guys in my club (Lehigh Valley Scale Modelers) is looking to make an asphalt base for his 1/32 Phantom and I'm sharing the link with him.  Thanks for posting it!
 
Best regards,
Brad

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Saturday, October 7, 2017 7:43 PM

tominthehat's technique has much to recommend it, particularly for larger scales.

But, also because there are two kinds of bithumenous roads. 

One is hot-placed asphalt, where aggregate (engineering term for specifically-sized gravel and sand) is completely coated in bithumen tar, and placed in a single-pass lift.  Which are between 1" and 3" thick in US practice.

The other is tar-macadam (also known as tarmac).  In that case a gravel surface is set over the compacted subgrade and shaped to the road contours.  Over that is sprayed a heavy coat of liquid tar.  A finish coat of graded aggregate is poured over that tar, and rolled into the wet tar.  tominthehat's technique with talus in the mix replcates tarmac really well.

In US practice, sometimes the two medthods are mixed.  For rural roads, the subgrade is often made four lanes wide and the entire surface tarmac-ed.  The actual road surface is then paved, two lanes wide in asphalt to render a paved shoulder.

Now, in US practice, asphalt roads get a significant crown, often as much as 6" for a 25' wide lane.  Two-lane roads are often built with a "bar ditch" (short for wheelbarrow) where the side of the road way are cut, and the spoil piled to the center of the right-of-way.

In US practice, rural lanes and highways have 12' wide lanes and a 12" wide center space (depending on era and state with a double or single line; amended with dashed lines).
Larger highways will use a 14' lane, and Interstate highways use a 16' lane.

Center stripes are yellow (at least after about 1940-50), and side stripes are white.  In the US at least.  In France, the center stripe is solid white, and the side line dashed white.

Interestingly, US practice changed on rural highways in the 80s, the center space was increased to 6', the better to help prevent head on collisions.  This was later increased in the late 90s to be 12' full feet with 'wake up" texturing (a 2" wide, 1" deep. 6" long every 6" on center impression cut or stamped in the pavement).

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Toronto, Canada
Posted by Stuart06 on Friday, October 6, 2017 10:08 AM

Depending on the scale, I use cork board for 1:35 scale armour (should be good for 1:24 scale cars).

1:72 scale I would use sand paper.  If it is a tarmac, use 400 or 600 grit.  For rougher roads use lower grit sandpaper.

Most of my friends are imaginary

Sell your watch, because time is money $$

In Canada hwy speed is measured by number of moose tracks per hockey goal.

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Close to Chicago
Posted by JohnnyK on Thursday, October 5, 2017 5:27 PM

the Baron

Did you make those bases using the method described at the model railroad site you shared?

 

the Baron

Did you make those bases using the method described at the model railroad site you shared?

 

Baron,

Yes, i used the same method described at the nodel railroad website. It is a pretty simple way of making an asphalt base. I also glued plywood to the underside of the foam to keep it flat.

Your comments and questions are always welcome.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Thursday, October 5, 2017 4:23 PM

Did you make those bases using the method described at the model railroad site you shared?

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Close to Chicago
Posted by JohnnyK on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 9:39 AM

JohnnyK

Try this: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/17438

I have built my blacktop roads this way. The results are really nice.

 

Following are photos of the blacktop surface that I made. I think that the texture of the surface looks like real asphalt.

 

Your comments and questions are always welcome.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 12:23 PM

That's an interesting method.

It looks like it comes down to finding a ready-to-use surface that can replicate macadam in miniture, with little preparation or working other than to paint it, and then simulate wear and tear.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Close to Chicago
Posted by JohnnyK on Monday, October 2, 2017 5:33 PM

Try this: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/17438

I have built my blacktop roads this way. The results are really nice.

Your comments and questions are always welcome.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Monday, October 2, 2017 12:15 PM

bubbamoose
Hi I REALLY Want your info on making blacktop roadway like your photo!!! I tried for OVER AN HR trying to look up that info using the address U provided & it just will not WORK.... Could U e-mail or to me ? I'm making a Diorama for my old Tx Trooper partner from when he totalled our patrol car.... My e-mail is: barret.lee@gmail..com I'd really appreciate it#!! Thanks, Lee
 

 
Not sure if you'll get replies from the original posters, Lee.  This thread is eight years old, and some of them aren't around the forum any more.
 
I'll second TankerBuilder, try using 400-grit sandpaper.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Monday, October 2, 2017 11:38 AM

Hi!

 I just do this .400 Grit sandpaper , Cut to size and glued back down on the base .Then I paint the striping . If it's an old almost abandoned or heavy frieght road I tear the paper for my cracks and outline them with a technical pen and blend the line with alcohol !

  • Member since
    July 2017
Posted by crazypat on Sunday, October 1, 2017 3:23 AM
try using vallejo asphalt it works really well
  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Houston
Posted by bubbamoose on Saturday, September 30, 2017 11:00 PM
Hi I REALLY Want your info on making blacktop roadway like your photo!!! I tried for OVER AN HR trying to look up that info using the address U provided & it just will not WORK.... Could U e-mail or to me ? I'm making a Diorama for my old Tx Trooper partner from when he totalled our patrol car.... My e-mail is: barret.lee@gmail..com I'd really appreciate it#!! Thanks, Lee
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 15, 2009 12:23 PM
thank you for that dioramator. i find all input and techniques very helpful.
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    November 2012
Posted by dioramator on Sunday, March 15, 2009 12:29 AM
I have found road surface is easily simulated by first sculpting the road profile with plaster of paris, then painting with black blackboard paint (it looks best if it is sprayed, but may be rolled on with a paint roller). cracks etc can be scribed into the plaster before painting. Add greyness and tones with (pastel) chalk dust.
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Thursday, March 12, 2009 12:01 PM
anytime Thumbs Up [tup]
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Boston MA
Posted by vespa boy on Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:38 AM
There is more than one way to pave a road. Thanks for sharing your technique.

http://public.fotki.com/nkhandekar

This ain't no Mudd Club, or C.B.G.B.,
I ain't got time for that now

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 7:49 PM
thanks vespa...didnt want you to think i didnt want to use your idea...this just happened to work for me without spending any $$$.
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Boston MA
Posted by vespa boy on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 6:45 PM
Camo, Thats a nice result and perfect for your dio. Its an effective, easy and cheap solution to your problem. Nice going.

http://public.fotki.com/nkhandekar

This ain't no Mudd Club, or C.B.G.B.,
I ain't got time for that now

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:16 PM

thanks vespa i appreciate that. i went ahead a tried it my way with the roofing shingle...i actually like the way it came out. all i need to do is give it a weather a little more and i think im good to go. i like it even if no one else does...and i didnt have to use the kitchen sink in order to get the final product! Thumbs Up [tup]

just my My 2 cents [2c].

"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Boston MA
Posted by vespa boy on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:21 AM

I use silicon carbide in various grits glued in place with Elmers white glue. And then I weather it with washes and dry brushing. Pretty much all the asphalt I modle is a variation of that technique. If you don't want to hunt out the carbide, you can also use wet and dry paper. For kerbs, I use plaster and scrape it to shape. There are a couple of points to remember: 1. nothing is flat, roads all have slopes and curves on them in one or more directions (from the centre to the gutter,  deformation from movement of the underlying packing etc etc)and 2. Texture can make up for almost anything. Get the texture right and the colour can be as whacky as you like.

http://public.fotki.com/nkhandekar

This ain't no Mudd Club, or C.B.G.B.,
I ain't got time for that now

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Monday, March 9, 2009 9:26 AM

ok...while i appreciate emmensely everyone's help. please dont think i didnt try or want to use your ideas. as hans von hammer said (as do i) "i like to make it as cheap as possible". well, i believe this to be a really good idea (not claiming im the first to think of it...dont really care if i did or not). anyway, your help means alot to me!

anyway, i was sitting in bed last night and it hit me like a tone of bricks....i have in my garage a bunch of left over roof shingles...these can be cut to size and painted and of course realistically "cracked". they have the right texture and i think will look great at 1/35 scale. here are a couple of pics...

this pic is the "back" side of the shingle...believe it or not its actually "black".

this is of course the "good" side of the shingle!! which again can be painted and weathered...although i am liking the black back side too. (btw, do not insert joke here guys!! Laugh [(-D]) let me know what ya think!!

"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 8, 2009 11:04 PM
OH MY GOD...this came to me while i was laying in bed....i have it...i have the answer!!!! this is actually made from asphalt, has the texture im looking 4, would look extremely realistic, would allow me to make the cracks i need in it realistically. all i would need to do is cut it to size and paint it to match what im doing. no real effort involved....damn i feel really stupid right now! Dunce [D)] Dunce [D)]!!! i aint gonna say what it is until i mess with it in the a.m. I KNOW this will work...i know it! i promise i will post a pic sometime 2-morrow after i play with this!!! Dunce [D)] wish me luck guys!
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 8, 2009 9:11 PM
very informative and very well explained. thank u very much daveinthehat!Thumbs Up [tup]
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: PA
Posted by daveinthehat on Sunday, March 8, 2009 5:45 PM

Took me a long time to come up with a way to make roads that looked like roads.

Here's how I do it:  http://journals.fotki.com/DaveInTheHat/how-i-make-roads/

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 8, 2009 2:06 PM
thanks dan!Thumbs Up [tup]
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Newport News VA
Posted by Buddho on Sunday, March 8, 2009 12:55 PM

Vespa boy does some of the mos realistic asphalt and concrete roads/runways that I have seen. You can ask him for some tips as well.

/forums/888158/ShowPost.aspx

Regards, Dan

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 8, 2009 12:50 PM
ok, well i appreciate the clarification hans. again, cant get real dirt from outside until spring...not that that will stop me. anyway, will try a few things and maybe post some of the pics so you guys can tell me if its any good or not! LOL.
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Sunday, March 8, 2009 12:35 PM

 camo junkie wrote:
yeah but im confused. what does the sand do? i mean isnt asphalt thick black muck? wouldnt sand acomplish the same results if i just used the drywall mud? for instance i heard someone once mention to use kitty litter...how does that compare to sand? again, im not being a jerk hans...just really confused! Laugh [(-D]

I used the sand for texture because it gives a "roundness" to the asphalt "grains" that I like, that I think looks like the hot mix I spent a long, hot summer working with doing road construction way back when... Strictly a personal taste issue...

Sheetrock Mud by itself is too smooth in larger scales, looks more like concrete to me...  Dunno about kitty litter. The clay-type (Tidy Cat, I think) I use is for rubble...

I seem to get a finer grit from dirt...it can be broken down more than sand...almost a powder. I feel it is just the right scale. Silica would probably be fine!

You betcha...  Nothin' wrong with dirt, either... You gotta hunt for the right stuff, but I rob the local high-school field here of a pound or two now and again, once sifted, is really fine stuff... It gets used on top of celluclay for dirt roads on my stuff, and color is perect.. Nothin' like the real thing, baby!

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: clinton twp, michigan
Posted by camo junkie on Sunday, March 8, 2009 10:48 AM
ok...will give it a try then. thanks 4 the help. Thumbs Up [tup]
"An idea is only as good as the person who thought of it...and only as brilliant as the person who makes it!!"
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