How to Tape the top of Woodland Scenics Risers Placing and using Woodland Scenic Risers and taping the tops with masking tape. Cleaner than plaster wrap.
I capped all of my inclines and risers with Woodland Scenics 1/4" thick foam sheet. Glued it down with Elmer's and pinned it until the glue dried. Beautifully smooth surface to lay track and roadbed on.
Thanks for another great video. I was one of those who struggled with plaster bandage, but your idea makes things much easier and less expensive. Thanks for sharing.
Great tip Mike, a lot of modellers including me used this technique as land terrian base covering underneath lattice work. It's very sticky and strong. The 3m and blue painters tape anyways.
Thanks Mike. I find your videos so helpful. I need to clear a little more space in my work room and then I will start my layout. Watching your videos will help me, a lot.
Hi Mike Great idea i'm glad you didn't go with duct tape as i found out it will not stick anymore i just blocked off 4 windows in my train room with foam isolation that will be behind my backdrop board and it will not stay stuck had to re stick it 4 days in a row to the foam and before anyone seas. Yes i used the real stuff not the cheep stuff so i used masking tape to hold the duct tape down and it has not came loose yet! 3 days now so i think using masking tape on the risers is a great idea as it has no shrinkage properties very stable stuff .
Thanks Mike....viewed your full video last night and it was great. I am just at the stage where I can use this tip. Had to review it because I forgot to wrote down the name of the masking tape...3M General Purpose. Found it at the local hardware store, ordered and will be here in less than a week.
I also use these risers on my N scale layout but lay the cork directly down the center of the foam and then lay the track down on the cork as usuall, I do not put plaster on it before. This way there are no bumps or small ups and downs caused by overlapping the plaster if put down first. Its also easier to see where to drill for the track wires and see where to feed them. Then add plaster cloth to either side of the tracks to your need. Works great!!!
Interesting idea, I'll be interested to see how it works out. Certainly worth a try I know I've experimented with several different solutions for this problem.
Hey Mike, I find myself getting excited to see the next videos and updates. You have inspired me to start fresh, I was loosing interest in my layout and my interest have become more clear since I started the hobby and want to follow that interest. Keep them coming sir. P.S. love the payphone.
Not sure what you're going to use between your risers for scenery, what if you take the tape and lay it perpendicular to the risers, starting on your base, up over the riser, back down the other side to the base again? You could layer it, over lapping the edges to create a solid slope. Then add your favorite scenery material. Instant slope, hills or valleys. You could also use the paper/tape product that body/paint guys use to mask off areas where they don't want paint to go? Maybe a few ideas we all could use on our layouts? Looks good, Roy
It great idea also helps hold risers in place as you spread them and curve them. But you carry on over and over about same instead of continuing and getting to point. Duct tape is woven string. After awhile it shows up in the heat through plastic outer layer.
Masking tape and other tapes in general have a treatment on the non-adhesive side that is known a low adhesion back sizing; this is the ingredient that prevents the tape from sticking to itself. This will need to be taken into consideration when the next step of painting/ballasting is done.
@@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479: Just to let you know that even a year later this is still helping someone. Thanks for the great video on this and for the idea.
Excellent video. This the stage where I am at and I just ordered a large plaster roll to cover the risers. I had my doubts about that technique anyway with the cloth probably dipping into the riser voids. Please do a f/u video of how to cover the tape with railbed, paint, covering the tape in general.
This one was about installing the tape and I just got done rolling on some grey Latex paint. I will likely do an update soon. Now to clean all the used track. Mike
A very nice and informative video. As a (very) novice model railroader, I can appreciate techniques that are simple and cost-effective. My question is, what would I use to attach the track and surrounding foam sheets (for scenery) to the risers If I put masking tape on top of them?
@@N-Scale Ah, OK, thank you for letting me know :). The track I'll be using is Kato HO Unitrack, so I'm thinking nails (foam or otherwise) wouldn't work anyway.
Looks like a good tip. Just starting a new layout after building my first 45 years ago. Just wondered (video is 3 YO) so I am wondering if this ever gave you any problems 3 years later. Take care!
Mike: Great video. I took your advice and taped all my risers. I am using Kato Unitrack. Do I just glue the Unitrack directly to the tape now? Or will I need an underlayment first? Thank you.
Hello Mike, I enjoy your TH-cams very much. I have a question, one from Ron's Trains and Things, He talked and showed to take tape to the curves of his layout. To add a strip of tape on the outside of the track to give it a realism of real Trains and their banking. Than Eric of IMRROcom talked about realism of a transitional curve than the regular curve. Can this be done using the Kato Unitrack? I was buying both Atlas and Kato to start a couple different layouts but saw their segments and got confused. Thank You I am leaning towards the Kato Unitrack.
Great tip Mike, wish I would’ve known this about a year ago. On another subject, do you have a video on how you did your clouds? I would like to airbrush them but I cannot find a good how to video.
Had you had a layout BEFORE this one? As I a veteran model railroader you seen to have ALOT of material I'm the way of foam etc to do what could be simply done with splines or cookie cutter layout construction. I honestly don't get why the cake stack up of foam in supporting your roadbed especially for such long sections raised up.
First I want to say Thank you for taking the time to do this video.. My question is, I need to raise the track and I was going to use the Woodland scenic riser kits to do that, but I was wondering, What is the best size riser that would clear the trains that are going underneath? Any help would be appreciated Steve
What happens when you glue down the track? does it stick to the tape? That would be my only conern using tape. If it works I might try it in future just cause plaster cloth is messy.
I do not understand the concern. I intend on ballasting all of the track and the scenery will go up to it as well and my previous scenery never came loose from the masking tape below. I do not glue the track down. Thanks , Mike
Mike, I'm at a Major crossroad in my layout. I started with Bachman DCC silver series track on my medium layout. Started 2013. Getting back into it . Medically retired at 55. Most of you guys PROS are using MRC .Digitrax etc for controls. Should I take the huge loss and sell bachman track or add code 100 flex etc. etc. to it? I have easy command and 5 amp Bachman booster.. Can I use for power then switch to Digitrax? Not sure what i can interact ? Looking for advise. Also Im stuck in my thinking of my controls. Open to all viewers ? I just want to get it going for my new grandson. I want the sound effects easy command cant deliver .
Thanks Mike for the video. I really liked this idea but I have a question. What type of adhesive did you use when you attached the two different types of foam (White WS to Pink foamboard) together. Yours seems very solidly attached. Len
@@N-Scale Thanks Mike. One more - my brother in law gave me a small Minitrix set, but the couplers are incompatible with the knuckle couplers on my Kato locos. Do you know of a conversation kit? I've been trying to find someone who sells them or even makes them but no luck. Thank you
Ok Mike. Got another question. I got these risers all over the new layout. This weekend I’ll be taping the tops. I bought a 18” long 5/16” diameter drill bit. Any secrets for feeding the unijoiner feeders through the foam lol? I have 12-16” of riser before my table top in lots of places. I’m scared Mike! Videos on my Channel, so you can see what a monster your layout videos have created.
Great video Mike just came across your site have down sized due to moving and nearly ready for building my new N scale just wondering would you still need to put cork between the track and masking tape am building my whole railroad on foam so yeah wonder if you can help me on the cork base Cheers Glen.
@@N-Scale Did a dummy run will run the cork under the lot but have purchased some Kato joiners that alowe the 2 to line up or another way could be to cut out where the Kato points are have worked out a few ways I could do it with every thing level will get the small joiner track tomorrow ane let you know the no of it many thanks for the addvice aye Cheers Glen.
I really like your idea. Thank you for posting this. My concern is how long will the tape stick to the foam for. It is designed as a quick one-use masking tape when painting, then tear off and throw away. Since making the video, have you had any issues? Thank you (Nov 2020)
i use 5inch wide plaster cloth, then skim coat drywall mud on top of that to give it smooth surface and lvl out any unevenness and add a little more sound deadening from wheels....
Mike, great video and great idea. Thanks for doing this. I'd like for the risers to be half as wide as they are. I'm thinking about cutting them in half. I realize that they would fall apart and I'd wind up gluing down each piece individually. Have you ever done this and do you have any advice other than don't do it? Thanks, George
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Thanks Mike, looks a lot easier than the plaster cloth, looking forward to see more, thanks for sharing....
I capped all of my inclines and risers with Woodland Scenics 1/4" thick foam sheet. Glued it down with Elmer's and pinned it until the glue dried. Beautifully smooth surface to lay track and roadbed on.
Where is your how to video on this?
Thanks , Mike
Thanks Mike, a really useful video. I’m just about to do the same on my lower deck risers and was dreading the plaster method.
Thanks , I just came inside from putting a coat of grey latex paint on it and seems to look really good.
Mike
Thanks for another great video. I was one of those who struggled with plaster bandage, but your idea makes things much easier and less expensive. Thanks for sharing.
It has worked well.
Thanks for taking a look.
Mike
Thanks for the tip. I did not even give a thought on how to prevent the ballast from falling into the the risers. Thanks
Thanks Ralph , It work VERY well.
Mike
Great tip Mike, a lot of modellers including me used this technique as land terrian base covering underneath lattice work. It's very sticky and strong. The 3m and blue painters tape anyways.
Thanks Mike. I find your videos so helpful. I need to clear a little more space in my work room and then I will start my layout. Watching your videos will help me, a lot.
Thank You Bill, Glad to help.
Mike
Outstanding tip!
Thanks and it works perfectly.
Mike
Wow Mike the "Riddler" that is impressive for sure!!
Thanks Jay, Yes Mike was a Top five Micro-Trains collector and restored exotics (mostly Porsche) but did build a few custom cars.
Thanks , Mike
Glad I juat watched this, i put rolls of masking tape on the shopping list. Great help thank you!
Thanks , Works well and lasts forever.
Mike
It looks like you had a very good idea. Thanks
Thanks , it worked well.
Mike
Hi Mike Great idea i'm glad you didn't go with duct tape as i found out it will not stick anymore i just blocked off 4 windows in my train room with foam isolation that will be behind my backdrop board and it will not stay stuck had to re stick it 4 days in a row to the foam and before anyone seas. Yes i used the real stuff not the cheep stuff so i used masking tape to hold the duct tape down and it has not came loose yet! 3 days now so i think using masking tape on the risers is a great idea as it has no shrinkage properties very stable stuff .
Thanks brother, I hope to put some latex paint down on it today or tomorrow and should make it even more stable.
Mike
thank you so much that was next delima in my set up I've just started
Thanks ! It works every time !!!
Thanks Mike....viewed your full video last night and it was great. I am just at the stage where I can use this tip. Had to review it because I forgot to wrote down the name of the masking tape...3M General Purpose. Found it at the local hardware store, ordered and will be here in less than a week.
Thanks Stew , It will work !!
Great Tip,Thanks Mike. Always a pleasure to watch
Thanks so much.
Mike
I also use these risers on my N scale layout but lay the cork directly down the center of the foam and then lay the track down on the cork as usuall, I do not put plaster on it before. This way there are no bumps or small ups and downs caused by overlapping the plaster if put down first. Its also easier to see where to drill for the track wires and see where to feed them. Then add plaster cloth to either side of the tracks to your need. Works great!!!
Thant is a great tip. I could not do that with the Unitrack as it has no cork under it.
Thanks , Mike
Great tip using the tape. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much , it has served me well.
Mike
Interesting idea, I'll be interested to see how it works out. Certainly worth a try I know I've experimented with several different solutions for this problem.
So far so good . Gavin is out there right now looking for clean track pieces to assemble the rear track back together.
Thanks , Mike
Blue Painters Tape worked for me, never had an issue!
I am sure it would be OK too but I liked you can see through the brown tape.
Thanks , Mike
Love this tip l'll definitely be using it for my layout
Thanks Robert, I am using it right now on my new layout @ Mike Fifer on YT
What a great How To Mike. Very Cool.
Thanks Buddy , Working so far.
Mike
Hey Mike, I find myself getting excited to see the next videos and updates. You have inspired me to start fresh, I was loosing interest in my layout and my interest have become more clear since I started the hobby and want to follow that interest. Keep them coming sir. P.S. love the payphone.
Thanks so much and the pay phone was a gift from a retired coin grabber.
Mike
Not sure what you're going to use between your risers for scenery, what if you take the tape and lay it perpendicular to the risers, starting on your base, up over the riser, back down the other side to the base again? You could layer it, over lapping the edges to create a solid slope. Then add your favorite scenery material. Instant slope, hills or valleys. You could also use the paper/tape product that body/paint guys use to mask off areas where they don't want paint to go? Maybe a few ideas we all could use on our layouts? Looks good, Roy
Thanks Roy , I have other plans for the terrain.
Thanks , Mike
Looks like a great idea Mike !
It is working fine.
Mike
It great idea also helps hold risers in place as you spread them and curve them. But you carry on over and over about same instead of continuing and getting to point. Duct tape is woven string. After awhile it shows up in the heat through plastic outer layer.
Great tip! Going to put it to use on my layout
It works really well.
Mike
Mike, you rock! I totally needed to know about this!
Thanks , It has worked well for me.
Mike
Great information TY for your knowledge
Thanks Randall.
Mike
Masking tape and other tapes in general have a treatment on the non-adhesive side that is known a low adhesion back sizing; this is the ingredient that prevents the tape from sticking to itself. This will need to be taken into consideration when the next step of painting/ballasting is done.
Roger G. Perkins you paint the masking tape with craft paint from Walmart to have something for scenery to stick to better and cover the yellowness
quick n slick.. great idea..
Working good so far.
Mike
Interesting. Thanks Mike.
Thanks Ron, I am about 99% positive this will be fine.
Mike
N Scale Model Trains How To Channel I see no reason why it shouldn't work. Ince you get track and scenery down, where can it go?
I think so also and I am planning to put a coat of grey latex paint down on it as well.
Mike
@@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479: Just to let you know that even a year later this is still helping someone. Thanks for the great video on this and for the idea.
@@raymondjones5048 It worked perfectly for me. No Muss No Fuss.
Thanks , Mike
real good idea, mike
very cool idea.. thanks for sharing.. vinny
Thanks Vinny, Mike
Great tip!
Easy and works well.
Thanks , Mike
Excellent video. This the stage where I am at and I just ordered a large plaster roll to cover the risers. I had my doubts about that technique anyway with the cloth probably dipping into the riser voids. Please do a f/u video of how to cover the tape with railbed, paint, covering the tape in general.
Oh ya, is that hot glue you used fasten down the risers? I was planning on spreading a layer of caulk to fasten the risers down.
This one was about installing the tape and I just got done rolling on some grey Latex paint. I will likely do an update soon. Now to clean all the used track.
Mike
I've used caulk and it certainly works. I've used hot glue as well. Either does the job. Caulk is more solid but hot glue is faster.
I agree. Thanks , Mike
A very nice and informative video. As a (very) novice model railroader, I can appreciate techniques that are simple and cost-effective. My question is, what would I use to attach the track and surrounding foam sheets (for scenery) to the risers If I put masking tape on top of them?
You can use ANY preferred adhesive but nails WILL NOT work.
Mike
@@N-Scale Ah, OK, thank you for letting me know :). The track I'll be using is Kato HO Unitrack, so I'm thinking nails (foam or otherwise) wouldn't work anyway.
@@Stussmeister Nope but I really do not glue down any track as the scenery will hold it down.
Mike
Looks like a good tip. Just starting a new layout after building my first 45 years ago. Just wondered (video is 3 YO) so I am wondering if this ever gave you any problems 3 years later. Take care!
No , it is only there to keep scenery and ballast from falling through and once that is in place it will never be an issue.
Mike
@@N-Scale Thanks Mike. Appreciate the reply.
Very helpful Mike. To cover the sides of the risers and scenic them did you use sculptamold or shaper sheet or do something else?
I usually do nothing to the sides other than add my scenery slopes.
Mike
Mike: Great video. I took your advice and taped all my risers. I am using Kato Unitrack. Do I just glue the Unitrack directly to the tape now? Or will I need an underlayment first? Thank you.
I do not glue my track down. When scenery goes in , it holds it in place.
Mike
Okay. That's how I'll do it. Thanks for getting back to me. Your videos are very helpful and really advance the hobby.@@N-Scale
Was wondering about gluing or using some adhesive to hold in place. Might just use a small brad nail through track to prevent side shifting on curves.
Hello Mike, I enjoy your TH-cams very much. I have a question, one from Ron's Trains and Things, He talked and showed to take tape to the curves of his layout. To add a strip of tape on the outside of the track to give it a realism of real Trains and their banking. Than Eric of IMRROcom talked about realism of a transitional curve than the regular curve. Can this be done using the Kato Unitrack? I was buying both Atlas and Kato to start a couple different layouts but saw their segments and got confused. Thank You I am leaning towards the Kato Unitrack.
Kato sells super elevated track but only in double and concrete tie. You can do both with Kato track as well.
Thanks , Mike
Great tip Mike, wish I would’ve known this about a year ago. On another subject, do you have a video on how you did your clouds? I would like to airbrush them but I cannot find a good how to video.
Thanks so much and Here you go.
th-cam.com/video/7zoFs9HOsTE/w-d-xo.html
Mike
Had you had a layout BEFORE this one? As I a veteran model railroader you seen to have ALOT of material I'm the way of foam etc to do what could be simply done with splines or cookie cutter layout construction. I honestly don't get why the cake stack up of foam in supporting your roadbed especially for such long sections raised up.
I have built over 25 Layouts in all scales. Do yours your way if it works for you.
Thanks , Mike
Fantastic idea for the top, what would you use for do for the sides of the risers? That’s where I am stuck now.
You could do the same thing but generally the plaster cloth and other scenery covers it.
Sweet, I’ll try that, thank you.
thanks for the idea Mike. I am in the process of installing risers. I wonder how cork will adhere to the tape?
Keep in mind , scenery and ballast also go on and will hold it.
Mike
Intetesting ive surplus risers I'll experiment a bit
Thanks William, I may use some grey latex paint on the top of the tape.
Mike
Lol! Don't we all!
First I want to say Thank you for taking the time to do this video..
My question is, I need to raise the track and I was going to use the Woodland scenic riser kits to do that, but I was wondering, What is the best size riser that would clear the trains that are going underneath? Any help would be appreciated
Steve
You would likely need 2 " .
Thanks , Mike
interesting idea, I am still in the club of using plaster cloth over the risers, but that just me. Good luck I hope it works fine.
It does and already has worked.
Thanks , Mike
What happens when you glue down the track? does it stick to the tape? That would be my only conern using tape. If it works I might try it in future just cause plaster cloth is messy.
I do not understand the concern. I intend on ballasting all of the track and the scenery will go up to it as well and my previous scenery never came loose from the masking tape below. I do not glue the track down.
Thanks , Mike
You do not glue down the track? How does the track stay when you transport the layout to shows?
This is a permanent Layout.
Thanks , Mike
nice tip Mike
Thanks Ger, Good to see you again. Mike
Mike, I'm at a Major crossroad in my layout.
I started with Bachman DCC silver series track on my medium layout.
Started 2013. Getting back into it . Medically retired at 55.
Most of you guys PROS are using MRC .Digitrax etc for controls.
Should I take the huge loss and sell bachman track or add code 100 flex etc. etc. to it?
I have easy command and 5 amp Bachman booster.. Can I use for power then switch to Digitrax?
Not sure what i can interact ? Looking for advise.
Also Im stuck in my thinking of my controls. Open to all viewers ? I just want to get it going for my new grandson.
I want the sound effects easy command cant deliver .
Thanks Mike for the video. I really liked this idea but I have a question. What type of adhesive did you use when you attached the two different types of foam (White WS to Pink foamboard) together. Yours seems very solidly attached. Len
I used the recommended Woodland Scenics Low Temp hot glue and gun.
Thanks , Mike
THANKS GREAT DETAIL
Thank You Robert.
Mike
Duct tape doesn't stay in place as long as masking tape will. Good idea. Now, why do we even need plaster cloth for other scenery work?
That is what I am thinking more and more, but I like the texture in the plaster.
Mike
Hi Mike. I'm just at this stage. How did it work out? Did you do a follow up video? I'm interested in seeing the next step.
Yes it has been on there for 3 years and no problems. There is no follow-up as none is needed.
Thanks , Mike
@@N-Scale Thanks Mike. One more - my brother in law gave me a small Minitrix set, but the couplers are incompatible with the knuckle couplers on my Kato locos. Do you know of a conversation kit? I've been trying to find someone who sells them or even makes them but no luck.
Thank you
Ok Mike. Got another question.
I got these risers all over the new layout.
This weekend I’ll be taping the tops.
I bought a 18” long 5/16” diameter drill bit.
Any secrets for feeding the unijoiner feeders through the foam lol? I have 12-16” of riser before my table top in lots of places. I’m scared Mike! Videos on my Channel, so you can see what a monster your layout videos have created.
th-cam.com/video/-4I4vuGxyBE/w-d-xo.html
Great video Mike just came across your site have down sized due to moving and nearly ready for building my new N scale just wondering would you still need to put cork between the track and masking tape am building my whole railroad on foam so yeah wonder if you can help me on the cork base Cheers Glen.
What track are you using???
@@N-Scale Thanks for the reply Mike am using Peco with Kato points ..
@@ipnz Well , you will likely need cork. How will you raise the peco to connect to the kato?
@@N-Scale Did a dummy run will run the cork under the lot but have purchased some Kato joiners that alowe the 2 to line up or another way could be to cut out where the Kato points are have worked out a few ways I could do it with every thing level will get the small joiner track tomorrow ane let you know the no of it many thanks for the addvice aye Cheers Glen.
@@ipnz Hope it works for you.
Thanks , Mike
Hi Mike after you paint the tape do you glue the track down to the painted tape
No , I never glue track down.
Thanks , Mike
Woodland Scenics Trackbed should stick to it. Track sticks to that.
I really like your idea. Thank you for posting this. My concern is how long will the tape stick to the foam for. It is designed as a quick one-use masking tape when painting, then tear off and throw away. Since making the video, have you had any issues? Thank you (Nov 2020)
No issues at all.
Mike
Thank you for responding. Thinking of you guys on the crucial electoral day. Best wishes from us Brits.
@@peterwalker6535 Thanks Peter , We already voted.
Mike
Maybe I missed an earlier video but what did you use to glue down the risers?
The woodland hot glue gun.
Mike
i use 5inch wide plaster cloth, then skim coat drywall mud on top of that to give it smooth surface and lvl out any unevenness and add a little more sound deadening from wheels....
How well do these work for sound deadening when placed on plywood?
I do not really know as I have never used plywood but would assume it would be good.
Mike
The other good thing about that tape is it would be easy to rip up if you should change your layout..
That is certainly true.
Mike
Great tip Mike!! How wide is the tape?
I used 2" , it is what I had.
Mike
There are tortious switch machines that work with kato unitrack?
Nope , The bottoms of the kato are sealed with a metal plate. Thanks , Mike
When will woodland scenics masking tape be out 😂?
This comment is indeed, hilarious. Woodland Scenics has their own glue gun? Sheesh...
So it's almost two years gone. Are you happy with using masking tape?
Absolutely. Once the track is down and sceniced you will never have any issues anyway.
Thanks , Mike
I guessed it in the first 15 seconds. Great minds, eh?
I guess so.
Thanks , Mike
Cool
Thanks so much, Mike
Mike, great video and great idea. Thanks for doing this. I'd like for the risers to be half as wide as they are. I'm thinking about cutting them in half. I realize that they would fall apart and I'd wind up gluing down each piece individually. Have you ever done this and do you have any advice other than don't do it? Thanks, George
Too much trouble. Just put them in as is and cut the sides off at a taper.
Mike
@@N-Scale Thanks, Mike
What width is the tape that you used Mike?
It was 2" .
Thanks , Mike
Where did you get the foam from.
The risers can be purchased from Woodland Scenics in 2,3,4% grades
whats the best tree type to build on or other material
I am sorry , I do not understand the question.
Mike
what type of material is the best to build your model railroad on???
I am liking the foam so far.
Thanks , Mike
The first section you just covered was that for a single or double track section?
Not sure which one you refer to but the first pictured is double.
Thanks , Mike
Yap...it works. I got tape on some of my scenery backing, been on there for 6yrs...still holding. Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Mike
How will you cover the sides of the risers ? Thx Dave
They will have scenery over them. They would generally never show anyway.
Thanks , Mike
Dave Ollie metal head is