Every Spring, my train layout needs some work.  The freezing, the leaves and the rain cause havoc on my train layout.  After several years I have decided the layout needed some major work.

For Christmas instead of presents from my children I ask for work on the train.  This past two weeks, I have had many visitors and we redid the layout as well as all of the landscaping for the train layout.

The first major project was to build a better support for the track.  The initial track layout used Hardi-Board for underneath the track supported by pressure treated 2”x2” supports.  After setting the track bed, we filled in the with gravel and dirt.  Over the past 8 years the pressure treated supports in constant contact with the moisture and ground has rotted.  The Hard-board, while primarily cement, also has fiber in it and with contact to moisture and the ground it has been soft and is crumbling.  Hard-Board should not be used for a track bed that sits on the ground.

The freezes in the Winter and heat in the Summer has caused the train bed to push up in some areas.  The water erosion has caused the train bed to drop in other areas.  This has caused the train track for distort and as a consequence it will derail the cars attached to the locomotives.  

Here is a major section that has both erosion and freeze upheavals.

We decided to pull out the Hardi-Baord and build a framework of aluminum rectangular supports under the track to support the track evenly and level.  The rectangular supports are held together with stainless steel screws.  The aluminum and stainless screws will not rust or degrade over time.  Ground erosion and freeze upheavals will move the frame up or down but keep the track relative to each other.  Not sure if this will work as I thought the Hardy-Board would work great.  

Here is the framework as it was being installed

Some of my grandchildren helping to inspect and move the rocks.

After we created the framework  we then laid weed cloth and started to plant new plants.  On top of the weed cloth we laid on stones.

A whole new look.  Thanks to all of my family for helping improve the layout.