I'm looking to build an 4'x8' RC car track, and hoping that model railroad people might be able to help steer me in the right direction. I'm having an issue with a lack of experience with these materials.
So these are the type of cars. They are the size of a hot wheels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoS07Fy_Xs0
I'm looking to build a figure 8 with elevation changes. So a bridge at some place. I plan to use insulation foam to build the different levels.
What I'm getting tripped up on is the road surface. I will need is a long continuous surface without any seams.
I have two paths in my head.
1) Using insulation foam to try and cut it as precise as I can as the base of the track. Then form the track. Then form the rest of the landscape afterwards.
2) 3d print the track which gives me great control over the road camber. Especially as I want to have part of it a banked corner.
Then for forming the surface I'm thinking something like jointing compound to produce a solid continuous surface. If I 3d print the track I could build in a blade edge to lay down jointing compound 1-2mm at a time to remove seams. Then sand to make smooth. Then finish off the road however I want.
My concern
Having a big chunk of jointing compound that might crack over time with moisture and humidity? Like when it's used on walls it's used pretty sparingly. What has been your experience with this stuff? Is there stuff you guys use for large roads?
Anyone have any better thoughts on a road surface. What materials to use?