What methods can be used to determine if track is level?

[Bart1701]

I had to pull up some of my track in one area so I could put some new track down to solve a spot that was causing derailments.

The track being removed had been glued (caulked) to cork roadbed that was glued to a pink foam base (which is glued to a hollow core door).

As carefully as I tried to remove the existing track and the roadbed, I think the pink foam probably got a bit damaged in a few places.

I can see that the new track and roadbed  (temporarily secured with track nails) is not level across the rails. When I run my larger steam locomotives through this area, I can visibly see that one side is lower than the other side.

I have a small bubble level and a digital level that I can use.

I had been using Atlas Code 80 track in this area, but I would be open to replacing it with some Unitrack if that might help in keeping everything level.

What methods would you use to check the level across the rails, and how might you correct any issues?

Thanks,
Bart

[nickelplate759]

I'd use a bubble level.

But the more interesting question is how to fix it...

In general, you want the roadbed to be level - so that when you put the track on it that will automagically be level as well.
Thus, I'd remove the temporary track and level the roadbed.     Without seeing your roadbed it's hard to know what might work, but from what I can surmise from your description I think I'd try using something like lightweight spackle.  You can put it where you think the low spots are in your roadbed, then take a sanding block and smooth it out, using your bubble level to check that you are getting things level.       Even better would be to level the foam under the roadbed in this same way.

If in the end your track is still not level side-to-side, you might use some shims of .010 styrene strip (or even heavy paper!) under the ties to adjust it.

[basementcalling]

Could an irregularity in the foam have existed before you removed the track? Despite what our eyes tell us, extruded foam sheets are not perfectly flat and level. Surface imperfections exist within certain tolerances. If you had a dip in one rail and not the other or a dip in both, it could easily explain why cars derailed or came uncoupled when they crossed the irregular surface.

[Bart1701]

In general, you want the roadbed to be level - so that when you put the track on it that will automagically be level as well.
Thus, I'd remove the temporary track and level the roadbed.     Without seeing your roadbed it's hard to know what might work, but from what I can surmise from your description I think I'd try using something like lightweight spackle.  You can put it where you think the low spots are in your roadbed, then take a sanding block and smooth it out, using your bubble level to check that you are getting things level.       Even better would be to level the foam under the roadbed in this same way.

If in the end your track is still not level side-to-side, you might use some shims of .010 styrene strip (or even heavy paper!) under the ties to adjust it.

Thanks for the ideas!

I hadn't thought of using spackle on the foam to help get everything level. That's a great idea!

Bart

[Bart1701]

Could an irregularity in the foam have existed before you removed the track? Despite what our eyes tell us, extruded foam sheets are not perfectly flat and level. Surface imperfections exist within certain tolerances. If you had a dip in one rail and not the other or a dip in both, it could easily explain why cars derailed or came uncoupled when they crossed the irregular surface.

There are 2 layers of 1" foam below the track and roadbed. But, you are correct that the foam may not have been perfectly level and flat. I liked the answer from NickelPlate to use some spackle and and sanding block to get it all level.

Bart

[nickelplate759]

There are 2 layers of 1" foam below the track and roadbed. But, you are correct that the foam may not have been perfectly level and flat. I liked the answer from NickelPlate to use some spackle and and sanding block to get it all level.

Bart

This is what I did on my previous layout, when I discovered that the 2" foam was indeed not perfectly uniform in thickness.  Worked like a charm.

[Jesse6669]

Undercut the roadbed, then re-ballast and run a tamper over that section. 

Seriously, I like the sanding then spackling idea, use a straight edge to get it nice and flat and re-lay the roadbed.