Repairing O-gauge Lionel Polar Express Model Train Layout using XPS Foam and Woodland Scenics Plaster Cloth, Lightweight Hydrocal Plaster, and Foam Putty. In this video, I’ll show you how to repair your O-gauge model train layout. And we’re starting right now.
Hi. My name is Owen. I’m continuing to build and expand my Lionel Polar Express Model Train Layout in traditional O-gauge. In these videos, I show you what I’m doing and how I do it. This video is all about repairs and enhancements to my Polar Express Layout. Recently, I expanded my Layout by adding a third track. Track number 3 is an elevated track. To build it, I had to demolish two sidings connected to Track number 2. In addition, I had to remove part of a hill on my layout. Now it’s time to repair that demolition damage.
I’ll be using a number of products to complete my repairs. And I’ll be showing you how I use each of these products. After doing a few repairs, I’ll be running my trains. Be sure to stick around to the end of the video so that you don’t miss that. Now, let’s get started.
This is XPS foam – Expanded Polystyrene foam – a lightweight plastic product that is commonly used as insulation in home construction. It provides a great foundation for landscaping an O-gauge model train layout. I use a sharpened utility knife to cut it to the right size and shape. Keeping the knife extra sharp gives me a clean cut.
I use Woodland Scenics Foam Tack Glue to fasten the XPS foam to the layout.
Covering the XPS foam with Woodland Scenics Plaster Cloth provides a surface that plaster can be grabbed onto. I’m using Lightweight Hydrocal Plaster from Woodland Scenics to cover the Plaster Cloth. This plaster can be molded, contoured, and painted to achieve a lot of other effects. Affixing molded plaster rocks, and materials that simulate vegetation, to the plaster adds realism to your layout.