WOODLAND SCENICS SCENIC RIDGE ST1482 User manual

N SCALE
COMPLETE LIGHTWEIGHT
LAYOUT KIT
ST1482
INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Layout Overview 5 and 6
Scenic Ridge Kit Contents 7
Adhesives and Special Tools 8
Low Temp Foam Glue Gun ................................................................8
Foam Tack Glue .................................................................................. 8
Hot Wire Foam Cutter ........................................................................9
Track 9
Begin Layout Assembly 9
Glue Base Panels ...............................................................................9
Assemble Track ................................................................................... 9
Install Risers ..................................................................................... 10
Install Inclines ................................................................................... 10
Install Second Tier Risers ............................................................... 11
Overpass and Bridge 12
Cut and Install Overpass ..................................................................12
Test Track and Bridge ....................................................................... 12
Check Train Clearance Under Overpass ........................................ 12
Tunnel Work 13
Plaster Cloth in Tunnel Areas .......................................................... 13
Lay Track-Bed ................................................................................... 14
Install Track and Ballast in Tunnel Areas ....................................... 15
Foam Tunnel Portals ........................................................................16
Tunnel Walls ...................................................................................... 16
Install Profile Boards 17
Back Profile Boards ......................................................................... 17
Left-side Profile Boards ...................................................................18
Front Profile Boards .........................................................................18
Right-side Profile Boards ................................................................ 19
Glue Profile Boards ..........................................................................19
Cut Terrain Contours and Access Panels ...................................... 19
Fill Corner Joints ..............................................................................20
Build Tunnel Roof 20
Create Flat Areas & Road Foundations 20
Flat Area A ......................................................................................... 20
Flat Area B ......................................................................................... 21
Add Road Foundation ....................................................................... 22
Wiring 22
Add Plaster Cloth and Track-Bed 22
Make and Place Newspaper Wads .................................................. 23
Apply Plaster Cloth .......................................................................... 23
2

Test and Trace Track on Risers ...................................................... 24
Lay Track-Bed ................................................................................... 25
Glue the Track ................................................................................... 25
Rock Castings, Tunnel Portals and Culverts 26
Make Rock Castings ......................................................................... 26
Install Rock Castings ....................................................................... 26
Color Rocks ...................................................................................... 27
Color and Install Tunnel Portals ..................................................... 27
Color, Assemble and Install Culverts ............................................. 28
Plaster Cloth Sides of Layout 28
Add Road System 29
Mark Roads and Streets ..................................................................29
Pave Town and Factory Areas ......................................................... 29
Pave Roads ....................................................................................... 30
Create Road Crossings ....................................................................30
Add Curbs, Sidewalks and Foundations.........................................32
Ballast Track 33
Landscape 34
Color Terrain ..................................................................................... 34
Low Ground Cover ........................................................................... 34
Blended Turf ............................................................................... 34
Fine Turf ...................................................................................... 34
Medium Ground Cover .....................................................................35
Coarse Turf ................................................................................. 35
Talus ............................................................................................ 35
High Ground Cover .......................................................................... 35
Model and Plant Trees ...............................................................35
Clump-Foliage ............................................................................ 36
Field Grass ................................................................................. 37
Paint Sides of Layout 37
Finishing Touches 38
Drybrush Turf .................................................................................... 38
Flyspecking ........................................................................................ 38
Adding Additional Landscape Material ........................................... 39
A Final Word 40
Products 41
Track Plan and Layout 42 and 43
3

4
Shown with Town and Factory
Building Set (sold separately).
INTRODUCTION
The Scenic Ridge Layout Kit builds a 3' x 6' N scale layout, complete with inclines,
mountains, creeks, tunnels, bridges, roads and landscape. If using the Scenic Ridge Atlas
Track Pack (ST1182), follow the track layout plan on pages 42-43 of this instruction booklet.
Atlas track modifications have been made, and the layout plan differs slightly from what
is printed on the Pre-printed Foam Base Panels.
Before beginning, collect the additional household items necessary for building this kit
(listed under Household Items). We recommend purchasing a Low Temp Foam Glue Gun
(ST1445), Low Temp Foam Glue Sticks (ST1446) and Hot Wire Foam Cutter (ST1437).
These tools make building the Scenic Ridge Layout Kit easier and more efficient. Purchase
at your favorite hobby shop.
When building Scenic Ridge, know that mistakes can be fixed. Woodland Scenics Systems
are designed to leave room for error and modelers can go back and fix problem areas.
Risers and Inclines/Declines are included, along with a pre-printed track plan. Risers and
Inclines/Declines are part of the SubTerrain Lightweight Layout System®. They elevate
the track above the base of the layout, making it easy to add ditches, creeks and low-
lying areas without cutting into the base. Inclines/Declines add predetermined grades to
the layout, so the train can climb and descend hills easily, without you having to make
complicated calculations.
The Town and Factory Building Set™ (S1485) was designed to complement the Scenic
Ridge Layout Kit or any N scale layout. The 13 structures feature quality, molded-in
architectural details. More than 70 detailed accessories bring life and color to the town,
including forklift, tractor, billboards, street lamps, light poles, benches and more, along
with Dry Transfer Decals for signs and windows. Although Scenic Ridge was intended as
a stand-alone layout, it can be adapted to work as an NTRAK Module or combined with
layouts you build in the future.
Modules are layouts that can be joined with other layouts, like pieces in a puzzle. There
are both national and local clubs that supply standards and specifications for building
modular layouts. The NTRAK organization is one of these clubs. For information on
groups like this in your area, contact one of your local model railroading organizations.
To convert Scenic Ridge to an NTRAK module consult the modified specifications pages
42-43. It is best to decide which way you will build the model before you begin.
The Mod-U-Rail®System provides the freedom and convenience to build a dream layout,
one module at a time. This system consists of module kits that are bolted together to create
a layout of any size, in most any scale. They can also be added on to an existing layout.
Whether creating a layout for a home, starting a module club or building a layout with
friends, modules can be completed in a couple of evenings. Everything is included in the
kit except track.

5
Layout Overview
1. Risers and Inclines/Declines
Install Risers and Inclines/Declines
over Track Plan printed on Foam
Base Panels.
2. Tunnel Work for Risers
Add Plaster Cloth, Track-Bed, track
and Ballast to Risers along tunnel
area. Install foam Tunnel Portals
and tunnel walls.
3. Profile Boards and Tunnel Roof
Place interlocking Profile Boards
around the perimeter of layout.
Add tunnel roof.
4. Foam Sheets
Cut and install Foam Sheets to
enclose tunnels and form level
areas for buildings. Cut Profile
Boards.
5. Add Paper Wads and Plaster Cloth
Use newspaper wads to build
terrain contours then cover with
Plaster Cloth to form a hard
surface.

6. Lay Track-Bed
Lay Track-Bed over Risers
covered in Plaster Cloth. Add
track and rock faces.
7. Apply Earth Undercoat
Install Tunnel Portals and paint
the Plaster Cloth with Earth
Undercoat.
8. Add Road System
Use the Road System to create
realistic roads and building
foundations.
9. Begin Landscaping
Apply low ground cover and
Ballast track.
10. Finish Landscaping
Add trees, bushes and grass.
Paint sides of layout and add
buildings.
6
Layout Overview

7
Kit Contents
Household Items
• Newspaper
• Masking Tape
• Scissors
• Liquid Dish Soap
• Measuring Cups
• Paintbrushes
(various sizes: 1/2 in - 2 in, 1.27 cm - 5.08 cm)
• Ruler
• 4 Disposable Cups
• Plastic Mixing Bowl
• Pan for Water
• Hobby Knife
• Sandpaper (120 and 220-grit)
• Eyedropper
• Spray Bottle
3Pre-printed Foam Base Panels
1/2"x 24" x 36"(1.27 cm x 60.9 cm x 91.4 cm)
10 Profile Boards™
8" x 24"(20.3 cm x 60.9 cm)
6Profile Board Connectors
8" x 3"(20.3 cm x 7.62 cm)
2Foam Sheets
1/2 " x 12 " x 24 " (1.27 cm x 30.4 cm x 60.9 cm)
4Foam Sheets
1/4" x 12"x 24"(6.35 mm x 30.4 cm x 60.9 cm)
22 Risers
2" x 2 1/2"x 24"(5.08 cm x 6.35 cm x 60.9 cm)
2Incline/Decline
0 – 1 " (0 – 2.54 cm) sections, 2 1/2 " x 24 " (6.35 cm x 60.9 cm)
2Incline/Decline
1 " – 2 " (2.54 – 5.08 cm) sections, 2 1/2 " x 24 " (6.35 cm x 60.9 cm)
17 Track-Bed™ Strips
1/8" x 1 1/4"x 24"(3 mm x 3.17 cm x 60.9 cm)
3Plaster Cloth Rolls
20 ft2(185 dm2) ea
1Plaster Cloth Roll
5 ft2(929 cm2)
Lightweight Hydrocal®
18.5 oz (524 g)
1Random Rock - Rock Mold
1Base Rock - Rock Mold
Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigment / Rock Colors - Yellow
Ocher, Burnt Umber, Black 0.135 fl oz (3.99 mL) ea
75 Foam Nails
2" (5.08 cm)
1roll Paving Tape™ (includes Spreader)
1/4" x 1/16"x 30'(6.35 mm x 1.5 mm x 9.14 m)
Smooth-It™
1.5 lb (680 g)
Asphalt Top Coat™
1.84 fl oz (54.4 mL)
Concrete Top Coat
1.84 fl oz (54.4 mL)
4Tunnel Portals, Cut Stone
2Culverts, Concrete
Black Base Paint
8 fl oz (236 mL)
Scenic Cement™
32 fl oz (946 mL)
1Spray Head
Hob-e-Tac®
1 fl oz (29.5 mL)
Foam Tack™ Glue
8 fl oz (236 mL)
Earth Undercoat
1.84 fl oz (54.4 mL)
12 Tree Armatures
3/4" - 1 1/4"(1.9 cm - 3.17 cm)
12 Tree Armatures
1 1/4"– 2"(3.17 cm - 5.08 cm)
18 Tree Armatures
2" – 3"(5.08 cm - 7.62 cm)
Light Green Clump-Foliage™
34.2 in3(560 cm3)
Med. Green Clump-Foliage
50.5 in3(827 cm3)
Dark Green Clump-Foliage
16.2 in3(265 cm3)
Medium Green Coarse Turf
32.4 in3(530 cm3)
Green Blend Blended Turf
64.9 in3(1.06 dm3)
Earth Fine Turf
14.4 in3(235 cm3)
Soil Fine Turf
7.21 in3(118 cm3)
Burnt Grass Fine Turf
7.21 in3(118 cm3)
Yellow Grass Fine Turf
3.6 in3(58.9 cm3)
Light Gray Fine Ballast
25.2 in3(412 cm3)
Natural Fine Talus
10.8 in3(176 cm3)
Harvest Gold Field Grass
1 g (0.03 oz)
4Stir Sticks
1Foam Pencil - Black
1Plastic Cup with Sifter Lid
2Foam Pad Applicators
Profile Board Patterns
*Hydrocal is a U.S. Gypsum registered trademark.
Instruction Notes
Before beginning each section, read through the steps to understand the modeling process. Illustrations
are included to demonstrate the steps.
As you cut the Profile Boards and Foam Sheets, keep all scrap pieces until you are done with the
project. Scrap pieces will be used in assembly of the layout.

Adhesives and Special Tools
Woodland Scenics offers two types of adhesive for use with SubTerrain
Lightweight Layout System. Each has advantages for different jobs. General
instructions for using both appear below.
Scenic Ridge instructions were written using Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and
Low Temp Foam Glue Sticks to complete the kit. If using Foam Tack Glue to
assemble the entire layout, read this section and refer back to it as you are
gluing foam components together.
Low Temp Foam Glue Gun (ST1445) and Low
Temp Foam Glue Sticks (ST1446)
Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and Glue Sticks will not
melt or damage the foam components included with this
kit. The glue bonds almost instantly and is easy to use.
Low Temp Foam Glue is recommended for gluing down
Risers, Profile Boards and Foam Sheets. It sets quickly and
dries faster than Foam Tack Glue. However, it can cause
lumps if used underneath thin materials like Inclines/
Declines or Track-Bed. Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and
Glue are available at your local hobby shop.
To use the Low Temp Foam Glue Gun and Glue, run a continuous bead along
the seam of the materials you are bonding.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a high temperature gun with this kit.
Foam Tack Glue (ST1444)
Foam Tack Glue is specially formulated glue that is safe and easy to
use with foam. It can be used to assemble this kit and is available at
your local hobby shop. This kit includes enough Foam Tack Glue to
glue down the Track-Bed and track. Foam Tack Glue is also good for
gluing thin or narrow pieces of foam.
To use Foam Tack Glue, spread an even layer over both contact
surfaces. When applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry, Foam
Tack Glue acts like contact cement. If using the Foam Tack Glue to
secure the foam, follow these steps:
1. Insert Foam Nails at an angle to pin Risers and Inclines/Declines in place
when test fitting placement.
2. Remove Risers and Inclines/Declines individually. Spread a thin layer of
Foam Tack Glue on bottom of each piece and the contact surface of foam
where it will be placed.
3. Let glue dry until clear (maximum working time, 1 hour).
4. Replace individual piece and pin firmly in place while drying. Continue until
all pieces are glued in place. Remove Foam Nails when glue is dry.
NOTE: To remove Track-Bed, soften glue with warm, soapy water or use
denatured alcohol.
8

Hot Wire Foam Cutter (ST1435)
The Hot Wire Foam Cutter is designed for use with
Woodland Scenics foam products. When using with
other foam products, toxic fumes may be emitted. The
Foam Cutter Bow & Guide (ST1437) makes the Hot Wire
Foam Cutter even more versatile. Hot Wire Foam Cutter
Replacement Wire (ST1436) is also available. The Hot Wire
Foam Cutter, Bow & Guide and Replacement Wire are
available at your local hobby shop.
Track
We used the Scenic Ridge Atlas Track Pack (ST1182) with the Scenic Ridge
Layout Kit, but you can use another brand or type of track, if you prefer. Refer
to the list on pages 42-43 of this instruction booklet for track requirements.
NOTE: When assembling track, it is not necessary to center it on the Risers. Test
train to be sure it runs properly. If running a long line of rolling stock, verify
clearance around tunnels, bridges, rocks, etc. and adjust accordingly.
Begin Layout Assembly
Here’s a tip before you begin! Consider making the rock castings now.
Lightweight Hydrocal takes some time to dry, so they will be finished when
it’s time to attach the rocks. To do this, turn to page 26 and follow the steps to
“Make Rock Castings.”
Glue Base Panels
On a flat surface,
assemble the Pre-printed
Foam Base Panels face
up and in the proper
sequence. Glue Panels
together. Pin at seams
with Foam Nails while
drying (Fig. 1). Wipe off
excess glue.
Assemble Track
1. Assemble track following track assembly instructions on Pre-Printed Panels
and pages 42-43.
2. Remove assembled track in large sections. Use strips of masking tape to hold
track segments together when moving. Track will be test fitted several times
before permanent installation.
TIP! Store sections of assembled track on a large sheet of cardboard.
9
glue
Fig. 1

Install Risers
Risers elevate track to allow for the addition of
ditches, creeks and low-lying areas without cutting
into the base. The 2" Risers included in this kit
are enough to complete the provided track plan.
Additional Risers have been provided for NTRAK
modular option (see information on pages 42-43).
1. Place first tier of Risers by centering over pre-
printed track plan on Base Panels. They cover the entire track plan without
breaks. You may begin anywhere on the track plan (Fig. 2).
2. Pin Risers to the Base every 4" to 6" with Foam Nails. Make sure the ends of
Risers butt snugly together (Fig. 3). NOTE: Cut the end of the last Riser with
a hobby knife for a good fit (Fig. 4). Save foam scraps.
3. When Risers are pinned in place, glue to Base with Low Temp Foam Glue.
Run a continuous bead of Low Temp Foam Glue along base of Riser (Fig. 5).
Apply glue along base on both sides of Risers for a secure bond. NOTE: If
using Foam Tack Glue, see the section on Adhesives on page 8.
4. Remove Foam Nails when glue has set.
Install Inclines/Declines
After the Risers are in place, install
Inclines/Declines. Inclines/Declines
add pre-calculated grades to the
layout, letting your train climb and
descend hills. This kit includes Incline/Decline sections that incline from 0-1”
and 1”-2”.
10
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 5
Fig. 4
2" Riser
0"-1" Incline

1. Place a 0-1” Incline/Decline section on top of Riser where noted, “Start
incline for second tier inside track here” (Fig. 8). Using Foam Nails, pin the
0-1”section in place on Riser in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 6). We
recommend using Foam Tack Glue to attach the thin end of the starter piece.
2. Place the next 1"-2" Incline/Decline section on the Riser, butting it snugly
against the first to create a continuous incline. Make sure it is centered on the
Riser and pin it in place (Fig. 7).
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the outside track where noted, “Start incline for
outside track here” (Fig. 8). Follow the counter clockwise direction.
4. Remove Foam Nails when glue has set.
Install Second Tier Risers
1. On the track plan, locate the Bridge and the Overpass (Fig. 8). Begin pinning
the second tier of Risers on top of the first tier of Risers. Make sure to leave
gaps for the Bridge and Overpass (Fig. 8).
2. Continue placing Risers until they meet the 2" ends of the Inclines/Declines.
3. You will have to shorten the length of the last Riser so it fits snugly against
11
bridge overpass
start incline for
second tier inside
track here
start incline for
outside track here
1" - 2"
Inclines/
Declines
0" - 1"
Inclines/Declines
second tier
Risers second tier
Risers
Fig. 8
Fig. 7
Fig. 6

the highest end of the Incline/
Decline. Trim with a Hot Wire
Foam Cutter or hobby knife
(Fig. 9).
4. When the entire second tier
is in place, glue to the bottom
Risers.
5. Remove Foam Nails when
glue has set.
Overpass and Bridge
Cut and Install Overpass
1. Cut notches 1/4" notches on
both ends of the Risers where the
overpass will set (Fig. 10).
2. Cut a piece of 1/4" Foam Sheet 2
1/2" wide to fit into notches and
between the Risers (Fig. 10). Use a
ruler for a precise cut.
3. Test fit overpass piece to fit flush
inside notches and trim if necessary.
4. If you have cut too deeply, use a
small sliver of scrap foam to adjust
the difference in height or simply
hold the piece in place while gluing.
5. When satisfied, glue the overpass into place.
Test Track and Bridge
1. The bridge is part of the track. Reassemble track on Risers and
Inclines/Declines and test run train.
2. If a surface is uneven, sand down with 120-grit sandpaper.
3. Remove track in large sections.
4. If you decided to use a section of foam or Masonite instead of a prefabricated
bridge, follow the same steps for overpass.
Check Train Clearance Beneath Overpass
Although most rolling stock will clear the bottom of the overpass inside the tunnel
area, a very small percentage (flatcars with a tall load) may exceed height clearance
(Fig. 11). Before continuing construction, check clearance of train beneath the
overpass. To test for clearance, set your tallest rolling stock on a level surface and
measure the height. If it exceeds 1 3/8", make the following adjustments:
1. Purchase one package of 2% Incline/Decline Starters (ST1412).
2. With a hobby knife, cut two Incline/Decline Starter pieces at a 1/4" height
(roughly the middle of the Starter). Set aside.
12
Fig. 10
¼" notches
2½"
Fig. 9
overpass

13
3. From a 1/4" Foam Sheet, cut a 2 1/2" x 7" piece. Glue the piece in place,
overlapping the ends of the Risers equally on either side of the gap.
4. Glue the cut Incline/Decline Starter pieces on top of the Riser, butting the
1/4" ends against the ends of the installed overpass (Fig. 11).
Tunnel Work
Plaster Cloth in Tunnel Areas
Plaster Cloth will only be applied in Tunnel Portal areas (Fig. 12) at this time.
1. Locate the small package of Plaster Cloth and a bowl of cold water. Cut
Plaster Cloth into several 4” x 4” pieces.
2 %
INCLINE/DECLINE
STARTER
2 %
INCLINE/DECLINE
STARTER
Fig. 11
tunnel portal
position
foam overpass
placement tunnel portal
position
Fig. 12
Plaster Cloth Area

2. To apply Plaster Cloth, hold the
piece by the corners, dip it in
water and place on Risers with
the bumpy side up. Sheets should
overlap sides of Riser about 1/2"
to 1" (Fig. 13).
3.
Starting approximately 6" outside
the Tunnel Portals (marked on the
pre-printed track plan) and working
inward, lay strips of Plaster Cloth
on Risers. Smooth wet plaster
bumps with wet fingers until holes in cloth are filled in and smooth (Fig. 13).
Plaster Cloth must be flat and smooth under Track-Bed (see next section).
4. Apply additional sheets of wet Plaster Cloth, butting together end-to-end at
the seam. Do not overlap sheets.
5. Smooth out all the lumps and folds by rubbing the surface with your
fingertips. Work quickly. Plaster Cloth hardens in minutes.
6.
When you reach the overpass inside the tunnel, make sure the edges of the
Plaster Cloth wrap around the bottom of the overpass (Fig. 14).
7. Beneath the overpass, lay a dry
strip of Plaster Cloth on lower
Riser and mist with water from
a spray bottle (Fig 14). Smooth
cloth in place.
8. Let Plaster Cloth dry 4-6
hours. If any bumps exist,
sand to remove.
Lay Track-Bed
1. Place entire track on layout and pin in place with Foam Nails.
2. In tunnel areas, trace the track outline onto the Plaster Cloth with the Foam
Pencil. Be very accurate when marking track placement in tunnel areas.
3. After tracing the track outline inside the tunnel area, remove the track from
the layout in several large sections and store on cardboard.
4. Spread an even layer of Foam Tack Glue inside the track outline on the
Plaster Cloth and on the bottom of the Track-Bed strips (Fig. 15). Let glue dry
until clear (max. working time, 1 hour).
5.
Carefully lay the Track-Bed, keeping it centered between track tracings (Fig. 15).
Glue will bond instantly.
6. Place Foam Nails in the center of the Track-Bed (every 2" on curves, every 6"
on straights) to hold in place while drying.
7. Track-Bed should extend approximately 3" beyond the Tunnel Portal
markings on the base (Fig. 16).
TIP! For a more secure adhesion, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand top and bottom
of Track-Bed before adhering to the layout and installing track.
14
Fig. 14
Wrap Plaster Cloth
Under Overpass
6"
Fig. 13

Install Track and Ballast in Tunnel Areas
1. Replace track over entire layout. Pin down the sections inside Tunnel.
2.
When you are satisfied with placement, remove the track that is outside the
Tunnel area, leaving the track inside the Tunnel area in place. Approximately 3"
of track should extend beyond the Tunnel Portal markings on the base (Fig. 16).
3. Glue down the track inside the Tunnel area, one section at a time. Remove one
section and spread a thin, even layer of Foam Tack Glue on top of the Track-Bed.
4. Pin track to glue-covered Track-Bed, making sure connections between each
track section are secure.
5. Pour an even amount of Ballast over
track 3"-6" inside the Tunnel area
(Fig. 17). This step is for continuity
and appearance. There is no need to
cover the entire length of track inside
the Tunnel area.
6. Brush excess Ballast from top of ties
and rails (Fig. 18). Ballast should be
even with top of ties for a realistic
appearance.
7. Use an eyedropper to apply Scenic Cement on the Ballast (Fig. 19). Saturate
Ballast for secure adhesion. NOTE: Clean Scenic Cement from top of rails
before running train. We recommend using our Tidy Track®Rail TrackerTM
Cleaning Kit (TT4550).
8. When dry, remove Foam Nails from track.
15
Fig. 15
Traced
Line
Fig. 16
3"
Fig. 18
Fig. 17
6"
Fig. 19
Glue
Glue

Fig. 22
foam tunnel
portals
A
E
F
CD
B
foam tunnel
portals
tops should
be even
Foam Tunnel Portals
1. Trace four Tunnel Portal Patterns onto a 1/2" Foam Sheet (Fig. 20). Cut
out with hobby knife or Foam Knife. Foam tunnel portals provide a stable
backing for Hydrocal Tunnel Portals.
2. Locate Tunnel Portal positions on Track Plan and pin foam portals and
supports in place (Fig. 21). Bottom edges of foam tunnel portals set on edges
of Risers and protrude over the sides.
Tunnel Walls
1. Cut two of the 1/4" Foam Sheets in half lengthwise to create four 6" x 24"
pieces. These will become the tunnel walls that attach to the backs of the
tunnel portals and sides of the Risers.
2. Take two of the 6" x 24" segments and gently flex back-and-forth so pieces
will not break when following the contours of the Risers. These are walls A
and B. Use Foam Nails to pin them to the backs of the tunnel portals and
16
walls
wall
wall
wall
wall
Fig. 20 Tunnel Portal
Patterns
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
inset

sides of the Risers (Fig. 22). The tops of the tunnel walls should be even with
the tops of the foam tunnel portals (Fig. 22 inset). Trim walls to fit.
3. Take another 6" x 24" segment and cut out two 3" x 6" segments. These are
walls C and D. Pin walls C and D to the backs of the tunnel portals and sides
of the Risers (Fig. 22).
4. Use the last 6" x 24" segment to form walls E and F (Fig. 22). Cut this segment
in half widthwise to form two 6" x 12" segments.
5. Test fit the 6" x 12" halves by placing against the back of the center tunnel
portal and the sides of its Riser. Trim halves to fit the area from the back of
the center tunnel portal to walls A and B.
6. Pin walls E and F against the back of the center tunnel portal and sides of its
Risers.
7. Cut the tops of walls E and F to angle downward from the tops of walls A
and B to the top of the center tunnel portal (Fig. 22).
8. Glue walls and portals in place when satisfied with their position. Remove
pins when dry.
9.
Paint inside of tunnel walls with Black Base Paint. For longer walls (A, B, E, F)
paint 6" into tunnel.
Install Profile Boards
Profile Boards are interlocking foam
components placed around edge of layout
to form profiles for mountains and hills.
Profile Boards need to be cut to fit the
perimeter of the layout. Profile Boards
are packaged interlocking face-to-face.
Connectors interlock Profile Boards at the
seams in a tongue-and-groove fashion.
Back Profile Boards
You will use five Profile Boards and
three Connectors to build the back
Profile Board configuration.
1. Beginning at the rear left corner, fit
Profile Boards and Connectors on
the back of the layout (Fig. 23). The
ribbed side of the Profiles Boards
always faces inward (Fig. 23 inset).
NOTE: Profile Boards have a wide
edge and a narrow edge. For the
back of the layout, the wide edges
should set on the base. Later, you
will have to flip the side Profile
Boards narrow-side-down to
interlock at corners.
17
Back
Fig. 23
1"
Fig. 23
inset

2. Test fit the last Profile Board on the right side of layout. It will extend beyond
the back corner. With a straightedge, trim to fit base exactly by cutting off
approximately 1" from end (Fig. 23 inset).
3. When Profile Boards are aligned with the back edge of the base, pin in place
with Foam Nails.
Left-side Profile Boards
Build the left side Profile Board configuration using two full Profile Boards, an
11" segment and two Connectors.
1. Measure and cut an 11" segment from the end of one Profile Board (Fig. 24).
This will leave a section 13" in length that you will use later for the right side
of the layout.
2.
Assemble two full Profile
Boards and the 11” segment for
the left side (Fig. 24). Assemble
with narrow-edge down to
interlock at the corners.
3. When corners of back and
side Profile Boards are locked
into place, align edges of side
Profile Boards with edges of
base.
4. Pin in place.
Front Profile Boards
Use the two remaining Profile Boards to
build the Front Profile Board configuration.
1. Cut the two Profile Boards in half
lengthwise. To do this, count four ribs
inward from the narrow edge and cut at
the right side of this rib (Fig. 25).
2. Cut one 8" Connector in half widthwise.
Use 4" segments to connect the shortened
Profile Boards. They may also be used to
reinforce the corners.
3. Use three long pieces for the front of the layout.
Assemble as shown in Fig. 26.
Trim 1" from one of the ends for
a proper fit (Fig. 26 inset).
4. Place three of the half front
Profile Boards and pin into
place.
18
Fig. 25
Fig. 26 Front
1"
11"
Fig. 24 Left Left-Back Corner
Fig. 26
inset

Right-side Profile Boards
1. Trim 2" off one end of the
remaining 13" segment. Cut the
2" segment in half widthwise to
form the last two Connectors.
2. Cut the 11" segment in half
lengthwise.
3. Connect the 11" segment and
the last full-length half together
(Fig. 27). Pin in place.
Glue Profile Boards
1. When all Profile Boards are in place in proper position, glue base along
seams and at Connectors.
2. When glue is set, remove Foam Nails.
Cut Terrain Contours and Access Panels
1. Cut out paper Profile Board Pattern
sheets. Tape sections together and cut
out rectangles for access panels. Pin
patterns to back, sides and front of
Profile Boards. Make sure the straight
edges are even with the bottom of the
base (Fig. 28).
2. Use the Foam Pencil to trace the
position of access panels and terrain
contours. Remove the patterns. Cut
out patterns (Fig. 29). If using Hot Wire
Foam Cutter, attaching the Bow & Guide
Attachment is helpful. Use a Foam Knife
or hobby knife and a straightedge to cut
out access panels. Keep the scrap sections
of Profile Boards for later use.
3. Cut sections of Connectors and attach to
Profile Boards along ribs. These will act
as stops for access panels. Reinsert access
panels flush with Profile Board (Fig. 30).
19
11"
Fig. 27 right
Fig. 29
Fig. 28
patterns
Fig. 31
Fig. 30
Connector

Fill Corner Joints
1. Fill joints where Profile Boards interlock at corners with scraps of Profile
Boards cut into 4" to 12" strips. Cut the rectangular flat areas between the ribs
(Fig. 31). Strips fit the right-angle gaps of the corners.
2. Cut or stack to fit the height of each corner. Glue in place when satisfied.
Build Tunnel Roof
Tunnel Roofs support newspaper wads in a future step.
1. Test fit 1/4" Foam Sheet along back, inside corner of layout with edges in
between ribs of Profile Board (Fig. 32).
2. If Connectors interfere with Foam Sheet, mark Connector locations and cut 1"
notches in Foam Sheet to fit around them.
3. Pin Foam Sheet down and trim to fit outside edge of Tunnel (Fig. 32).
4. Use 1/4" Foam Sheet scraps to cover the remaining tunnel roofs (Fig. 33). Do
not worry about appearance. The roof will be hidden under newspaper wads
and Plaster Cloth.
Create Flat Areas & Road Foundations
Create flat areas using 1/2" Foam Sheets.
There are no precise measurements for flat
areas. Use Fig. 34 and 35 and buildings (sold
separately) to determine approximate size.
Test fit buildings (Town and Factory Building
Set or other N scale buildings) when making
flat areas to be sure there is plenty of clearance
for train and landscape. See pages 42-43 or
box cover photo for suggested placement.
Flat Area A
1. Place a 1/2” Foam Sheet near the right-hand Riser (Fig. 34). Use the Foam
Pencil to trace area where the Foam Sheet meets the back and side Risers. Fit
Foam Sheet close to back and side of Risers, but leave a 2" gap toward front
of Risers (Fig. 35). Cut to fit using a Foam Knife or hobby knife.
20
Fig. 32 Fig. 33 Scraps