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How to Make Grades & Tunnels for Model Trains

Transform your model railroad display into a realistic-looking countryside with tunnels and detailed grades. All of the expensive and technology-infused structures in the world will not bring your model train display to life if it is just sitting on boards with a turf covering. Build onto your basic tabletop or boards and create an authentic-looking terrain. There are multiple ways to inexpensively complete a tunnel and grade terrain project. Instead of buying a kit to build a mountain with a tunnel you can scour your garage, a yard sale or local re-use center for many of the necessary materials to make your own.

Things You'll Need

Chicken wire or old window screen
Wire cutters or craft scissors
Old newspapers or styrofoam
Wood
Plaster cloth
Water
Tape measure
Masking tape
Utility knife
Hammer and paneling nails
Bucket or tray
Towel
Sand paper

Instructions

How to Build Model Railroad Tunnels and Scenery
- 1
  Cut the wire or screen material into workable portions with wire cutters or craft scissors. Your train will run up the covered graded area and into the frame tunnel. The grade is a plain which gradually increases in height allowing the train to enter the tunnel and without derailing. After you determine the height of the tunnel, lay the grade chicken wire in a sloping formation from the tunnel entrance to the display table.
- 2
  Remove the chicken wire after you have determined the size and shape you will need. Lay styrofoam or old newspapers flat on top of the grade area to build it up to the desired height. You can use masking tape to hold the paper or foam firmly together while working. Shape the old newspapers or styrofoam in a natural or flowing design to form a hill or mountain and cover with the chicken wire. Secure the wire in place with a hammer and paneling nails. You can either just cover the wire shaped tunnel for a simple formation or create a variety of flat and hilly areas to make a mountain shape around the tunnel.
- 3
  Cut the plaster cloth into workable size strips. The material gets heavy and pulls apart easily when wet. It is best to use strips no larger than 4 inches wide and 1 foot long. Lay the the cloth over the grade and tunnel until it is completely covered. Allow the project to thoroughly dry for at least 24 hours.
- 4
  Cut any ragged edges or excess plaster cloth with a utility knife. Use sand paper to smooth the hardened plaster cloth. Wipe away dust generated by the sanding process. Once dry, the plaster cloth is hard enough to support model railroad accessories and can be adorned with craft paints.

Model Railroads