In the past, I've made my roads from wall joint compond and then painted them a dark grey with water soluble paints. I then applied automotive pin striping tape. This time around, I did the same except I weathered the roads with black chalk and now my pinstriping tape won't stick at all. I think I'm going to try a paint pen but wondered how the rest of ya'll get 'er done?

I used acrylic for the asphalt and had some black circuit board tape that I painted white or yellow. It's neat because it does stretch and some black will show through giving a realistic look. Obviously, tape won't stick to the chalk and I'm not sure a pen would either. I'd try sealing the chalk roadbed with matte Krylon before applying anything.

I to have used wal mart craft paints yellow and white, layed down painters blue tape to width and length. Hope that helps.

I use Elmer's paint pens, available at Wally World...

Nice-looking roads and crossings, Bob.

Wayne

Stripping the roads is always a pain for me, but its something that adds so much detail. Ive used automotive pin-stripping as well, but i didnt have the right thickness so my lines didnt look quite right. I need to order some from the internet. Ive also used some "stickers" made by a model company. I cant remember who makes them off the top of my head, but I will try and member to check when I get home. They work okay, but dont really work and stick all that well to plaster or WS Road Material. They would work best on plastic, and adhere better i think. Weathering the roads after you apply the lines would be best as well...

Im interested to see what you come up with the paint pens, ive thought about trying it as well, and it looks like Bob did a great job with them

Thanks, Wayne.

I do my lines with a straight edge---very carefully free hand on curves. Once down, I dust over them with weathering chalks and secure it all with Krylon #1311 Matte finish...much more affordable and easier to find than Testors Dul-Cote.

yellow china marker( grease pencil) guided on straights , free hand on curves.
jim

Have you tried colored pencils?

Shaygetz:
Those are some of the best looking crossings I have seen modeled. So many times it looks like a roller coaster ride up and over the tracks.
dwight

Very nice striping job!

I haven't even heard of the paint pens... will be looking for them.

Well, I got my paint pens from Michaels today. The first two were to wide so I went back again for the ultra fine tip (N scale mind you). I'm fairly content with the results but I may still sand it all down and do it again... my freehand ain't that steady! I'll take some pictures tomorrow. I also found a neat little fleixble ruler that holds a random shape which I'll use in place of freehand next time.

Here is a pic of that flexible ruler. Bend it to shape and it holds it for you.