We have used plastic lumber for 7.5" RR ties and are planning to install 2 x
8 and 2 x 12's on the floor of the new locomotive shed just constructed.
Part of the flooring will be outdoors in a "patio" area.
I have also used HDPE/carbonblack/sawdust composite sheet formerly available
from Duraboard in Lamar, MO. Unfortunately Duraboard was purchased by a large
roofing supply business and is now out of the sheet goods. I have 3/8"
"Wetlock" and "Plex" on my 280' elevated double main line RR. These materials
were also used on the portable track at Diamondhead for three years. If you
can find similar materials, I would go for it. I've had absolutely NO
maintenance on the surface of my track in the last 4 years. Another product
that looks even better Dibond made by Alusuisse Corp in Benton, KY. This
material is two sheets of aluminum (coil coated) laminated over an inert
plastic core. Extremely light weight, very strong but also somewhat
expensive. This will be used on the next portable track I build. A 1/8
section of a 10-11' radius curve should weigh less than 15 pounds! It is
possible that I may be able to make a portable track 22' x 20' that weighs
less than 150 pounds!
Keep your steam up!
Walt Swartz
