Rocky Ridge
Assembly Instructions

Repairing Cracks or Damage to the Town of Rocky Ridge Module
    Virtually any kind of crack or breakage is easily repaired. For cracks, simply apply glue to the inside surfaces of the crack and press back together until the glue has cured. If a piece of the layout has been removed (wrongfully cut or drilled, for example), sheet styrene (purchased at your hobby dealer) can be cut to size and glued into place. Bondo automotive putty and Green Squadron model putty can also be used.

Framing for Layout
    When creating a multiple module layout with Terrain for Trains components, it is strongly recommended that each module be mounted on a wood frame as outlined below. The frames provide a stable base which allows the different modules to be easily bolted together and properly aligned. It is very important that the roadbed surfaces, and even more importantly the railheads, line up perfectly for a smooth transition from one module to another. Track that rises or drops suddenly as it leaves one module and enters another will cause derailments.
    The recommended framing plan utilizes 1" x 4" pine lumber which has been cut to the exterior dimensions of the layout. Be sure to measure your particular modules because the sizes do vary somewhat due to shrinkage in the manufacturing process. If you have a table saw, cut a 1/8" by 3/8" rabbet along the top edge of all the boards. This provides a shelf for the layout to rest on while still allowing the modules to be bolted closely together (see sketches below).
    Once the frame has been assembled, the layout can be placed on it and attached with super glue, silicon adhesive, and/or small screws. For effective attachment with super glue, lift the layout slightly off the shelf and drip the glue onto the wood beneath the area where the layout will make contact. Use the thicker viscosity type of glue. If you are using silicon adhesive, apply a bead of glue on the top of the rabbet and set the layout in place. Add temporary weights to the layout to hold it in position until the adhesive cures. After this gluing process has cured, lift the framework up and, reinforce the joint by applying more glue to the area where the plastic meets the wood. Typically, nothing more is necessary. Once the glue cures thoroughly, the layout should be quite solidly attached to the wood.
Laying the Track
    The Town of Rocky Ridge layout is designed to use Atlas N-scale SnapTrack. There grooves in the roadbed that help establish a centerline for the track as well as the joints between the sections. If these markings are difficult to see, refer to the track plan drawing below.
    The offset Warren truss bridge used at the crossover is included with this kit. You need only to glue it into place when you reach that point in your work.

Let's begin...
 The Town of Rocky Ridge was designed specifically for any sectional track matching the sizes and radii of Atlas Snap Track.  Kato Unitrack™ can be used but it will require some modification. Follow the track plans (below) for proper fit.
 Atlas Snap Track is offered in a variety of easy to use sizes.  Straight sections range in length from 5/8 inch to 5 inches.  Full length curved sections are available in three different curve radii: 9-3/4", 11", and 19".  Half-length sections are also available and are specified on the track plan as 1/2-9 and 1/2-11.
 Kato does not manufacture the half curved sections. You will have to cut your own 9-3/4" half  sections with a razor saw if you choose the Kato Unitrack system. The roadbed will also have to be modified for curved sections that connect to turnouts.
 The plan calls for standard turnouts (switches).  Electrically operated remote turnouts can be used provided they are dimensionally the same as the Atlas Snap switches.

Materials List and Track Plan
 Purchase your track assortment according to the list below and be certain to have all the pieces on hand before starting the track laying procedure.   The following is a list of all the Atlas track sizes and bridges you will need to bring your layout to life.

Straight                            Curved                                        Turnouts (Switches)
18 #2501 5"                      6 #2510 9-3/4" radius                  2 #2702 Left-hand (manual)
  4 #2509a 2-1/2"             1 #2511 9-3/4" radius(1/2)                     (remote is #2700)
  1 #2509b 1-1/4"             9 #2520 11" radius                        3 #2703 Right-hand (manual)
                                           5 #2521 11" radius(1/2)                          (remote is #2701)

Using end bumpers for sidings is optional.  Some model railroaders  prefer a more realistic bumper, such as the Peco #841, which is installed at the end of a standard straight track section. Piles of old ties can also be used as bumpers at the ends of sidings.

 The basic track plan shows the proper placement of each section of track.  The guidelines marked in the surface of the layout are to be used as guides only  --  follow the track plan as the final authority.

Notes on Laying Track
 The easiest and quickest means of installing track on the Town of Rocky Ridge layout is to attach it to the layout with glue ("Zap-a-gap" is a readily available brand of super glue that works very well for this purpose).  Atlas and Kato brands of track have tie strips or roadbed molded of polystyrene  which makes them compatible with any model glue sold at your local hobby shop.  Since the layout is also molded of polystyrene, the glues will bond the track quite securely to the layout.
 Start by placing all the track sections in their appropriate location, connecting them as you go, then holding them in place with short pieces of masking tape placed across the rails.  Once the track is in place, double check your work, making certain that all connectors are properly installed and all rails are properly aligned.  A misaligned joint will always derail your trains.  With the tape holding the track securely in place, start applying the glue by dripping it between about every fourth tie.  Work only a couple of  sections of track at a time, using your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the tops of the rails to ensure a firm contact between the bottom surface of the ties and the roadbed.  Fortunately, model glues formulated for use with styrene cure very quickly, so you need only to apply  pressure for 30 to 60 seconds.  Using a chemical accelerator such as "Zip Kicker" speeds the curing time dramatically.  Ask your hobby dealer to recommend one of the many brands available today.
Use Atlas #2539 Terminal Joiners to make electrical connection in at least one location on the layout. Multiple block electrical systems will require one set of terminal joiners in each block. Consult one of the Atlas wiring manuals for further details.
Notice
 Do NOT glue the turnouts to the layout.  The smallest spot of glue can damage the turnouts, making them inoperable.  Glue down each section of track connected to the turnouts and let the turnout "float" between them.  If, several months in the future, a turnout should fail or break, it will be much easier to change if it isn't glued to the layout.

Basic Track Plan
    All straight track on the plan, unless otherwise noted, is the 5" section (#2501). Shorter sections are marked as 2-1/2 or 1-1/4 which are the #2501a and #2501b respectively. Sections marked below as 9 represent the 9-3/4" radius curves (#2510) and those marked 1/2 9 are the half sections of 9-3/4" radius curved track (#2511). Same is true for the 11" radius and half-sections.

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