Modern Flexible HDPVC Ladder Roadbed, Wood Trestles & Bridges
This how-to video describes our modern flexible HDPVC (High Density Polyvinyl Chloride) ladder roadbed, redwood timber trestles and bridges for the Cholla Patch Railroad in Tucson AZ. I highly recommend this type of roadbed for its ease and speed of construction, low cost, durability and beautiful curves.
Our non-traditional flexible roadbed is made from 3/4" thick HDPVC house siding ripped into 20ft. long thin strips. I made the roadbed by attaching two HDPVC strips together using short pieces of composite wood that I call “brownies”. Video has useful design plans, graphics and assembly photos, and shows the advantages of this modern roadbed construction design. All the wood pieces are redwood, stained and sealed with Minwax dark walnut stain before assembly, then glued together with Titebond III secured with solid Brass Escutcheon pins (brads). I made printed templates of the pieces needed for everything. I attached the template drawing of the biggest trestle to particle board, making a sturdy wood jig for easy assembly. Wood is re-stained about every four years. I think you’ll also enjoy seeing the detailed and extensive wood trestles and cool wood Bridges.
Feel free to copy, use or modify any of the images or video shorts you see here. I highly recommend this type of roadbed. I hope this helps you make your decision on the type of roadbed and materials you’ll use for your own garden railroad. - John Carmichael
See my other projects here Cholla Patch Garden Railroad Design & Construction Series: