A road question?

[trainsteve2435]

Hello everyone, im in the process of makeing some ruarl 2 lane roads on my layout. Can someone tell me how many inches wide in HO scale they would be? Also, if anyone has any tips or suggestions for me, please let me know because i have never made roads before. Thanks!
steve

 

[Russ Bellinis]

A lot will depend on how rural your roads are. I've seen some rural roads that are barely 2 lanes wide where 2 cars meeting need to both drive off the road slightly to pass. More widely traveled roads will have lanes 12 feet wide if I remember correctly, but that is one area where model railroaders often will selectively compress things.

 

[60103]

Steve: I usually make roads by eye, using a pair of cars to se what looks right. Mone are probably a bit narrow, but then I don't want to encourage car ownership.
I think 12 feet is one standard size for a lane; that would be nearly 84mm or 3.3" for 2 lanes in HO.
Are you looking for dirt or gravel or asphalt (tar & gravel) for your road? I'd go for a plaster or cardboard base and add an appropriate scenery material. Fine ballast might make a gravel road.

 

[trainsteve2435]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, i have made the first section of road useing WS paveing tape and drywall topping, so far its turned out ok. How does everyone color the topping compound? Im makeing old concrete double lane ruarl roads, so what color can you recomend for painting? Also, any other tips or suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

[60103]

I would go for "Aged Concrete" paint. (Polly S?) or assorted grey-brown shades from the local craft store -- use a range and blend them.
Then tar in the jointss -- someone said "liquid electrical tape".