by SlotCarCorner » Wed Nov 25, 2015 12:52 am
Hello,
Not sure if you are referring to braiding the area under the elevation, the elevated portion of the track or both. So let's cover both just in case.
In general, it will be easier to braid portions of your layout that pass under an elevated section before adding the elevation. Since the elevation doesn't come into play (interference), braid installation should be straightforward. Rolling the braid to ensure it is firmly in place will also be easier. If this isn't possible (e.g. you've already put the elevated portion in place and removing it would be a pain) you should be able to braid underneath with a little care and planning. If you are braiding your track in sections, you'll need to figure out how much braid you need for the section under the elevation and carefully install the braid - be careful not to bend/crease the braid as you work to install it under the elevation. If you are installing your braid in one long run, you might want to consider adding a braid drop before and after the elevation so you are working with shorter braid runs.
For the elevation, it depends - here are a few considerations (not intended to be a "complete" list):
1) If the elevation will be installed as a discrete section, it may be easier to braid beforehand and then install. You can setup the section on a table or saw horses where installing the braid is straightforward and comfortable. Once the braid is installed, you can then install the elevated section. This approach works best when the elevated section has relatively gradual inclines and declines.
2) If the elevated section is sturdy and easily accessible, you might want to install the elevation and then braid it. "Sturdy" and "easily accessible" are the keys here.
3) If the elevated section is difficult to get to (e.g. you'll have to climb up on the table and do your best Harry Houdini impersonation or suspend yourself from the ceiling with ropes and pulleys to access the elevation), consider braiding the elevated section beforehand. If the elevated section isn't a discrete section, consider adding a braid drop at the beginning and end of the elevation to make it easier to "manage" the braid while installing.
4) If the elevated section has unusually abrupt changes in inclines and/or declines, you might want to install the elevation first with the abrupt climbs/drops in place and then braid. If you install the braid when the elevation section is "flat" and then "bend" the elevated section to put the abrupt inclines/declines in place, the braid may lift - particularly at/near the crease of a sudden climb.
Again, not an exhaustive list list but hopefully enough to help you through your project.
8-)