![Image](https://i.imgur.com/Uh9G4DY.jpg)
Before you say anything, yes, I know. The track plan is nothing like Le Mans. The space I had to work with was only 12' x 6', so even if I tried to stuff any sort of Le mans configuration into the space all I would have ended up with is a lumpy oval, especially since this is 1/32 instead of HO. The actual circuit is 8+ miles around, so baring having a gymnasium to work with there were always going to be compromises. I decided on this plan, added a shelf extension of about 10" so I could create a version of the grandstands & pits. I think if I add the correct scenic elements & cars that 9 out of 10 people are going to walk in and go , "Oh, hey, it's Le mans!". Hope so anyway. : ) This layout will definitely be a lesson in selective compression.
I'm going to walk you guys through the entire build as it unfolds, and I'll try & explain my techniques as I go along. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.
I used Scale Sport track, and custom cut the borders out of white .040 Evergreen Styrene. I get it in 12" x 24" sheets directly from Evergreen. I used this instead of masonite because it is just so much easier to work with. You don't have to saw all of the way through it, just score it w/a utility knife & snap clean. I used the outside edge of the track as a template to cut one side of the borders, and made a simple cutting jig out of scrap styrene & a laser blade to cut the outside edges.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/xg7HUpX.jpg)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/JCoAIG9.jpg)
I used model railroad homasote roadbed as the base for the borders. It's about 1/4" thick, so when topped by .040 styrene it's just about perfect. Any places where it inexplicably stuck up a hair I just have it a swipe or two with a foam sanding block. I didn't glue or screw the track down in any way. It is held in place by the homasote roadbed on the corners. This way I can simply pop a piece of track out if I have an electric issue & repair it.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/B5BtjVl.jpg)
After I thought the borders were pretty good I popped out the track so I could paint them.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/xg7HUpX.jpg)
Questions?