Like
our Rubber Style Grade Crossings (BLMA #77-78), these Modern Concrete
Style Grade Crossings will fit right at home on any modern layout.
To
Install:
Remove
all pieces from the frame.
At
this point, you may decide to paint the part prior to installation,
or, you might want to install and then paint. (painting methods
discussed below).
Note
that on the right side of the etching, there are three detached
pieces unlike the other (left) end. These are the "plates"
that are attached to the end of the grade crossing and angle
from the same height as the crossing, from the same height as
the crossing, to the same level as the ties below. The detached
plates are so our EXPANDER pack (BLMA #80) can be fitted in
place to expand the grade crossing from two to four lanes.
Prior
to installing, bend the end plates down on the left end so that
if the crossing is the same height as the rail, the bottom of
the plates will be at the top of the ties.
To
install, you will need to place shims under the grade crossing
to bring it up to the right height from the top of the ties.
We suggest using strips of plastic, though strips of wood or
other materials may work as well. What ever method you choose,
note that the width of the material will depend on the height
(code) of your rail.
Once
you have the long sections securely glued in place, glue the
detached end pieces on the right hand end at the same angle
as those on the left. (NOTE! This is the time when you should
put the EXPANDER set (BLMA #80) between the end plates and long
etchings with end plates attached).
To
Paint:
We
suggest using thin paint and an air brush or fine brush to paint
the crossing. On the prototype, the narrow border around the
large rectangles are metal and help keep the cement (the large
rectangle) intact. The metal border should be painted a dark
red and of coarse, the concrete should be a light gray (unless
heavily weathered).