What materials can I use for scratch building a "simulated/freelanced" ferry slip surface (I mean the boards directly underneath and perpendicular to the rails)? Matches, craft sticks, square dowels, etc.? I need something about the same thickness as HO cork + ties. The ferry slip will be only 3" long. Also, how can I keep the track in gauge after removing the ties (code 100)? The ferry slip is shown at the bottom right inside corner. The radius will be a little tighter than shown (flex track) to get a 3" straight on the ferry slip.
I'm no expert or master model railroader but here's what I would do. Use either scale lumber or Hobby Lobby stuff for the deck. The thickness will be trial and error or use a shim to get the correct height. Stain the wood. Paint the underlying surface flat black. Use an NMRA track gauge tool to maintain correct rail alignment and super glue the rail to the decking. I'm sure there's a more professional method but that's what came to mind for me. It's the kind of stuff I love to do the most. Good luck.
I'm no expert on ferry slips, but why remove the ties? They could be buried in the dirt or covered by wood decking.
I'm no expert either but I've looked at images of ferry slips and I've seen no ties on top of the surface of them. Here are some examples... Actual AT&N/Frisco/BN ferry slip - (Bottom right photo: zoom in) http://www.frisco.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=27586&d=1410041933 Santa Fe ferry slip in San Fransico, CA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferry_slip#mediaviewer/File:RRBargeApron.JPG Current CG ferry slip at Alabama State Docks: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/CG+...105607735d69!2m2!1d-88.040001!2d30.693239!1m0
Okay, how about the one directly above? Perhaps, use Goo to hold the rails in place and plank on either sides of the rails? My search was on railroad ferry aprons.
Oops. I was thinking of the planks going perpendicular but it will be easier to bury the rails doing it lengthwise. Maybe use a sheet of styrene for a base. Glue rails in place and paint the base flat black. Add stained planks.
Brandon, you must look at the Frisco Archive: http://i0.wp.com/frisco.org/mainline/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Blakely-Island-car-ferry.jpg Look at the second picture in the second column - you can plainly see the ties on the tracks all the way out to shore line edge of the drop ramp plate bridge.
Thanks for bringing that picture to my attention, Keith. That helps a lot. One more question for anyone... Was the ramp attached to the pier or the barge? I think it was attached to the pier and that the barge end of the ramp fit the ramp end of the barge like a puzzle... but I could definitely -be wrong. - Brandon
Typically, the ramp was attached to the pier. Also realize that with the tides, it had to be able to move up or down to connect to the ferry, so it had to be hinged on the pier end. Look at the carry ferry contact sheet that Keith referred to; bottom right hand photo. That set of pilings and hoist, one each side, did the raising/lowering.
I saw this image on ebay. I thought others might like to see what appears to be the end of the pier... as well as the 1951 chevy track inspection car. http://www.ebay.com/itm/AT-N-RR-195...343?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a48395147 - Brandon
