Dirting-in Structures

During construction of my layout, I wanted to be able to remove the buildings to get them out of the way and prevent damage to them. I normally use blue foam board for structure bases. I do all the hard shell first, then cut out areas for the structures and glue in blue foam. This gives me a nice, flat, level area ready for the structure.

I came up with a method that is easy and fool proof. When the structure is finished, I glue scale 2x6 or wider strips inside the bottom edge of the building. Then I cut 2 scale 4x8s the length of the building. I hold them up to the 2x6s and drill a small hole in one end through both strips. I do the same at the other side but drill the hole on the other end of the 4x8. I find drilling and fitting the strips one at a time makes their line-up more accurate. I then cut ¼-inch lengths of brass wire and glue them into the holes. When the glue is dry, I place the 4x8s, one side at a time, over the pieces of brass wire and glue the 4x8s to the foam foundation. I then remove the building and glue the other 2x6 with its 4x8 down to the foam. When that is done, I usually paint the area and the boards just to waterproof them. You can then dirt in around the area. The brass pins that have been glued into the bottom of the structure, will orient the structure perfectly when placed.

I have used this system on all my structures and find it works well for repairs and additions. It has also saved destroying a structure that is hard to reach.