There is another issue worth considering with respect to platform height - the extra-wide gap we need between the platform and the coaches, especially on curves.  Since layouts are normally viewed from above with at least a 30-45 degree angle, if you use the proper 3' high platforms then you can generally see half way down the coach bogies.  While technically correct, this makes the platform look more like a 1'-2' European design.  Using higher platforms (such as unmodified Peco edges) restores the visible level to that of the coach under-frames - one kludge compensating for another.  As usual, it comes down to whatever looks right for you.

When I commenced my layout back in pre-history I went with the Peco edges. The three stations that exist so far have all got the Peco edges, but the platform surfaces are different. At Castle Eden I went for card surfacing:
[smg id=682 type=preview align=center width=400]
Yeah I know it's a bit of a mess but this is the part of the layout that has suffered the most damage over the years. The lovely brass railings have disappeared of the cattle dock, but the beasts have not ran away (that's 'cos the poor beggars are superglued). The marks on the surface are where a whole string of Ratio platform awnings used to stand.

For the halt at Parkend Processing Plant near Skeggles Water I used red brick edges with a plastcard surface:
[smg id=782 type=preview align=center width=400]
[smg id=2084 type=preview align=center width=400]
Then at Kirkby Langdale I used brick edges again, but with plaster surfacing this time. I also managed to curve the edges quite sharply:
[smg id=2228 type=preview align=center width=400]
So, which method do I prefer? Hard to say. I think probably the plasticard surface is preferable, as I am sure there will be embossed paving stone stuff available somewhere.

My trackwork was laid on cork roadbed, and if I recall correctly, I think I had to put packing under the platform edges as well to get them to the right height. Well, the right height for me, anyhow. As already noted in this thread, it's what looks right to you.

I haven't given any thought to how I'm going to construct the platforms at Beal, which will be a substantial station. Too far in the future!

Cheers George

Then at Kirkby Langdale I used brick edges again, but with plaster surfacing this time. I also managed to curve the edges quite sharply:


How did you mange to bend the Peco edges without them snapping? I prefer the solid look of platforms built like you've demonstrated to card kits but didn't think it would be possible to bend the plastic edges to form a curved platform. They all look excellent by the way.

See the instructions - you can trim the inside supporting bit and then shape them in near boiling water and they'll reshape.

Diolch Pixels. I'm a terrible one for not looking at the instructions. For some reason I thought it was just the 00 versions that had been designed to bend a little. I'll have another look at them as last time I tried it they ended up looking as if they'd been nuked or something. Water too hot probably. George, any idea of the radius of the curves you laid there?

Bending the Peco platform edges is actually very easy.  You first have to cut numerous slots in the baseplate and upper support with a razor saw or junior hacksaw, about 5mm apart.  It then will curve as much as you like.  My older layout has a Peco platform on the inside of a 10" radius curve.  Here is a shot of a platform under construction on my new layout Plymouth Citadel - look closely at the cuts on the nearest platform edge.

Thanks - the picture is especially handy. I'm encouraged to try this when I get round to doing my platforms now.

Yes - it's just a matter of making a few cuts in the back of them. It's such a long time ago since I made them, but I really can't recall putting them in hot water. I think the cuts were sufficient to enable them to be curved. As for the actual radius, I don't know that either, but as you can see in the photo, it's pretty tight! Obviously you have to check for coach clearances, etc. before fixing them into position.
Cheers George

Thanks George - I'll see if it's possible with just cutting the slits and not using hot water to shape.

No worries, buddy. In fact I know I never used hot water when I think about it, because in those days (and probably these, when I get round to new platforms), I would paint the Peco sides with Humbrol emamel and then apply a watered-down wash of white acrylic over them, so it flowed into the embossed brick or stonework to give an impression of mortar. If I HAD immersed them in hot water, it would have removed the acrylic. Looking at the tight curvature and really testing my old alcohol-reduced grey matter, I think I set them in place with heaps of superglue and held them down with bricks for a few days!!
Cheers George

So I need to pickle them in a mixture of superglue, enamel and alcohol? 

Works for me!!

Go easy, though.... they're all ultimately toxic but the first two would be the worst. As for the third, I even like just lookin' at it.

Cheers George

 

Iechyd Da George!

Thanks, mate - I just learned my first bit of Welsh!

Iechyd Da in return!

  George

Quote from: bealman on October 07, 2012, 11:22:25 AM

In fact I know I never used hot water when I think about it,

Yep, it's not necessary to faff around with hot water to bend Peco platform edges. I certainly didn't use it when I used the Peco concrete edging and bent them easily enough without it to follow curved track - just with small 'v' cut outs along the inner ridge/platform support. I'd cut off the foot to get the platform surface to the right height so that when the passengers opened the doors they wouldn't bash up against the platform and stop them getting off  .

H.