On the left you see an LGB flat car.  Any open hopper or flat car is usable.  This originally was one that came in a set of two [Pennsy flats - not anymore].  I painted the flat car before I did any work.  Some gray and rust spray paint which can be gotten very cheap from Walmart.  I also bought 2 shirt pocket levelers.  These are plastic and came in a package of two for about $4.00 at Loews.  In the photo directly below, you see that I made some wooden boxes or supports for the levelers.  These are just some popsicle sticks and wood that I had laying around.  Loews and Home Depot have small wooden pieces for sale.  You can find it in the same section they sell dowel.  I merely made a couple of "boxes" or supports and glued them to the flat car.  I used "Goop"

Maintenance of Way Leveler

Track leveling can be a constant Maintenance of way issue with outdoor railroading.  There are many methods and approaches to keeping your track straight and true.  Many have track that is ballasted much like the real railroads which means occasional road work.  Here is a simple tool to assist you in determining how "even" you track is!

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On the left you see an LGB flat car.  Any open hopper or flat car is usable.  This originally was one that came in a set of two [Pennsy flats - not anymore].  I painted the flat car before I did any work.  Some gray and rust spray paint which can be gotten very cheap from Walmart.  I also bought 2 shirt pocket levelers.  These are plastic and came in a package of two for about $4.00 at Loews.  In the photo directly below, you see that I made some wooden boxes or supports for the levelers.  These are just some popsicle sticks and wood that I had laying around.  Loews and Home Depot have small wooden pieces for sale.  You can find it in the same section they sell dowel.  I merely made a couple of "boxes" or supports and glued them to the flat car.  I used "Goop"

Note above that I have 3 "boxes" or supports for the levelers.  No real reason why I have three.  I would suggest the side to side leveler is placed over a truck.  As you look at the closeups of the levelers below, you will note that there are two kinds.  The one on the bottom is a design to detect slope angle.  Naturally, you would want that one to lay lengthwise on the flat car.

I merely set the levelers on the flat car - I don't glue them down. No need to do that.  All that is left to do is to attach it to your favorite engine, set the speed to dead crawl and walk around noting any "uneven" track.  You can mark sections as you walk along.

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What you need A flat car of your choice. Some scale wood Outdoor glue - Goop. 2 Levelers Paint - if needed. Fine bladed saw.