I'm getting ready to start buying some of the items that I know I'll need for the new layout - flex track, roadbed, stuff like that. I've been looking at my options for roadbed. I've never used anything but Midwest Products cork roadbed, but the roadbed offered by Woodland Scenics looks interesting. Anybody have experience with it? How does it compare to cork? Is it easier to manipulate/cut? Quieter (on extruded foam)?
I use it...in 24' rolls. Its cheaper then cork..easy to work with...easy to cut...easy to glue down..doesnt dry out...and IMHO a lot quieter then cork. .
I didn't like it for a couple of reasons. First it's squishy so your track will give when pushed on etc. Also if not in a climate controlled room it can roll and start coming up.
I have to respectably disagree. Once ballasted...there is no 'give'. AND...my layout is out in a travel trailer. It gets below freezing out there at night...and around 75 when I go out and turn the heater on in the daytime. I have seen none of the symptoms you have mentioned. JMO .
Use either one. It all gets covered with ballast. I use the cork because I have it on hand and its the devil I know. But MRR Rule #1 applies.
I had my layout out on the patio for a while and had all sorts of trouble with it and had to pull it all off and put down cork. I guess my problems could have been more with the sun but anyway...it was not my cup of tee.
Hi All, I have both on my layout. I like them both. Would I recommend one over the other? NO! As to noise I do not notice any difference. Either will work for you. Gary
I like cork, although I have used both in the past. The foam is a bit squishy for me, but I also found out it was not that big a deal once the track was down. I am about to lay 130' of mainline track (plus sidings, spurs, etc.) and I am using cork. In fact, I am going to Hobby Lobby tonight to buy two 2' x 8' sheets of cork, one 5/32" thick (mainline) and one 3/32" thick (sidings). One sheet costs $15 and I should be able to get close to 200' of roadbed out of it, so this should be all I need for the entire layout. Planning to slice the cork sheet into 1/2" wide strips and lay one strip down each side of the 1" wide roadbed. Will be attaching the cork with Liquid Nails for Foamboard Projects. Sidings will get the same treatment with 3/32" thick cork. Jamie
The plan is to just cut everything square then glue the cork strips down to the sub-roadbed. Then I am going to come back with a hobby knife or razor blade and cut the bevel. Should not be too difficult and doesn't have to be perfect since the ballast will compensate for any slight imperfections in the cuts. I'll be starting this tonight so I'll be sure to post pics in the next day or two. Jamie
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Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to buy a few pieces of the Woodland Scenics stuff, just to try it out. I've always used cork, but I'm always looking to try new products.
Geoffrey... Just click the 'quick reply' button in the last post you see. It takes you right to the reply form. Type in reply...then on submit. Gotta love computers and all the different websites huh... :tb-wink::tb-cool: .
If using the WS I would recommend using glue/lLquid Nails rather than small brads to fasten the track down. I got waves using the brads. Al
Just following up, since I started this topic. I've put down several feet of track so far on top of the Woodland Scenics roadbed, and I've decided that I like it much better than cork. It's incredibly quiet, there's absolutely no sound transmission through the foam board underneath. Very easy to work with.
