Woodland Scenics vs. Cork Roadbed

WallyD Apr 16, 2015

  1. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    Our club is about to embark on major renovation of a large modular layout. We will be replacing old foam roadbed (not Woodland Scenics) which has seriously deteriorated with something. Some argue for cork, others argue for Woodland Scenics foam which is manufactured differently than the stuff which failed. Whatever we use has to stand up to the abuse of movement and temperature shifts. I'm interested in hearing about the durability of roadbeds on modular layouts that are more than 10 years old and particularly with modular layouts using Woodland Scenics roadbed.






     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Can't speak to the Woodland Scenics version, but I have an N-Trak module which is over 35 years old now. Am in the process of slowly stripping and rebuilding it. The cork roadbed is as good as the day it was laid, back in the late 1970's! This module saw a lot of travel and many shows.
     
  3. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    Thanks for the report.
    Wally
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I note your location shows "WA". I'm assuming Washington state? If so, that was where this module was active. All over the Puget Sound area.
     
  5. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    Washington state is correct, more specifically Puget Sound. We set up our 34' x 12' N-scale layout with 13 modules 6 - 7 times a year at shows. The modules are stored in a trailer when not in use. We use a heater in the winter but temperature and humidity gradients are still significant.
    Wally
     
  6. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hmmm. Is this the UNW Club?
     
  7. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    Good guess.
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Oh yes. Fond memories of seeing that layout at shows, many, many times. I was with the N-Trak Group Puget Sound N Scale. And at swap meets always found sharing a sales table with Kirk R and Bob Smith. Please tell Keith, Ryan and Peter that Ken S. says "hello!"
     
  9. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    I'll do that.
     
  10. Jim Wiggin

    Jim Wiggin Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wally, I used the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed on a former layout with Atlas code 55. Initially it was fine, but over time I did not like the "give" it had. It could be easily compressed and did not offer a firm foundation to the track. I switched back to Midwest Products cork roadbed when building my latest set of modules (Also code 55) and have had much better results. That was my experience.
     
  11. WallyD

    WallyD New Member

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    Thanks for the input.
    Wally
     

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