I am getting close to roadbed time and as you know there are many different roadbed types. I have used Woodland Senics black foam and HO 'cork', and frankly don't really like either of them. Homabed sounds nice. Everywhere I read about homosote, all I read about is dust. So I thought a good way to do some research and maybe learn some new insights into the ideal roadbed is with a roadbed poll. So, what do you recommend?
Well golly, ya just shot down my choices in a big hurry already...........:embarassed: I'm kinda old-fashioned, as I have used cork roadbed since Day 1 in the hobby. On foam subroadbeds, I've used both cork and WS foam bed, both being glued down with Elmer's Glue. For sidings and spurs, N scale roadbed works (either cork or foam) for the illusion of little-used track. Haven't used Homasote for a long time, as it's kinda hard to find in these parts. My opinion, FWIW
We're using a mix of balsa and cork - the cork where track is flat to the board, but in certain locations we are representing raised roadbeds and we build these up from balsa.
I use MDF, not sure what you call it over in the US but its light, strong and easy to work with......... Oh and most important for me its cheap!
Road bed for HO I still use 1/4" plywood and cork roadbed. I kinda like the noise. Seems to me that the big boys are noisy, why not mine.
I like the Woodland Scenics foam..I use N Scale roadbed for my industrial switching layouts..I find the WS road bed easy to work with and really holds the ballast in place.I have also use the 12"x24" sheets for my Jackson yard area.
I've been happily using "Vinylbed" for years in both HO and N. Small company, makes to order, and friendly. Roadbeds and subroadbeds are offered. It stays pliable, doesn't shrink or get hard:thumbs_up:
Where do I find more information?? How about a link or phone number to get more information and some pictures, INFO dude! You got me curious! Joe :angel:
www.vinylbed.com :thumbs_up: I'm not associated with them in any way other then being a happy customer.
Matthew, it's known as MDF over here, too. Even though I don't model in "Horribly Oversized", I am completely satisfied with my N-scale AMI roadbed, no need for extra adhesives for ballast or track-laying! Didn't much enjoy the Woodland Scenics stuff on my old layout, stood out too much underneath the ballast.
I use concrete expansion joint foam over 16mm ply.Comes 2"wide and up to 10"wide[great for yards] and 1/8th" thick up to 3/8ths The 2" comes in 25mtr lengths for $18 Aust so is cost effective compared to WS Regards Les
Well, I remain undecided about roadbed, not so much as to what to use, but where or if to use it. Looking at dozens of prototype pictures as well as many very high Q layouts, I have come to these conclusions: 1 - NO roadbed inside of towns or yards. Period. 2 - The only place to put a roadbed is on a mainline, outside of town/city. 3 - Cork roadbed is TOO HIGH when or if should choose to use it, most of the time. Excellent models blend and feather the edges of the roadbed into the scenery. 4 - When the track is multitracked, the roadbed should be flat between the tracks, by that I mean the roadbed should be wide enough to have both sets of tracks side by side on the same level. 5 - Staging yards should have no roadbed, however, something like homosote or some other sound deadening is acceptable. Thoughts?
I have used the Cork - and it is extrememly easy to use, in my mind - I have it on foam, glued down with white glue, pinned in place with straight pins. inf anything, it give my track something to stay secured to onn top of the foam - I use the white bead foam, and to Great Success, mind you! The WHite bead foam is Quite Cheap too, compared to the other stuff available here!!!
I am far from being an expert in these areas, only returning to the hobby after a 5 decade hiatus [g]. However, after experimenting with the various methods available [formed heavy cork strip, foam strips, old pre-formed wood, sheet cork, thin rubber/cork gasket material] I have decided to use sheet cork [available at my local lumber company 4' wide on a roll and bought by the running foot]. The material is less dense than the cork strip sold for roadbeds and less than 1/4" thk, but works well and allows one to cut out strips, or large flat sections to suit whatever track/turnout requirements need. Best for silence is the WS foam, and I am using it [got some stored away] for hidden tunnels and such. Dennis
I use cork and love it 1. I eventually change things and pulling cork nails is a piece of cake with short needle nose pliers 2. I dont gle'uuuue or calk cork, want to keep it reusable. 3. Easy to follow easment and radius lines to center of curves, while tacking cork in place 4. I use n scale cork for siding and old track lines. 5. Cut sheet for yards 1/8 in (Staples or hardware store) 6. I like loud trains, to me its unrealistic to take the trouble to make a train a silent runner I dont and have never heard of a Stelth Train:shade: , ( but then everything is quieter in your neck on the woods, perhaps running on snow:teeth: .LOL) So I shall vote for cork, and perhaps :lightbulb: a long wood roofing shingle or two for transitions of varieng heights. However I reserve a NO vote :thumbs_down: for no cork in a Helix,...errrr... that's my final yes vote....John
I voted for the WS because that's what the LHS had in stock when I began track laying. The previous layouts all used cork. For all practical purposes I consider them equal. That's for mainline. Still haven't decided on N-scale for the branch line in HO, or just lay it flat on the board.
I like cork or, homabed for mainlines and homasote in sheets for yards. I couldn't vote for all three so I didn't vote at all
