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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005 I would guess that less than 20% of model railroaders use this style of roadbed. It is much more material and labor intensive, and is really best suited to larger layouts with long mainlines. You are the first person I've heard of using Trex in an outdoor aplication. Does it hold up well? How do you fasten it? My experience is that the material breaks easily if handeled roughly, and I would think that thin slices would snap all the time as you worked with them. [/quote] Hi Mr Big_boy, I actually started with cedar splines but this was far to stiff to form tight radius curves (40"). This is a tight curve in "G" scale. Then I tried 1/4" sheet plastic meant for outdoor signage. This worked great but can be difficult to find if your not in the sign business. Finally, I tried the Trex. It was ripped on my table saw to 1/2"x1 1/2" x 6'. Four splines with 3/4" spacers, also made of Trex, between each spline and all fastened together with plated deck screws driven in from each side. Trex is not brittle in fact its quite pliable. I can easily form a 20" radius curve without cracking or snapping a 1/2" thick spline. I have successfully cut "G" scale ties from Trex but do have to drill a hole for every spike. This was only an experiment, I use redwood for all other ties. The Trex roadbed has been in place for only a few years but still looks new so I have every confidence that it will work out well. There is also a much stiffer product that may snap in thin sections, this could be what your thinking of. OLD DAD
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