Did AMI Instant Roadbed go under???

[yosefdov]

Greetings...

A few years ago I used AMI Instant Roadbed for a layout and I really like it and would like to use it again for my new layout in new house... but I can't find it in stock anywhere, and AMI's web site is not working.

Does anyone have any info about AMI?  Did they go under?  Is instant roadbed history???

Thanks.

J

 

[novicerr]

I know they discontinued the instant roadbed a few months ago. If the website no longer works, I would assume they went out of business. Maybe it was no longer profitable. Maybe you can find some still available on e-bay or somewhere.

[MisterBeasley]

Yes, there was an announcement to that effect a few months back.

[corksean12]

the company seems to be gone, but if you need instant roadbed you could ask your LHS, they might have a box or two hidden away like mine did, or they might be able to order it for you from someone who does.

[bearman]

I was in the same predicament a few months ago and found out that it was no longer available.  I am using WS foam roadbed in lieu of the AMI.

[dknelson]

AMI's instant roadbed was made of uncured butyl rubber so if you can find a supply of that in the right thickness you are back in business.

A search for the AMI website found information on Russian mail order brides, which makes me assume that "roadbed" translates in unintended ways.   

Dave Nelson

[leonardbrand]

A plumbing Supply house has a product called pipe wrap that is basely the same thing, it is used to wrap water pipe, and when I use to work for a plumbing company I used it all the time.

[Southwest Chief]

Too bad about AMI...I loved to use the stuff for roads.  Guess I'll have to find another option if I ever do another layout.

[twcenterprises]

AMI's instant roadbed was made of uncured butyl rubber so if you can find a supply of that in the right thickness you are back in business.

I understand it's also used in the automotive industry on and around air conditioner condensors.  Try an auto parts store, one that specializes in air conditioning repair parts.

I use and prefer a different butyl product, it's sold and intended for sealing around mobile home doors and windows, and is also used on steel buildings, to seal the seams between each steel sheet.  It's grey, and comes in rolls 3/4" and 1 1/2" wide. You should find it at mobile home parts stores, and possibly at camper/RV dealers or parts stores.  I posted a photo tutorial on this quite some time back, if you care to do a search (I'm kind of short on time right now.)  I like this stuff better because it's not quite as tacky and sticky as the AMI stuff; it can (with care) be removed and re-used.

Brad 

[yosefdov]

Greetings...

Mr. Bearman-- I thought of the WS foam as an alternative... how do you like it?

 

Joe

 

[yosefdov]

I found the link to Brad's (TWCENTERPRISES) track laying method with Butyl Sealing Tape:

 

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1056223/ShowPost.aspx

 Joe

 

[bearman]

Yosef,

I cannot speak to cork because my first layout used the roadbed track.  Now, on my second layout, I am using the foam and I like it.  It cuts easily with scissors, takes paint, and is easily manipulated. I use latex adhesive caulk to glue it down, and it comes up readily with a putty knife when I screw up. 

[yosefdov]

Yosef,

I cannot speak to cork because my first layout used the roadbed track.  Now, on my second layout, I am using the foam and I like it.  It cuts easily with scissors, takes paint, and is easily manipulated. I use latex adhesive caulk to glue it down, and it comes up readily with a putty knife when I screw up. 

Thanks for the info.

 BTW- my name is Joe Bear (really! It says so on my birth certificate!)

[loathar]

I bought a few rolls a long time ago from my LHS. 2 of the boxes were AMI and the third had some heating and cooling company name on it. (identical products) I've heard that you can still get the same stuff from HVAC companies but I don't know what they call it.

[fwright]

I believe Vinylbed is still in business - see http://www.vinylbed.com/.  Vinylbed is supposedly a little firmer, being made from recycled ground up rubber.  One report said it was excellent at holding spikes, and good for handlaid track.  Another said Vinylbed was inconsistent in its hardness, and this ruined it for handlaid track.

I intend to give it a try with the samples this winter when I begin layout construction in earnest.  I will see if it is indeed a viable alternative to Homasote.  Cork roadbed has been a disaster for me, drying up and crumbling over time.

just my thoughts

Fred W

[bearman]

"BTW- my name is Joe Bear (really! It says so on my birth certificate!)"

 I believe you.

[twcenterprises]

I found the link to Brad's (TWCENTERPRISES) track laying method with Butyl Sealing Tape:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1056223/ShowPost.aspx

Joe

Thanks, Joe.  I'd have done it myself if I had more time.

Brad 

[yosefdov]

I've spotted two products listed for sale at various RV parts suppliers...

Butyl tape and Putty Tape.

 This "putty tape"

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/caulks-sealants/97741.htm

looks an awful lot like AMI's gray roadbed... 1.5" wide, 30 foot roll.. get this: on sale for $5 a roll! 

Anyone know for certain what this stuff is???  Shipping on 1 roll is $11 (!) so I've held off ordering to check it out. 

 Thanks

Joe

 

[bearman]

Yosef,

It is non-hardening and pliable.  I'm not sure if you want to use the putty tape.  Looks like more of a sealant.

[R. T. POTEET]

twcenterprises;

Can you at least post the title and approximate date of your tutorial on the use of this mobile home sealing product. Your archive is 29 pages deep; I would like to look at your tutorial and I will look it up if you can give me a guesstimate on how long ago you put it in the forum!

[SMassey]

I found the link to Brad's (TWCENTERPRISES) track laying method with Butyl Sealing Tape:

 

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1056223/ShowPost.aspx

 Joe

 

 

R.T. Some one already found the link.  It was a few posts back and I quoted it here for you.  Very useful thread, I wish I had found that before laying all the track on my new layout.  Oh well maybe next time.

 

Thanks for the link and for those who missed it before here ya go again!

Massey

[yosefdov]

twcenterprises;

Can you at least post the title and approximate date of your tutorial on the use of this mobile home sealing product. Your archive is 29 pages deep; I would like to look at your tutorial and I will look it up if you can give me a guesstimate on how long ago you put it in the forum!

 I think you are looking for the link I mention above...

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1056223/ShowPost.aspx

 

JN 

 

[yosefdov]

Follow up four years later (!)--  a product that appears to be similar (the same?) as AMI Instant Roadbed is now being marketed by Scenery Express, called "Black Track Tack (B.T.T.) Instant Roadbed".  Alas, black only, no grey, HO & O.  I haven't checked it out yet, but I imagine they will have it in their booths at various shows around the country...

Very hard to find on their web site, http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SE0011  currently showing a list price of $32.95 / roll, about $10 more per roll than AMI product was.

It is in their current catalog (page 135) with a few pictures however.

 

J

 

[Texas Zepher]

yosefdov

Follow up four years later (!)--  a product that appears to be similar (the same?) as AMI Instant Roadbed is now being marketed by Scenery Express, called "Black Track Tack (B.T.T.) Instant Roadbed".

Oh no!  The nightmare has returned.  In all my years of laying track it is the only thing I have warned people away from.  I have used and can recommend using spline, cork, soft foam (woodland scenics), extruded foam, Homasote, Micore, TruScale roadbed, even upson board.  I did a set of modules with AMI and have regretted it ever since.  Either the track really does not adhere to the goopy black stuff or it sinks down into it.  This is really bad with turnouts.  The turnouts ooze down into the stuff and it interferes with the throw bar / point motion.  I had to go back and cut out the roadbed under the turnouts.  This was not easy as the stuff doesn't cut easily....   Through the years the modules I did with this roadbed have been the hardest to maintain and modify.     Run screeming from the room.

[SRQ Sid]

Hello all...

A recent event causes me to post some comments here. 

This past Saturday I attended the Train Show at the Tampa FL Fairgrounds and happened to buy a back issue of MR dated Nov. 1998. Flipping through it today I read the "In Memoriam" of Robert Dargue, past owner of AMI and producer of Instant Roadbed. Bob and I met at the Milwaukee WI NMRA 50th convention in 1985. He held down this company's booth and we would meet at a local watering hole for an adult beverage after the show closed for the day. He was a great guy and we hit it off pretty well. Whenever I recall the NMRA conventions that I attended in the '70s and '80s I think of the enjoyable conversations we had in Milwaukee. He said if I ever built a layout he would send me the roadbed gratis, which I thought was a nice gesture on his part.

I want to express my sadness of learning of his passing and extend my sympathies to his family and friends and let them know that Bob is remembered to this day.

Thanks, Sid Mann                                                                                                                                                   Originally from Massachusetts, now of Sarasota FL.

[drjohn691]

Great news....Scenicexpress.com has obtained the formulas and is not making AMI instant roadbed under another name.  I love this material.

John

[Woodys Workshop]

I use to install EPDM and Thermo Plastic membrane roofing on Low Slope Roofs (Flat). I installed several of the System 2001 roofs which is a vented system and hurricane proof. We used uncured butyle in a round and flat types for the "air Seal".

I looked up 1-1/4" (which was the width we used) and came up with the link below. I haven't looked up different widths yet, but I'm there are other width available. If/When I ever set up my N Scale layout in this tiny apartment I will be using this as I'm familure with the product.

The one thing you have remember is, it's sticky. So before you put all your track down make sure your scenery is complete at least along the right of way. That's backwards in all standards I know. Unless you put track down and ballast right away the tape will collect anything and everything in the air. I guess you lay track and ballast and then make sure everything works and runs and then cover it up with wide tape to prevent mishaps.

Link Below

https://www.crawlspacedepot.com/double-sided-butyl-tape-1-5-x-100-roll/

[Woodys Workshop]

And after doing some more looking, I found this place where they have the tape in various width in...

Black

https://www.omegarubber.com/butyl-rubber-tape.html#tacky-butyl-rubber-tape

And in Grey

https://www.omegarubber.com/search.html?ss=Gray+butyle+tape 

Hope this might help a few people.