Cork Help

[Anonymous]

New to model railroading. I am laying cork for road bed. A little confussed as to out to llay under turnouts (switches).

[jwmurrayjr]

This is another case where a good book on MRR basics is really worth the money.

I just lay the first 1/2 strip along the centerline right through the turnouts. Then I come back and lay the 2nd strip and curve it along the diverging route of each turnout. Then as you lay the other strips and encounter a turnout, just mark and cut the strip where it butts into the cork that is already down.

The seams don't need to be perfect here if you are going to ballast your track. But the surface of the roadbed must be kept smooth so the track will lay smooth. You can lightly sand the tops of the cork where the turnouts will go to make sure that the roadbed is level.

[cacole]

Some companies make turnout-shaped cork pieces, too. I have never used one of those. For the diverging route, I butt a piece of cork roadbed up against the straight piece, mark it, and cut it with a pair of scissors or utility knife to fit. Ballast will fill in any gaps in the cork, so a precise fit isn't necessary.

[Anonymous]

I also cut a piece and turn it upside down with the bevel fitted next to the road bed to support theswitch stand or ground throw. I use the caboose hobbies ground throws in my yards and engine terminal and the cork helps cushion the throw. I think this helpsprolong the life of the throw as I haven't had a failure to date.

[jwmurrayjr]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tweet469

I also cut a piece and turn it upside down with the bevel fitted next to the road bed to support theswitch stand or ground throw. I use the caboose hobbies ground throws in my yards and engine terminal and the cork helps cushion the throw. I think this helpsprolong the life of the throw as I haven't had a failure to date.

Ditto.[:)]

[dand200]

Another method could be for you to use sheet cork. You can make yourself a pattern and cut it out in one piece ensuring a smooth base thorugh the turn.