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Got a few questions that i need help with

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  • Member since
    November 2019
  • 10 posts
Got a few questions that i need help with
Posted by Famaz00 on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 1:24 PM

Hi so I am wondering what the best way to Stick Cork Roadbed to a sheet of foam insolation board comonly found in a hardware store and I need something that will be super stong as the layout will fold be mostly vertically stored.  Also i would like some imput on how to secure the track down as I do not want to glue the track to the cork and then to the glue on the board.  I'm hoing that there is a glue out their that dries flat and does not expand and prefferbly in dries clear or white/off white. Does anybody have suggestions.

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Posted by davidmurray on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 1:55 PM

Many people have good results using latex caulk.  Clear works best, it goes on white and dries clear.  Spread a fine layer, and position the cork, hold with T-pins if required.  Same for installing track.  Do not use under turnouts, because you might glue the throw bar, or need to replace it later.

Perhaps best to try this on scrap before using on layout.

 

David Murray from Oshawa, Ontario Canada
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 1:58 PM

Latex adhesive caulk. I've built two layouts like that now. The one I used dries clear, although for the cork to foam that's not omporatnat - you'll never see it, and even track to the cork, once the track is ballasted you'll never see it either. But it comes out of the tube white, and dries clear. All you need is a small bead, and then spread it with a putty knife. It takes very little, and the track will not fall off the cork, and the cork will not fall off the foam board. 

                                  --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 1:58 PM

As long as it's inside, latex caulk, for both.  Are you going to ballast this?  Securing ballast to a layout that's going to be spending time on it's side will probably be the most challenging.

Mike.

 

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 3:42 PM

Generally the more specific the title of your post, the better answers you will get.

Then I misread your question.   Caulk and push pins are the way to go with roadbed to cork or track to roadbed.  I have other ideas for a large sheet of cork

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
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Posted by doctorwayne on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 11:59 AM

While I don't use extruded foam as a base for my layout, I am using it for some scenic landforms.  I use PL 300, specifically intended for adhering extruded foam to just about anything - it sticks like-you-know-what sticks to a wool blanket. Whistling

It comes in a tube, large or small, and is applied using a caulking gun.  Follow the directions on the tube, and your cork roadbed won't ever be sliding off when the layout is tilted upright.

The adhesive caulk will likely hold the track in place just fine, and if you ballast the tracks properly, using "wet" water along with some diluted white glue, that will only strengthen the bond between the track and the cork. 
I doubt that there's any reason to do so, but even if you wanted to store your layout hanging upside down, properly done ballasting will not drop off, so standing the layout on edge would not be an issue.

Wayne

 

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Posted by kasskaboose on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 1:28 PM

Don't use ANTY chaulk of ANY type for cork roadbed.  Use white glue instead. It's far cheaper and more readily available.  Also, it's easier to pull up cork secured with white glue whenever you need to adjust the cork.

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