Roadbed For A beginner

[Anonymous]

Afternoon everybody, does anyone have any articles or can someone point me in the right direction to find some information on how to creat roadbeds under my track? The past couple of months I've just been running the trains on the plywood (kinda noise) I keep reading about this cork. Is that the same cork that is used to make a cork board? Any information will be helpful so thanks.
Happy Railroading everybody.[:)]

[Medina1128]

You should be able to find cork roadbed at any LHS (local hobby shop). It's scored at a 45 degree angle down the middle, so that when you split it, you have the angled shoulders for ballast. I use a sander and gently round off the edges, so you don't have that sharp line. After I glue it down, I sand the entire surface to ensure a flat surface to lay track on. For yards and sidings, I don't use any roadbed, just a thin strip of sheet cork (about 1/8 inch thick). Just gently angle it down to that, and you have a prototypical grade. This grade is used to prevent cars from rolling into a turnout, fouling it. If you use delay uncouplers, the cars will roll down the ramp and coast to a stop. Or you could make a braking device to bring the cars to a stop. I slightly bow the rails inward. Not enough to derail the car, mind you. Just enough to create a little drag on the wheels, slowing the car.

[tsasala]

I have a book called "Basic Trackwork for Model Railroaders" which is good. It's by Jeff Wilson. I think I got it from Amazon with John Armstrong's book.

-Tom

[2021]

Go with the answers given. I think we're assuming you have or are making a permanent layout. This type of roadbed is not made to be taken up and down, but rather to be glued in place with the track either nailed or glued down and then ballasted. Hope that helps.
Ron K.

[nbrodar]

Cork works. Woodland Scenics Track-Bed works better. I have used both, and the WS is definatly quieter.

Nick Brodar