Roadbed

[mfifer]

Bob , I have nothing like this localy. How much is shipping on this stuff? It seems WAY expensive.

Thanks , Mike

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mfifer

Bob , I have nothing like this localy. How much is shipping on this stuff? It seems WAY expensive.

Thanks , Mike

I paid about $160 shipping charge for 48 pieces of 2x4x8'. The 8' length is the killer. On the other hand, 'expensive' is different things to different people. For me, in terms of sweat and time, good appearance and low maintenance, HDPE is dirt cheap. My backyard isn't flat and backfilling to make is so, was out of the question. This material and method allows me to build my GRR in a cost effective manner and fairly quick. YMMV, of course and best of luck. HTH. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Just another option that wasn't mentioned....

LGB has just come out with new Roadbed....basically "rubber" type of lay-down material that fits underneath turnouts, straights, and curve tracks. The material is completely weatherproof---typical LGB stuff impervious to erosion or UV.

The LGB roadbed is only compatible with LGB tie strips. However, if you use Flex track, you can always purchase different brand rail and purchase the LGB tie strips, which would allow you to use the new Roadbed. For example, you could save some money and purchase Aristo Craft flex rail, and LGB tie strips. I believe the roadbed can "bend" with the flex track to almost any radii, so you shouldn't have a problem with flex.

Of course, the Roadbed only takes place of "gravel" or crusher fines, it doesn't replace the foundation ----which on your railway must be level and fairly solid...although the Roadbed system can be place directly on grass as per advertised.

I have seen some pieces of the new LGB Roadbed and I must say it is a great advancement in how to lay track. It will save lots of frustration---gravel,etc. will be much harder to get into turnout points, frogs,etc. Crusher fines, which have proven great to "hold" tracks in place, still can jump into the turnouts along with dust and other debris, and I see the Roadbed turnout pieces eliminating most of this problem.

The new Roadbed system eliminates lots of the hassles in laying ballast , leveling it off, and keeping debris out of turnout points, but it does come at a price. However, I think this initial investment will pay itself within the first year for having saved hours and hours of frustration in laying the tracks. I can speculate it will save years of frustration with maintenance issues. This Christmas, when we build our temporary outdoor Christmas layout, I will be laying the Roadbed with the tracks for the first time.

Regards,

Thomas M.

[Anonymous]

>>>>Of course, the Roadbed only takes place of "gravel" or crusher fines, it doesn't replace the foundation ----which on your railway must be level and fairly solid...although the Roadbed system can be place directly on grass as per advertised.
>>>>>

Having said that, using the LGB Roadbed does make your design options more relaxed...anything that will hold up to wind, frost, and weather can go under the Roadbed.

You need not worry how "pretty" the foundation looks, because the Roadbed covers it up with great-looking imitation ballast between the ties (sleepers). The Roadbed can be painted, too, and I can see those air-brush wizards creating very artistic compositions of colors of natural stone.

Also realize that LGB turnouts are still the most popular (and reliable) outdoors. Even if you decide not to use the LGB Roadbed for straights and curve sections, you can use LGB turnouts and the Roadbed turnout sections to keep the installation of turnouts simple and reliable. Your straight and curves can be filled in with ballast/stone.