Best roadbed

[joebraun]

I don't really know what is "best" but I have been very happy for 20 years with the TruScale simple milled wood roadbed (not the kind with the ties). I have used the matching TruScale turnout sections. For curves, one can use the TruScale curfed roadbed or just use the straight sections with homecut curfs. Since it is natural wood, there may be some ever so slight variation in thickness so it is good to use the dial calipers to match the ends. The wood gives a pretty quiet sound and takes spikes well.

[AggroJones]

With dry cork, you are supposed to lay them in a tub of warm water and place weights on them to keep them submerged. Let them soak for a few hours, take 'em out. The cork should remain soft and flexible for a few days.

[Budliner]

the TNPR (MIT) club layout uses a wood clapboard bed they sead cork or like I have cork and rubber (just got 3 boxes) dryes out


B -

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CNWfan5525

Cork is the best. i use regular nails to hold it so i don't have a problem. My club also uses cork but the GLUE the track down.

What's wrong with glue?

[Anonymous]

Thank You "wp8thsub" for your reply. I'm trying to do a little experimenting with my rebuilding project to see if I can come up with some newer & better solutions. I'm going to give your idea a shot. As far as the cost goes, I'm not too worried about it. If it works it's worth it to me. If we stay in this house & don't sell it. This should be my last layout rebuilding of this magnitude. "YEAH RIGHT..........I'VE SAID THAT BEFORE! " ....................Thanks Again...................Happy Rails..............

[wp8thsub]

QUOTE: Originally posted by stokerk

...I noticed that you mentioned the Homabed in 1/4" & 1/8" thickness. What thickness would you prefer to use & what do you use to tack it down with ? & is there any down falls with using this product ?

I use both 1/4" and 1/8" in HO. Note that prototype mainlines usually sit higher than secondary tracks on better maintained ballast. I use the 1/4" for mainlines and the 1/8" for sidings and spurs. Homabed sells shim material to connect the two, but I prefer to use pieces of cedar door shims under the 1/8" stuff. Either way it's a good idea to belt sand the transitions smooth before laying track (I have a cheapo belt sander from Wal Mart for this job).

I have not encountered a down side to warn anyone about Homabed, unless you're shopping on price. If you are sensitive to price and want to get away with a cheaper material, cork can be made to work in a similar fashion (it just won't hold spikes as well). Use HO scale cork for the mains and N scale cork for secondary tracks and shim the transitions. Lay the N scale cork in one piece as it comes from the box (i.e. don't split it in half) and it's about as wide as HO scale ties, so the ballast will fill in along the edges and viewers won't know which material you have under the track.

[Anonymous]

Cork is the best. i use regular nails to hold it so i don't have a problem. My club also uses cork but the GLUE the track down.

[IRONROOSTER]

I have been happy with cork. It goes down easily, and is easy to smooth with a suraform plane. It seems fairly quiet to me, but my wife says I'm getting hard of hearing[:I] Don't know yet if that's a curse or a blessing[:)][:)].
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I like the Woodland Scenics foam. Haven't had a problem with it and it's easier to deal with. Even after ballasting no problems. I change things frequently and it's a lot easier to take up and move about. It tacks into place and just hit it with a little Elmer's glue lightly and your set.

RMax

[Anonymous]

Woodland Scenics foam

[Anonymous]

Will painting the cork help slow the drying?
thanks again

[Anonymous]

Hi wp8thsub, I'm in the process of rebuilding in HO & I noticed that you mentioned the Homabed in 1/4" & 1/8" thickness. What thickness would you prefer to use & what do you use to tack it down with ? & is there any down falls with using this product ? My layout will be in a basement room when finished & will be mostly rolling prairies but am thinking about adding at a latter date some mountainous trackage also. Thanks for the web site info. & thank You for your time.

[wp8thsub]

Cork is OK for absorbing sound but doesn't hold spikes well.

Woodland Scenics foam is an awful product the popularity of which confounds me. It's too squishy to sand smooth, won't hold spikes, becomes a sounding board when ballasted, and will pop ballast loose if you accidentally press against it.

I hear good things about Vinylbed but haven't personally used it.

My roadbed of choice is Homabed http://www.homabed.com . Contrary to internet rumors, Homasote doesn't change much dimensionally due to changes in temperature or humidity, especially the 1/4" and 1/8" thicknesses sold by Homabed. It's extremely easy to work with; it installs just like cork or WS foam and can be cut with a utility knife.

[Anonymous]

Good thing you posted that Aggro, I was goin' to use the WS roadbed, but I'll stay with cork if what you say is true!

[AggroJones]

I've used WS foam and cork on my current layout. I regret the WS. It may be quieter at first, but after ballasting, that crap becomes an amplifier! Much noiser than the cork. Plus WS foam has a hard time laying level on curves. Cork is a peice of cake.

Go with the cork!

[Anonymous]

Woodland Scenics foam is more insulating than cork, especially when cork dries out. But I wonder if balasted track transmits some noise.

[Anonymous]

Whats the best roadbed for absorbing sound?
In S and HO gauge.

Thanks