I called my Local Hobby Store to get a case of O gauge cork roadbed and it is unavailable. Most of his HO and N stuff is gone too. He has some on back-order but has no idea when it will arrive.
I have heard of track shortages causes by manufacturing issues with the production companies in Asia, but cork? What could cause a shortage of cork?
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Winos???
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
John
@CA John posted:Winos???
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
John
Actually, John, wine makers are having issues as well obtaining cork. Some have moved to using some sort of plastic cork or even screw caps (which are kind of acceptable if you are going to drink the within a couple of months).
This has happened before.
Check McMaster Carr for sheets and just cut it yourself.
The last time this happened, what came back was more ground up goodyear tire than cork roadbed and it was awful to work with. It eventually went back to being the usual stuff, but I wouldn’t jump for a case of it when it comes back until you see what it is.
It's definitely an issue, here's a video with a layout builder trying to come up with an alternative.
I only saw this video because it's my layout he's working on. 😂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRI-OGBkA_Q
Just talked to Midwest Cork and they said they have no intention of making O scale 3016 cork roadbed again!
@mike g. posted:Just talked to Midwest Cork and they said they have no intention of making O scale 3016 cork roadbed again!
Did they give a reason? Is the market so small it is not worth their effort?
Just states they would continue to do N and Ho scale. Just not O Scale. I really didn't get a reason. Why.
Kinda sucks for me! Lol 😆
@NJCJOE posted:Maybe it's time to sell my extra sheet cork.
Did you really use that for roadbed? 
How thick is it?
@mike.caruso posted:Did you really use that for roadbed?
No, I didn't use the cork for my roadbed. It's about 3/16" thick. I only used it for roads on the standard gauge portion of the layout.
I have a bunch of O scale RB that I bought pretty cheap when I entered the hobby. I love the cork and would hate to have to use that foam stuff. I wonder if you could get a bunch of HO, trim the bevel side of one piece to get a straight center section so that the overall width of the 3 pieces was equal to O. I've done trims before where I have wanted precise cuts. Staple the RB to a piece of soft pine then use a miter or table saw to make the cut and then remove the staples. Voila, perfect cut. Not for everybody but I would try that before I switched to foam.
Weird that Midwest would keep making HO and N and stop making O.
@Scott J posted:I have a bunch of O scale RB that I bought pretty cheap when I entered the hobby. I love the cork and would hate to have to use that foam stuff. I wonder if you could get a bunch of HO, trim the bevel side of one piece to get a straight center section so that the overall width of the 3 pieces was equal to O. I've done trims before where I have wanted precise cuts. Staple the RB to a piece of soft pine then use a miter or table saw to make the cut and then remove the staples. Voila, perfect cut. Not for everybody but I would try that before I switched to foam.
Weird that Midwest would keep making HO and N and stop making O.
I would venture to say that they can make more money on N and HO do to the amount of people in those sizes. Plus I seen a story on the news says that HO model trains members on a rise.
You figure 25 strips of HO track is around $50
@BenLMaggi posted:I called my Local Hobby Store to get a case of O gauge cork roadbed and it is unavailable. Most of his HO and N stuff is gone too. He has some on back-order but has no idea when it will arrive.
I have heard of track shortages causes by manufacturing issues with the production companies in Asia, but cork? What could cause a shortage of cork?
Ben,
Midwest has decided to drop production of O scale cork roadbed. Honestly, I don't think that's the end of the world. There are other better noise deadening materials out there. Woodland Scenics makes a foam roadbed. I got my Vinylbed replacement from an eBay seller (can't recall his name but @gunrunnerjohn can probably give you his name).
George
@BenLMaggi posted:I called my Local Hobby Store to get a case of O gauge cork roadbed and it is unavailable. Most of his HO and N stuff is gone too. He has some on back-order but has no idea when it will arrive.
I have heard of track shortages causes by manufacturing issues with the production companies in Asia, but cork? What could cause a shortage of cork?
I used the foam roadbed from the eBay seller sparks00033, I was quite happy with it. It comes in 6 foot sections, and you don't have to split it unless you're laying really tight curves. All my O72 and larger curves were perfectly happy with just slapping it down.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I used the foam roadbed from the eBay seller sparks00033, I was quite happy with it. It comes in 6 foot sections, and you don't have to split it unless you're laying really tight curves. All my O72 and larger curves were perfectly happy with just slapping it down.
Thanks for the information John. I take it gives a uniform roadbed.
Good enough for me.
Also - FWIW I have not screwed down the track yet ( still under construction ) and the weight of the track and spray glue seem to be holds the roadbed in place - it has not “sprung back” on any curve sections yet - fingers crossed
holding
Thanks John and Joe, the stuff looks great, now I have to figure out my lineal footage so I only make one order! 😆
Order some extra, you'll end up needing it. 
Will do! Lol
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