Expedient roadbed for carpet layout

Put a bed sheet under the track.

I've used a painter's cloth. If you have an old sheet, cut it into strips or even buy some strips at a fabric store.

For additional stability, visit your local Lowe's or Home Depot and have them cut a section of low-pile indoor/outdoor carpeting or boat deck carpet for use over the carpet.  Comes in various colors and thicknesses and is fairly low in cost.

If you were local I could make you a great deal on plywood roadbed base.

 

 

Something like this would give your track better support on soft deep carpet.

Heavy cardboard might be an option.

You can also try some clear Acrylic or some nylon strips. Both materials can be cut with a jig saw and you maybe able to find nylon the same color as your carpet. The clear acrylic won't clash with the carpet color. Another advantage is that both materials are able to hold the threads of a track screw.

Hey Everyone - thanks for the great suggestions.  Unfortunately, a lot of them require some labor that I can't do while healing from spine surgery 2 weeks ago.  But, on the bright side, I got a nice year-end bonus and immediately placed on an order for FasTrack.

Rick Johnson rubber roadbed is the best thing for running on floors or carpet with tubular track..

There ya go!  Problem solved!  I believe you'll be very satisfied with using FasTrack for a carpet layout, although if the carpet pile is really deep, it still wouldn't hurt to provide something with less "cushion" as a base.

 

It never hurts to have extra fastrack. I have bought it a lot when it is cheap in the "buy sell" forum.

Wait, who am I kiddding? I buy all the train stuff I own for cheap on the "buy sell" forum. Thank you OGR Forum. Might be the only way I am able to afford this hobby

 

Congrats on your bonus and Merry Christmas!

Roger, that.