Laying track

LancerOGR Forum Member

My track is on its way here and I started building the base for it. My question is (probably simple) but how do you guys do the roadbed?

I picked up a case of cork from my LHS and do I lay all the track out then trace it for the roadbed or....the guy at my LHS said to lay all the track then just lift it up as I go and slide the roadbed under it.

I will be using gargraves and only 4 pieces of lightly bent flex in it.

Also, do you recommend I paint the plywood first like a darker grey/black or leave it and cover it with scenery.

Thanks fellas!

11/30/143:14 AM

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LancerOGR Forum Member

Thanks John, I'll be sure to do that!

11/30/145:00 AM

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drodderOGR Forum Member

When I started my layout I layed the track, used cork board tacks to hold it in place and traced the layout. Then I pulled up the track and installed the cork. That's the simple version. I use a 1/2" plywood "shim" under my track to add more depth for the scenery, it's 3 1/4" wide. Then I pit down the cork. This gives you a more 3D area to model diches or streams or whatever.

Dan

11/30/147:55 AM

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PingmanOGR Forum Member

Lancer, if you are only using a "four pieces of lightly bent flex track," go ahead and lay the track and trace it; then, come back and lay the cork. If you were using much more flex track, I'd have recommended laying the cork as the flex track was laid; it's easier to make the cork fit the flex track as its laid, than making the flex track conform to the pre-installed cork IMHO.

11/30/148:14 AM

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LancerOGR Forum Member

I'm assuming when I trace it I just trace along the outside of the ties?

11/30/141:15 PM

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drodderOGR Forum Member

Yes, what you are looking for is a way to mark the centerline of the track, some place to line the cork up with.

Dan

11/30/141:21 PM

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