"Roadbed" for O27 track

I think it will work, and will look OK once ballasted......but, I'm afraid it will be noisy.  I will step back and see what others think.....

Peter

Deuce:

You can go that way and it will work. I buy cork sheets to use where needed (turnouts where I can't find ready made patterns, large crossovers etc) but I use Midwest cork for all straights and curves. The cork is flexible enough to set in a curve but you will need to screw or glue it down to keep it in place. I use screws that go through the track ties. If you paint the road bed first be sure you use it in a timely manner. I have some old roadbed I painted. It tends to stiffen up and not bend with age.

If you stay with your method try cutting slits in the cork on the inside of the curve. They will make a curve much easier. This is an old woodworkers trick for bending thin strips of wood where it will not be seen.

Joe

Putnam Division posted:

I think it will work, and will look OK once ballasted......but, I'm afraid it will be noisy.  I will step back and see what others think.....

Peter

My outer loop is FasTrack. Noisy isn't going to be an issue. 

I had forgotten about using foam board. So I'll look into that. What brand do people use that is easy to cut/mold, firm enough to hold track, and good at cutting down on excessive sound?

Do people screw through the foam board into the plywood/OSB board underneath, or just screw into the foam board itself?

I put the pink foam board they use to insulate houses, applied to the outside of the house, I believe, on top of my OSB.  I used 1.5" R-Board.  Then on that I used Woodland Scenic's foam track bed.  The only thing you hear on my layout is the train sounds coming from the speaker, including the sweet clickity-clack programmed into Protosound after it's been running for a while.  I love it.

Hi Deuce- me again...

I used a cork sheet and cut it to the size needed for curves and straights. I bought it at Michael's Art and Craft Supply. I didn't glue it down but wish I had. The ballast does cover it though.

https://www.michaels.com/artmi...k-roll/10210604.html

RSJB18 posted:

Hi Deuce- me again...

I used a cork sheet and cut it to the size needed for curves and straights. I bought it at Michael's Art and Craft Supply. I didn't glue it down but wish I had. The ballast does cover it though.

https://www.michaels.com/artmi...k-roll/10210604.html

It was your post that got me thinking about what I should put underneath (if anything) my track.  There is a Michael's in Myrtle Beach. I suppose I can check there next time I'm in the area. Didn't see any at Hobby Lobby here in town.

I use roof tiles on my 027 layout. They are inexpensive, easy to cut, available in many colors and easy to add or change. 

lots of stuff available on line to order if you don't mind waiting.

Bob

RSJB18 posted:

lots of stuff available on line to order if you don't mind waiting.

Bob

Wait? I do not know of this word ...

LMAO!!!!

I used indoor/outdoor carpeting as my roadbed/noise reducer.  Bought sheet of it (grey) at the home Depot.  Cut it into strips the width of the track...corner pieces got slits on BOTH sides every inch or so.  Inexpensive, and looks OK without ballast (I glued ballast on mine).   John A