Cork laided on Woodland Scenics risers

Is this possible or do you have to use WS foam road bed? If so, what kind of glue should I use. I have read the forums on cork vs. WS foam. There is pros and cons. I’m leaning towards cork but have not thrown out the idea of WS. Also, do track spikes hold down track (Walthers) on WS?

Thank you for your time.

Scott

the times in the past when i have used the WS risers, i did put the foam roadbed down. i just used the WS scenic glue. worked just fine for me. i think it would make ballasting easier, if you had the roadbed down. me personally i liked the WS foam, i felt as though it was quieter. yes track spikes do work as long as your roadbed is glued down and dried good.

I prefer cork for one simple reason…you can sand it to the profile you want. That is something you cannot do with the WS stuff.

In terms of attaching it, PL300 construction adhesive is great for attaching pretty much anything to anything, and as a bonus, it is formulated for foam.

David B

Spikes will not work in the WS foam roadbed. “Spikes” are those little nail like things that are about 1/4 inch long and the head is bent over to one side. Track nails are not spikes, but may work. Railroads do not use nails to hold their track down, so I don’t either.

I use low temp hot melt glue to hold the risers down and together. The long pins they sell are really helpful. I like the WS foam roadbed with flex track. Caulk holds it well, as does ballast.

Thank you for your time. Track spikes will not hold on WS?

Scott

It all depends on what sort of sand-paper grit you’re using… I’m using a ‘fine’ and then a ‘very fine’ grit of sand-paper in order to take off those “perfect” beveled edges along the side of the WS foam roadbed. And actually with the foam it doesn’t take long to do. What you don’t want to do is use a medium grit or rougher sand-paper. That just tears the foam-- just like you’ve sorta suggested.

If one doesn’t take off those beveled edges, it makes the roadbed look too perfect after ballasting.