I’m a complete beginner when it comes to building layouts. I bought some cork roadbed but the I thought I might have some terrain difference on very some module. Should I use foam, or cork roadbed to elevate the track?
Thanks
Why would you have a terrain difference? Are you building a module for use with other modules? If so, refer to the NTrak manual for specifications. All modules are to be built to these specifications to insure compatability between modules.
If you are building sections (modules) for your own layout, you can mix and match different roadbeds as long as you adjust the adjoining sections to align with each other.
There is a difference between sections and modules. Modules have specifications that EVERY module builder must follow to insure compatability between modules. Sections are separate parts of a layout that are designed to attach to other corresponding sections but are not necessarily compatible with any other section or module. Sort of like the difference between “turnout” and “switch”. The words are often used interchangably, and such usage is often confusing. Turnouts are the track pieces for diverging routes. Switches are electrical devices. Modules conform to standards of compatibility, sections may not.
Then to further confuse the issue, some modules ARE sections. The module builder builds two or more section/modules that can only attach to themselves. Only opposite ends of the total section/modules are compatible with other standardized modules.
Not sure if this answered your question. If not, please re-post your question and give additional details of what you want to do.
Darrell, wordy, but quiet…for now
Is it better to use foam to raise the track like ballast or is it better to have cork roadbed raise the track. I’m going to use the roadbed or foam to save some of my ballast and raise the track so I just put ballast on the top and side of the roadbed.
I have used foam and cork as well as old Truscale wood. I now use WS foam becasue it is easier and faster and I think looks better. I glue it down with latex caulk and then glue the track to the foam with latex caulk (clear). I think it is infinately easier than the older ways. I use WS foam roadbed just beause it is easy. I have not cut roadbed out of extruded foam, its too hard, but have laid track directly on the extruded foam in the backwoods yard. Still glued down with latex caulk.
It really doesn’t matter too much either way. Foam roadbed from Woodland Scenics is generally cheaper per foot than cork. I’m not sure what you mean when you say to raise the roadbed to save on ballast though. It will actually take a little more to cover the slopes of the raised roadbed. Model railroad track is not installed like prototype track, it isn’t laid on top of a bed of ballast, the track is laid down first, either directly to the bench top, or on raised roadbed (which is mounted directly to the bench top), then ballast is used to give the illusion of a finished bed.
Both work well, go for which product you can get at the best price.