Sorry if this has been discussed before, I tried searching but didn’t find anything. I’ve heard of HO modelers use N gauge cork for roadbed instead of HO gauge. What would be the advantage to this?
Depending on what type of track you are modeling, you can use both. For your “mainlines” you can use HO cork. For your sidings you can use N cork so that the track will be lower and look less used and maintained.
It is not as high …
A good thing if you want to model a scene where the track is not so raised, or if you want some track (like a mainline) to be raised higher, and some (like a siding or spur) to have a lower profile. You can also lay some track straight on the plywood for track with a very low profile.
Smile,
Stein
About 1/8th of an inch. Many modelers prefer the lower profile of "n"gauge cork. it looks better on branchlines and the transition to your basic table(wood or foam) is easier to maintain. If you’re using foam you can cut down foamlower for a deep profile. Bill Darnby does this on his “Maumee Route” mh.
I use the HO size cork roadbed for the mainline and the N scale roadbed for sidings. For some of the really old industries, I attach the track directly to the plywood.[;)]
I wish I had. I think the visual effect would be very dramatic.
I model a short line and I use N scale cork for the main lines and no cork for more aged/less-maintained track. I used code 70 standard gauge track for the whole layout. I feel that it gives a good representation of the early 20th century and that HO cork is more contemporary in height and profile. I also like the way the ends of the ties protrude through the ballast.
Here’s a picture:
An alternative solution would be simply to use Sculptamold or a similar product to raise the level of the surrounding terrain where you want a lower profile.