Homasote/Fibreboard/Micore for Roadbed

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Looking for current info re use of Fibreboard and/or Micore in lieu of Homasote for roadbed.

Also, looking for sources of Fibreboard and Micore in the NW 'burbs of Chicago.

Thanks!

2

Micore is a fiberboard. Menards(north suburbs of Chicago) stocks Micore 300 or can order it for you. A friend built his N scale Helix with the stuff.

Jim

3

Thanks, Jim, for your reply.

Our nearest Menards seems only to stock a fiberboard that contains ashpalt, something that I would not want on the layout.

Could you please advise which Menards you are referring to, so I can contact them to learn what their fiberboard is?

Thanks!

Bart

4

Menards lists Micore on their web site.Just have them order it.

Jim

5

For full disclosure, I own Cascade Rail Supply which makes Homasote roadbed. When I started my company I was looking at materials other than Homasote to make roadbed out of in order to get a material that was more consistent in thickness and less expensive. One of those I looked at was Micore. While the stuff works I would suggest to anyone thinking of using it that you carefully read the MSDS (material safety data sheet) on the stuff. It is primarily made from gypsum and has some real issues regarding your health. I rather quickly decided that my health was worth more than any savings using the material. In small quantities it is probably okay but I would hope people cutting it are using proper PPE.

6

Listen to Steve (above). He knows whereof he speaks.