I am in planning stage of O gauge layout, using Lionel vintage engines, rolling stock, accessories…and O tubular track. I will probably use 022 switches. I have box full of vintage O rubber roadbed; I have never used this on any previous layout. Any tips, warnings, suggestions? I like the idea of keeping this layout true to the postwar production period. Thank you for your thoughts.
cbt - First off —>[#welcome].
Not sure on the “vintage” rubber roadbed, but I run tubular on JOHNSON’S Rubber Roadbed. Check out my CUMBERLAND EXTENSION update photos, and let me know if this is what you have…
[#ditto] to fife’s [#welcome] .
I have never used the rubber roadbed, I used the Woodland Scenics foam and it worked quite well. The only really important reccommendation, regardless of foam or rubber, is do not put screws/nails thru the metal ties into the plywood base.
I have used rubber roadbed with American Flyer trains and it looks nice, not used it with O gauge yet, bought plastic ties instead. The thing that I noticed is that power lockons are harder to install unless you install them first then put the rubber roadbed over the track after the power clips are installed.
Lee F.
cbt - Got your email,and sent a reply (not sure it took). Just scroll thru the CTT forum, or type in CUMBERLAND EXTENSION update in the search box. Hope that helps.
Enjoyed your photos! I think I mis-spoke (mis-wrote?) implying that the rubber roadbed is “vintage.” I don’t think so, unless Malaysia was big into the market in the 50’s! The roadbed is market “Malaysia” on bottom. It resembles yours in apprearance, though it is black. Thank you for response.
Being new to the forum, I’ve already appreciated the friendly responses. I’ve collected postwar Lionel for 22 years; have had several layouts. Having recently moved, I’m starting over again with another one! Thanks again…it’s nice to know there’s a forum where fellow collectors-operators are so willing and eager to share. God bless … and Scatter Joy!
cbtrainman – Your roadbed is the Johnson stuff – I have one piece (a sample I got from them), and it’s black with “MADE IN MALAYSIA” on it. I gather that they once offered both gray and black, but something or other about a problem with the gray pieces turning green in exposure to light (??), so they stopped offering the gray.
IMHO, rubber roadbed is not postwar Lionel O gauge. Postware A.F. yes, but not Lionel. Don’t think I’ve seen or heard of any layouts using it during the Postwar era.
Could be wrong but that’s just my experience.
Mike sacco
Mike,
I do believe you are right! Thanks for response!
JOHNSON’S stopped making the grey version because it was cheaper to do so…
Now I do have some samples that did discolor (probably depending on how it was stored), but most of my stock is a nice tone of grey.