Is it OK to secure track with glue directly onto 2" pink foam instead of using cork road base?
You might want to refer to the topic in this forum about attaching track to cork roadbed with latex caulk. I’ve not actually done it yet myself (I’m from the Homasote/track nails school), but I’ve read a lot about the method in this forum. From what I’ve read, you can use latex caulk to glue track to cork, cork to foam and track directly to foam. I would say that is what you would want to do in areas like freight yards and other areas not requiring a ballast embankment. I’ve also read that you should avoid using latex caulk that contains silicone because the silicone may prevent water-based paint and ballast glue from adhering properly.
Bob
It’s ok to glue track directly to foam but you’ll lose the protypical look of a roadbed in which railroads use to drain away water from the track bed. In either case you have to make sure everything is level because track follows whatever is beneath it. Un-even surfaces cause problems of derailment. The roadbed is’nt that expensive so personally I would install it to give your railroad a better look. Sand down any bumps or dips with medium sandpaper on a block but don’t use alot of pressure.You can find these imperfections with a straight edge. The roadbed easily obtainable and easy to use are cork and Woodland Scenics foam.The WS foam is cheaper if bought by the roll instead of by the piece.
Latex caulk is the way to go, but you might want to go with some roadbed under the track unless you’re doing an industrial area or something. Anyways, I use the latex caulk on everything. Foam, roadbed, track, it all gets caulked.