Something Different than Cork

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

[8D] I am sure somebody has discovered this great invention, but when you talk cheap about finding stuff to use on the railroad I am always looking. With the cost of materials going up, especially in our hobby when it comes to building products, I try and think of different products that can be used.
I was trying to find something different for the roadbed, I just didn’t want to go out and buy new cork for my new WTRR (Hub City Division), my fourth large railroad. It will measure 30’ X 30’. So, it’s off to Lowes. As I was walking down the aisles I almost got too excited when it dawned on me, pick up truck stripping they put around the top of the back to place the campers and covers on.
Sure enough, it is 1 1/2 inches wide, just shy, but guess what, it’s the perfect width for the track, and it is sticky on both sides, and cheap for a whole bunch of feet. The WTRR, Hub City Division track/roadbed has partially been laid with this product. It curves very well too.

The track is slightly elevated, but after ballasting and detailing, the profile is not bad. You can use nails to hold the track, then remove the nails later after the track begins to adhere to the roadbed stripping. Ballast also sticks, and it really give a nice profile edge.

Try it in a yard first, to get the hang of it. Once it stick to foam core it can really stays, as will the track.
Hub City

2

Thanks for the tip! Right now I am in the planning stages of building a new O-guage layout. The tip may come in handy when track laying begins. Thanks!

3

Sounds cool, nice and cheap? Personally I’m happy with WS foam. But hey whatever works for you!!

Great tip, how about some photo’s

Ken.

4

Topper Tape right? there was an article in Model Railroader about using Topper tape as roadbed. but personaly i like cork.

5

Thats what I used…I got 90 feet of it for $15. It makes trains really quiet too

6

Ahhh, quiet!! My next road WILL BE quiet.

Thanks for the tip.

7

Since this camper mounting tape is double-stick foam in a roll, it would probably come close to equalling the cost of AMI Instant Roadbed or the Woodland Scenics’ product, but should be available at any store that sells supplies for campers.

8

http://www.trains.com/Utilities/get_galleryfile.asp?idOLG={BB7D95BD-F7D8-4A89-BAF3-C7D38E36F710}1

Dated August 2003

You gotta cut and paste for it to work. I didn’t do it right.

I used 1/4 inch thick foam insulation from Lowes. It came in a block of sheets that was folded up to make a cube that was maybe 4’ x 2.5’ x 2’ and included enough material to do my whole layout and then some! Total cost; $20.00!!! [:D][:D][:D]