Anybody given any thought to staggering the joints on cork roadbed? I’m thinking about giving it a try. Any input?
I believe the first layout building video I saw back in the 1980’s RECOMENDED stagering the ends of cork roadbed. I don’t remember the reasoning, but it is recommeded.
I never done it any other way. It keeps the roadbed in line better and you get a lot less waste. When you go around a curve the inside piece ends up longer, cutting it would be wasteful. No need for symetery in your cork LOL. Another oldschool tip you might not get is to round the edges of the cork with an 80 or so grit sanding block before laying track. The round edges are easier to ballast and look better than sharp edges, or a burr if you break the pieces instead of cutting them apart. Fred
I couldn’t agree more. Definitly stagger the ends of the cork. There’s two good reasons for this that I know of. One: It keeps the line of the roadbed straighter. two: It’s sometimes hard to make a perfect butt joint, side by side on a curve.
Absolutely, a wonderful idea. I think you will find many others have had the same idea. [;)]
Thats what I was taught. Staggered joints are stronger and straighter. Fred - Good idea on the sanding of the lip. Think I will give that a try next time.
Terry[8D]
On curves especially you will find that staggering them will pay off in the end with less frustration mostly.
Stephen