with the the Woodland scenic foam risers… do I still need to put down roadbed or can I jsut put the track on the foam. Also what would you use to put the track down…
thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
I am also using the Woodland Scenics Foam risers for the first time. You will most definitely need to also use roadbed due to the gaps and nature of the foam material. To secure the roadbed to the foam I used construction adhesive for strength and flexibility during installation. As for securing the track to the roadbed, I have used white glue with a little added water as thinner and applied it with a 1" brush directly on the roadbed and then temporarily secure the track with thumbtacks. Once dry I then added spikes (track nails) although the glue does most of the work since the nails are not that firmly planted in the cork and foam surface beneath, again due to the nature of the material. However, ensure that you apply sufficient glue making certain that the entire track makes contact and is then allowed to dry thoroughly. Once ballast is applied you will have very solid track. You can probably get a better idea from the photographs on my layout project website. Good luck.
Stephan
Stephan
I used roadbed on mine as it gives a base to hold the ballast. I used yellow glue because it is a smooth surface. Some use latex caulk because it holds firmer and dries faster. I pinned down the roadbed with track nails and added weights. Have had no problems and continue to use this method.
Before I ballasted I formed a scenic ledge on the sides of the roadbed to prevent ballast from fallinf through the slots of the risers.
Ron K.
GrandFunkRailroad:
The best thing is to use a roadbed. I use Woodland Scenics foam roadbed. But I’m sure you can use cork as well if you want. Just glue it down on the risers and inclines with latex caulk. Then you use latex caulk again to glue the track to the roadbed. As easy as that.
What do you guys use to form the ‘ground’ on WS risers and inclines, the area between the edge of your roadbed down the your benchtop?
Jarrell
Jarrell, I just put plaster cloth along the edge of the roadbed and slope it off the risers, but depending on the scenery surrounding. Obviously if you are beside a rockface, you will do it a little differently.
thanks for the advice…
my local hobby shop told me to do the same with the plaster cloth…
Woodland Scenics has several inexpensive books, as well as videos, that show you everything you need to know to use their products. I have the videos and I was very pleased with them. I HIGHLY recommend that you get these videos and books, you will use them quite often, making them a worthwhile investment.
I caulked cork roadbed and track to the foam risers all at once using pins on curves. I then loaded the track with full soda cans for weight (HO). I think the rails keep everything parallel to the slope and eliminate dips and bulges.