I’m currently building a new layout and I’m using 1/2-inch plywood with 1/2-inch homosote bonded to it. I glued cork roadbed to the homosote for the mainline and passing tracks (code 83 rail) but the industrial yards and spurs (code 70 rail) will be attached directly to the homosote and they don’t need a high-profile roadbed. I transition the mainline to the yards with a short length of cork roadbed that I sand with a small power 1/4-sheet sander to gradually taper it from full height at the mainline to the homosote in the yards.
I used AMI instant roadbed which sticks just fine to primered plywood. Track lays out well on the bed and with a little weight sinks in a bit although i did spike a lot of it just in case. If you want to change something just pull the spikes and pull the track and bed up. I used it in a spot where i messed up and had to move a whole line over and it worked a treat. It seems as quiet or quieter than the WS stuff on mains so no worries there. Twice the price of the foam but i think worth it. J.R.
the local hooby shop uses a cork sheet on there switching layout.
Keep it simple, I going to use clear pine strips. Since I handlay all my rail, i’m not even going to use ties in the stagging yard except under all turnouts.
This what I use d for my layout. IT is made by Armstrong and called Armaflex insulation tape used in plumbing applications. This came in a 30 ft roll, 1/8" thick and 2" wide. this tape is self sticking and if have to be stretched and stays down. On turn outs have cut and fit, and on curves alittle bit more work.
I like this stuff for the self sticking, the width and the thickness. I believe other companies makes this type of product. I bought this at Homedepot, paid about $ 9.00.
Its a Sunday, ready to lay down road bed, LHS closed and gotta do this, this product may be a good subsiute, especially if a Homedepot or a Lowes is reasonably close by.