Installing track roadbed?

[lgh2000]

Hi how should I go about this I've tried one length of cork and it turned out ok but it's really difficult any ways to make it simpler on the tricky curves? I am using woodland scenic's grass matt also. I mark down on the grass the track outline then i scrap it off after I wet it and add the glued up piece of cork. I'm coming into trouble now where i'm not sure what is the best way to keep the corners of the rounded track so nice and even any good tips?

 

[UP2CSX]

The first tip is not to use any type of grass mat under a roadbed. The roadbed should be secured to the base surface, be it foam or plywood. You can add scenery up to the tracks later. How exactly are you laying the cork roadbed? You should be laying it with one strip cut from the center first and then joining the other strip to complete the roadbed. It's much easier to curve this way than trying to curve the entire roadbed. What are you using to secure the roadbed to the base? I've found cheap latex caulk in a tube does a good job and it's cheap.

 

[stationmaster]

NO GRASS MAT!!!! I add the "earthy" stuff, grass, dirt, gravel, after the track has been laid.

Bob

 

[Selector]

I won't comment on the use of mats since I have no experience with them, but I would be certain to cut and trim them so that they abutted the base of the already-laid roadbed. As stated earlier by Jim, one's roadbed must be firmly fixed and very planar. If you have pitch and yaw along any one length of about 8-10", your track will nearly duplicate it. That spells trouble for some engines and rolling stock.

I think the really experienced guys will say glue the roadbed directly to "something" other than a loose or weaved surface. Plywood sub-roadbed, spline sub-roadbed...whatever that can be planed and sanded smooth.