Roadbed

[cfinchum]

Ok. layout is down and wired for dcc. Hooked up a dc power pack and ran test runs using a dc loco to test power and track. Now laying roadbed using WS foam roadbed. Some years ago I heard about using ho cork roadbed for the main [I have HO scale] but using N-scale cork roadbed for sidings. Would this work using WS roadbed. My layout is on 1 inch foam over plywood. Thanks for any reply.

 

[mike8693]

so you laid track and wired it and now ur taking it up and putting roadbed underneath?

 

[cfinchum]

Yes. To test all connections, any track problems with turnouts or any need to make changes without ripping up any roadbed.

 

[RexHea]

Uh, am I missing something. How you going to get the roadbed under the track? Normally, you would lay the roadbed then the track. Testing can be done after that.

To answer your question, the choice is yours: cork or WS foam. Both can be used anywhere on your layout, for anything. Remember: It will be covered with ballast and your not going to see it anyway. I personally prefer the WS foam and have found it easier to work with.

 

[cfinchum]

OK. I laid down track and connected it on the foam. Did test runs, checking for kinks, bad connections that sort of thing. Then marked the track, it was held down with some track nails in foam. Lifted the track up and and begin laying down roadbed along the lines I had traced. If there is any need to move track or rearrange a siding or spur, I did not want to have roadbed glued down without any way to make changes. I only want to put this stuff down once. So that's why I did a test on the layout first. I hope this explains it better.

 

[RexHea]

Ahhhh! OK, I understand what you did now.

 

[cfinchum]

Many years ago I used cork. Now getting back into the hobby. I had heard of people using Ho scale for their mains but using n-scale for sidings and spurs for a more realistic look. I'm using WS and was wondering if anybody had done this using WS n-scale roadbed for sidings and spurs. Thanks.

 

[lmackattack]

I did the same thing as you. I layed out the track with temorary tacks, test run trains, then lay the roadbed and track permantly. I think the reason some people use diffrent scale roadbeds is that sidings are commonly at a lower grade and are not maintenced as well as the mainlines. this gives the sidings a more flush grade with the earth around them. I did not use diffrent road beds for my spurs but it was just my choice.

 

[cfinchum]

That was my thought. I think I'll try the WS foam n-scale for spurs. I was just wondering if anybody had already done it and what they thought.