Shaping 18" Curves with Foam Roadbed??

[tomsdad45]

I'm building a new HO layout, using WS foam roadbed over plywood for the main line.

I'd like to know the best technique(s) for laying the foam on the curves.

I know about soaking cork r-b, but just how do I get lengths of straight foam to curve??

Or does WS foam come in curves and my local hobby shop is ignorant of this.

I intend to use a water/glue/alcohol mix and track pins to secure the r-b to the ply.

 

[kenw]

One easy way to get flat things to curve and stay flat is to slit it from the edge that will be the inside of the curve to near (BUT NOT ALL THE WAY) to the outside edge. By removing material you will let it bend without bunching up along the inside curve. The outside edge will stll be solid and hold it all together .Think of a comb.

 

[UP2CSX]

In addition to Ken's suggestion, you should split either cork or form roadbed down the middle (it's usually precut for this) and lay just one half to start the curve. It's a lot eaiser to bend two halves into a curve than try to bend the whole thing.

 

[tomsdad45]

Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how it went.

 

[tomsdad45]

sliced it down the middle and it went brilliantly! Now all I have to do is wait for my Peco switch underlays to come in.

 

[UP2CSX]

Glad to hear it went well. It's not hard to do once you get the technique down.