Siding Roadbed Q

[macjet]

On my HO siding I am going to use N scale cork roadbed. The question is whether or not I should lay it down as is 2 wide or cut in another strip and make it 3 wide. The 2 wide version is just short of the ties and 3 wide make it equal in width to HO cork.

Thanks.

Jacob

 

[sparkyftw]

You could just space out the 2 pieces to the right width. Fill the gap with some scrap foam or something just so you don't waste ballast.

 

[UP2CSX]

I'd go with the two wide also, just because I'm cheap. As Dan said, fill the gap with scrap foam or a strip of styrene down the middle.

 

[Rico]

I'd go with two wide as well, but butted up together on less traveled sidings so the ties stick over the sides. When you ballast it will build up to the ties but do leave some sticking out as per prototype.

 

[GWT&P]

I used rolled cork sheets that you can get at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. The thickness is the same as N-scale cork roadbed, and it's cheaper, plus, you can cut it any width you want. That came in handy with my double siding. I think they are 12" x 24".

 

[macjet]

The cost isn't an issue. It's a very small area between the HO step downs. Two, three max extra strips at $1.89 each. If I had a larger area then cost would play into it. However, my concern is with appearance. If the extra strip would look better then I'll go that route.

FYI: This is an HO Free-mo module. The main and passing siding are code 83 siting atop HO cork. The grain elevator siding will be code 70 atop N cork and the car storage for the elevator will be code 70 directly on the table top foam.

Thanks again.

Jacob

 

[jbaakko]

I used N scale road bed on on my switching layout. There's no need to push the roadbed beyond the ties, because once you pour on the ballast, no one will know, plus it hides better. It looks pretty good.