Cork roadbed

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slufoot733

New Member
Sep 20, 2007
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I am working on a new layout and am near starting my track work. Digging through my old supplies I find I have two different types of cork roadbed. One is dark brown, somewhat soft and very flexable. The other is a much lighter brown (nearly tan) in color and is much stiffer. The dark brown is much better to work with. I think it is Atlas brand but I'm not sure. I have no idea what brand the tan stuff is.

Can anyone suggest where to get the dark brown type roadbed? I believe I ordered it years ago from Standard Hobby Supply. I can order there again but was wondering if this was the type they carry. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin
 
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steamhead

Active Member
Apr 16, 2005
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Brownsville, TX
Hi...I've used Midwest cork roadbed for all of my layout. It's flexible enough and the price is right (I think...). I believe I've purchased it from Walthers and Internet Hobbies.
Good luck..!!
 
N

nachoman

The light tan may be so because it is old and dried out. You may try soaking it in some water for a few days to see if it softens up.

Kevin
 
P

pgandw

Active Member
Jul 9, 2005
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slufoot733 said:
I am working on a new layout and am near starting my track work. Digging through my old supplies I find I have two different types of cork roadbed. One is dark brown, somewhat soft and very flexable. The other is a much lighter brown (nearly tan) in color and is much stiffer. The dark brown is much better to work with. I think it is Atlas brand but I'm not sure. I have no idea what brand the tan stuff is.

Can anyone suggest where to get the dark brown type roadbed? I believe I ordered it years ago from Standard Hobby Supply. I can order there again but was wondering if this was the type they carry. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin
Click to expand...

Kevin

Thanks for reminding me why I gave up on cork roadbed. All of mine eventually dried up and started crumbling - even some stuff new in the box (but stored for about 7 years). Now that I'm in Colorado, I can't see cork surviving very long at all. Even with a humidifier on the heating system, I don't think I will ever get the dew point above 45 degrees F up at 7500 ft elevation.

My preference is for Homasote for roadbed.

This is not to say others haven't had better success with cork than I. They obviously have. So I come up with 2 possibilities: 1) there is a distinct difference in the longevity of cork from different manufacturers; and/or 2) ballasting the track seals the cork and significantly lengthens the time it takes to dry out.

just my thoughts and experiences
 
W

Wildcatfootball

Member
May 12, 2006
138
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Pacific Northwest
I'm also working with the Woodland Scenics stuff, and I love it. Biggest thing for me was the no soaking bit. For the money, you also get twice as much material in the Woodland Scenics, at least at my LHS.
 
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