Cork roadbed
Anytime I've used cork roadbed, I've soaked it in warm (Not Hot) water for 10 Minutes. It makes it very pliable.
Yes you can soak it longer. I just put the entire box in the water, when the water gets cooler, just add more hot water.
My first N gauge layout, I didnt even have to split the cork in the places that were not visible. We stapled down about 50' of cork in an evening (2 people). Just line it up & tack it down, we held the stapler so the staples would line up with the center line, that way they were covered by the ties. We used a magic marker to color them black. No-one ever saw them once the track was laid.
Soaking it makes a world of diference. Let us know how it works!!! -- Mikey