Cork roadbed

S

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
 
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..!!
 
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
 
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
 
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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