before i lay down my flex track, atlas code 80, what kind of roadbed should i use? is cork easyer to put on then the woodland senics? is cork better? How should i cut my flex track? what is the best way to glue down balast? thx for your time
I have always used cork. Works for me. I have some flush cutting edge nippers I made but the Xuron cutters are what most of my friends use. They give a good flush cut on one side that usually only needs to be debured with a file. The "waste" side needs to be trimmed flush before you can use it because it is quite deformed. I have used various saws before but they are not as quick. As for gluing down ballast, there is a lot of good advice in another thread that is active right now.
I use cork simply because it's easier to put down. You can draw the centerline of your tracks on your subroadbed and then apply the cork roadbed one half at a time. Works very well that way. I bought a Xuron track cutting tool for cutting flex, but I don't know if it works yet because I haven't gotten that far in the layout process.
I have always used cork, seems to hold up well and it is good for holding the pins I use to hold in place until ballast is down. Unfortunately that has been years in some places. As far as cutting flex. I have always used a dremel with the cut-off attachment. Use eye protection when cutting. Leaves smooth cuts and is quick and accurate. Besides if you have a layout, you should have a dremel tool, so many uses. Good luck, Bryan
i do have a dremal, but the cutting bit is too small. i found this out by testing it out on old track. the cut goes off on a slant. so i may use a rail saw or rail nippers, or i may get both for cutting track and cutting out eletric blocks.
I use the flex attachment to get a lesser angle. I have never had any problem even if the cut is at an angle.
i would get the flex bit in a heart beat, but i need to get other supplys. and i wont have $35.00 left over
Cork is much easier and follows curves very well. The Woodland Scenics black roadbed doesn't bend very well. Pricewise, the cork is cheaper in the long run.
