After a year of not being able to work on my triains. I've finally gotten basic benchwork done ( need to get plywood instead of foam as base) I'm going with Atlas Junior Pretzel layout with a slight modifcation. I was wondering if I should go with Cork or is the Woodland Scenic roadbed just as good? Pher
I highly recommend the Woodland Scenics Trackbed. It's very easy to work with (especially compared to cork...), it is totally un-messy, and it's always soft. Though I've never actually worked with cork, I've been totally happy with the Trackbed, and I've used tons of it. As far as I know, cork has problems if it drys out, it seems like it'd be kinda messy to cut, and it's more difficult to bend into tighter radii without breaking---the WS stuff doesn't/cant break. The trackbed looks sharp too if you're the kind of person who never gets around to scenery...
Pher, I'ved used cork for years and never had a problem with it drying out. I think if you get it ballasted right away it seals the cork and it can't dry out. But with that said and done the next layout I am starting I will be using Woodland Scenics!
I hate to put a monkey wrench in this. I have used cork on several previous layout and love it. On the present layout I decided to change to Woodland scenic roadbed. The biggest mistake of my life.. It is to soft and spongy and will not hold the tracks on the curves. I have had to relay tracks in several locations as the roadbed gives way. expecially around curves...'Also I noticed that white glue does not hold well on Woodland Scenic Roadbeds.
I have used cork on all my layouts with no problems whatever, but have no experience with WS roadbed.
Now you went and did it!! I have always used cork like I said in previous post. This time I thought I would try something different. NOW I don't know? Maybe I should just stick with what I know works.
Hmmm... Just when I thought I'd get support on this one... I haven't had any problems with slipping/movement etc. but then again I used tons and tons of wire brad/nail things to hold in first the Trackbed while it dried, then I pulled them out and used a bunch again to hold the track while it dried. I also used wood glue, the yellow stuff, which has similar properties to white glue but dries waaay stronger. Maybe I've been doing it the hard way but I like the results. What about price comparison? Honestly I liked the Trackbed so much I never looked at cork, or it's prices. The Trackbed seems reasonably priced.
An old Addage,"If the proven design works, stick with it" my therory. Not that I'm ratting on the WS stuff, I've used Cork on every layout I've ever designed built, an the one I made for myself, years later, its still like it was when I first layed it! So, I'm sticking with the proven design!
I'm a long time cork user. "If it aint broke, don't fix it". Kinda like re-inventing the wheel or making a better mouse trap.
I don't think I've ever paid much attention to "who's" cork I've used. I could be wrong but I believe cork is cork. I get mine from my LHS, whatever they have in N scale. It's not very exspensive and I don't think the price varys to much. It's another one of those things that is usually cheaper if you buy in bulk.
Hmmm.... Suppose that would mean we'd still be using many "tried and true" things with that thought. No A/C, lasers, PC's, TV's, Radios, Solar cars, Hydrogen cars, Recycling....etc. I say try some with and some with the other. See how it goes. I've used the WS stuff on some displays I've done. They've been twisted, pulled, dropped, and boxed... tracks still holding. Haven't ballasted, yet though. Not being mean... Just keeping improvements going.
