I have discovered a new way of laying all the essentials of laying track, through the help of a friend. 1)Supplies Top-It Foam Truck Top Insulator. The stuff put between the sides of a truck bed and the winter cap. Clear window sealing flexible Caulk Track Ballast Fine Tooth Comb 2)Lay down truck tape which has a sticky adhesive on one side -It comes in many colors and is the same size as most HO scale roadbed but can also be cut down for N or Z 3)Lay down a line of caulk on top of the tape 4)Spread out with the comb following the lay of the tape. 5)Place track down onto caulk and hold firmly in place for a little while then spread your ballast. 6)DONE I know there will probably be a few questions I will try to answer them as best I can I will post again of the details on the entire process. Eric
I think there was an article on this in Model railroader last year some time sounds like an excellent approach. I keep meaning to test it out to compare with AMI and with good old cork. Anyone else with experiences of these approaches?
Eric, Usaully I glue down my old fashioned cork and then lightly sand it to smooth out all the high and low spots or any bumps. How do you go about getting the sticky foam tape smooth and flat!
I too glue my roadbed and track down. I have used liquid nails, yellow glue, and adhesive caulk. I like your idea about using the fine toothed comb to trowel the caulk out. One question, do you apply the ballast while the caulk is still wet or do you wait until set and ballast the usual way?
By 'caulk' do you mean good old silastic? This seems like a great 'cheats' way of laying track....sound deadener, and easily removable. Be a bugger cleaning the track again if you ever had to lift it, but its sure gonna be less destructive than using pins.
It comes in a roll it is automatically flat. If there is a problem with bumps try either flattening the scenery or a good ole exacto knife and do a little shaving. After all you will just be putting ballast over it any way. Eric
I apply while we, yes wet, because the caulk dries clear. Then if some seeps through you can either Add some ballast over the old way. Use a very water thinned paint almost to the point of clear and lightly dab over the area. Eric
You can use any clear caulk. I have a whole bunch that i got from an auction so not sure who made them. But experiment a little. You want one that gives about 1/8 of an inch flexibility on either side of the track so when the season changes and the boards warp it automaticlly adjusts to it makes life A LOT easier. If the caulk isn't what you are looking for... Hey you could always seal up the window and doors a little ahead of schedule. Eric
Actually, where do you get that foam? Its sure not available in Aus (that I am aware of) because our weather doesnt get that cold. Would it be available in SoCal (doesnt snow there either!) ??
