Installing cork roadbed is the first step to laying reliable trackwork on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. In this video, David shows you basic techniques for preparing, cutting, fitting, and securing the HO scale roadbed along the main line, sidings, and on the sector plate. Plus, David also demonstrates how one specific product makes installing cork roadbed under turnouts a quick and easy process.
Olympia Logging Series: Part 8 – installing cork roadbed
By Angela Cotey | June 19, 2014
| Last updated on January 7, 2021
I am laying cork right now and using a hot glue gun. Makes laying cork a breeze, wonder if there is a downside to this like noise or something else. One thing that an oldtimer showed me many years ago at a club was sanding the cork before laying track. Thought he was crazy but man it works. Use an orbital sander and some medium to medium fine sandpaper. The result is a super smooth flat even surface, try it you won't be disappointed.
I can't seem to find where marking track center lines was covered. What am I missing?
David, maybe you will cover it later but I wondered why you used cork roadbed. Most logging track were laid straight on the dirt. Some modellers use it for sound deadening but I have found that when you ballast it negates the sound deadening purpose.
Bit of advice……Rule #1: NEVER make a cut with a knife, chisel, saw or anything sharp toward your hands!! If you need to hold something down to initially start a cut, use the push pins or a block of wood to hold it and then place your fingers at the far end to finish the cut. After 50 years of woodworking, my left hand scars will attest to this and thinks that the right hand is out to get it!
Good basic advice on how to lay the cork roadbed. I discovered that , if you have any cork sheet laying around (the same thickness as the HO roadbed), you can make your own turnout pads ; simply lay the turnout on the sheet, trace around it with a marker, then cut the cork with a very sharp knife. If you hold the knife at an angle, you will create the appropriate beveled edge around the outside – voila! – a turnout pad ready to go. I really think David Popp's videos are some of the best and most watchable around. Keep 'em coming!
Your comments re sleeper size for 2'6" gauge track reminded me that when I was learning what it was like to lay real track on Melbourne's Puffing Billy 2'6" narrow prototype we were using second hand broad 5'3" sleepers cut in half. They were still pretty heavy compared to the pen I used in my normal work.
Good tips on laying cork David, and the turnout pads are great products. Thanks.
David – one question. In the other project railroads you've used a construction adhesive material to attach roadbed. For the Olympia project your are using wood glue. Is there a specific reason for this change?
Very good video. I am preparing to start building a HOn3 layout and was wondering if N scale cork roadbed would work.