Episode 4: Cork Roadbed

Small layouts can be a lot of fun to build, and if designed well, can also be fun to operate.

While Dan is waiting for his train room to be completed, he designed this portable N scale layout. Dan & Nichole plan to take the layout with them when they travel in their RV.

The layout is designed to fit on top of the RV's dinette table, and can be stored up in the camper bed above the cab when not in use.

The theme for the layout is the small fictitious coastal town of Siren Creek. Two small railroads meet here, a standard gauge line and a narrow gauge line. The era is the first half of the twentieth century.

This layout will be a challenge from a track laying standpoint, as Dan plans to build the layout with a combination of N and Nn3 track. Parts will be dual gauge.

Most of the track will need to be handlaid. This will take some work, but it also allows the track arrangement to be very flexible.

In this episode Dan adds roadbed for the track. For this layout Dan decided to use cork roadbed, a tried-and-true material that makes a nice surface for the handlaid track that will come later.

The tools and materials needed for this one are pretty minimal - a hobby knife, some carpenter's glue, weights, scrap wood, and some push pins.

Dan shows how to put down the cork to follow the pencil lines that he drew on the plywood, so that those lines will still be visible as a reference when laying track.

This kind of construction can be used in any scale, so even if you're not an N scaler you might find it of interest.

Join us for some model railroading fun!

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