Hosts David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work together to install the roadbed sections used to support trackwork for the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) project layout. While a variety of roadbed material is available for all scales and track gauges, the guys focus on the process for adding strips of HO scale (1:87.1) cork roadbed. Follow along to glean numerous helpful tips and tricks!
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Jumping ahead, have you considered clipping 1/2 inch or so on one rail at each end of turnouts to avoid any rail gaps directly across from each other. On straight tracks too. Curves normally offset rail ends. Gives smoother trackwork.
Another method for laying cork roadbed for turnouts, especially when they are ganged together like these are, is to use a large cork roadbed sheet for the area and then cut out the cork sheet around the turnouts, making a beveled edge.
Keep up the good work – great series of videos!
Artie
I’ve used Titebond II to glue cork roadbed to 2” foam with no problems whatsoever. A benefit is that if I need to pull up the roadbed, a putty knife will get under the cork and free it with little to no damage to the foam. I also use this yellow glue to secure the track to the cork roadbed. Because it’s not water-soluble like white glue, it won’t fail during ballasting. I prefer yellow carpenter’s glue over caulk for ease of installation and less mess.
Now we come to my favorite part laying the cork road bed and also the foam strips. Layout is starting to take shape. I’m going to bookmark this video because I am also doing the same thing getting ready to glue my track down.
Since you used some foam roadbed on the next section in a roadbed demonstration, will you have any discussion on mating the two types later?