The roadbed will provide a solid foundation and sound deadening for the track.
It is important the roadbed is level and smooth to provide the best running quality of equipment through the module.
Time spent getting the roadbed correct will make track laying easier.
I measured and marked the center of each endplate, then marked track centers one inch on either side of the center. Track center lines were then marked on the foam tabletop. Using a straight edge I placed the cork on the foam one half at a time I glued down the cork roadbed using latex caulking. I spread the caulk thinly on the underside of the cork and the foam. |
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| The table top was then painted to seal the cork. This protects against moisture changes that could cause the cork to shrink or swell. |
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| There was slight dip in the roadbed at one end of the module.
To correct this a piece of 1/32" balsa wood was glued, with wood glue, to the roadbed spanning the dip. Weights were placed on top of the balsa wood while it dried. |
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| After the balsa wood had dried completely, a long sanding block was used to sand the wood until the ends feathered into the cork. |
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| This left the dip filled and level with the rest of the roadbed. |
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| The roadbed edges were sanded to knock down the ragged edges and blend the balsa wood into the roadbed profile.
The tabletop and roadbed were given a second coat of paint. The module now has a flat, stable surface for the track to be laid. |
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