Cheap builder here (real gravel)

When time permits,  I hunt for small piles of (Real Gravel) and fill a small coffee can to take back home and use window screen to filter and clean the small gravel for my road bed.

Just an old Idea I have used for many years.

boudreaux,  Bayou Crest Express R.R.

can even add some color gravel if needed.....

I use 1/8" cork

I buy sheets of it a Rona and cut it down into strips for roadbed.

Rick, I am pleased to hear

Rick,

I am pleased to hear this. I will shop for 1/8th inch cork this week. 

1/8" Roadbed

Many years ago there was a product called Upson Board (a pressed paper product). We used it quite extensively as it had excellent sound deadening qualities It was discontinued because of the use of asbestos. Now there is a company in PA that sells a new version called UpsonLite (no asbestos). It comes in a couple thicknesses and texture (3/16" is one variation)It runs about $25 for a 4' x 8' sheet sold in pallets of ten sheet only.  We purchased the new stuff and it also works really well. Yes this can be a pricy way to get what you want but it is available.

Cheryl

Cork roll...

I used rolls of cork, like this:

1/8" cork roll

Randy

1/8 th inch

   I too use the roll cork for this thickness but I guess I could also use plywood or masonite in a pinch. I get my cork on ebay in rolls about 2 feet wide by maybe 6 feet long then cut it to roadbed width ....DaveB

What about N scale

Roadbed?

Cork sources

I got my sheet cork in 2'x3' squares, 2mm (0.078", roughly) thick, from a local flooring store - simply bought 20 extra sheets, over and above what they provided for my flooring.  They had many options, from 1mm to 4 mm.  We glue it down with carpenter's glue.

I use it for yards, etc.  And Midwest cork for my HO mainlines.  The 2mm can be doubled up, or tripled, as the occasion demands.

Blair

HI Deemiorgos, I purchased a

HI Deemiorgos,

I purchased a roll of 1/8" cork for bulletin boards a few years ago from my local lumber yard...it was a special order item.

You might also try stationary, office supply or arts and craft stores.

I'll go there...

Dear Deem,

3mm Foamcore is just about 1/8", and has been used as a laminated roadbed material for some decades now...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

1/8” Homabed

Hi Dee,

I have a small quantity of 1/8” Homabed and would be willing to part with, would you be interested?

Bill

Dee, I think I have solved

Dee, I think I have solved your problem.

Pick up/order some N scale cork roadbed...it's 1/8" thick and the tie ends of HO, code 70 track fit on it perfectly. Don't separate the two pieces just lay them flat and the only challenge is that you will have to build up/shape the edges with scenery material (Scupltamold, ground goop, etc.) to get a taper but you would have to it with any sheet cork any way.

Barry

I didn't realize the variety

I didn't realize the variety of options. Much appreciated.

My wife already bought me some 1/8th cork sheets, but I still like the other options mentioned.

Using N scale roadbed is something I totally overlooked.

Thank you Bill, I'd be

Thank you Bill,

I'd be interested in that homabed for future modules. Did you cut it yourself or is it a commercial product like California Roadbed?

Busy day here, but I will get

Busy day here, but I will get back to all of you.

Homabed

Dee,

What I have is original Cal Roadbed. I wish the company was still in business they made a great product.

Bill

At this time there is no

At this time there is no provider of homosote, roadbed other than cutting your own out of 1/2",4x8' sheets.

Barry

I wish they were still in

I wish they were still in business too, Bill.

Send me an email with details if you can.

Cheers,

Deem.

Vinylbed/Flexxbed

I was going to reccommend Vinylbed that I have used a lot of.

Now produced under the Flexxbed name

Thinest is 3/16"

A quick search will find it.

Howard Garner
 

My wife got me this so I will

My wife got me this so I will give it a go.

Howard, I check out their

Howard, I check out their site. This would be ideal for a future layout with a mainline.

1/8" thick.

Our local Dollar Store (Dollarrama) has rolls of 1/8" cork, 2'x4' I purchased 2 sheets for my yard. I can't remember if they were $2 or $3 each.

Dollar store

One can find some useful stuff there. Lots of wire strainers, storage jars,etc. for scenic purposes. I also like their foam core boards as the paper pulls off easy leaving a clean thin foam sheet ,great for parking lots and other paved areas..DaveB

I got a few sheets of cork,

I got a few sheets of cork, but is there a way to flatten it out?

I want to cut strips out of it and would be probably easier if I could it to stay flat.