Having committed to a layout design, I started putting the plan into action over the weekend by gluing down all of my roadbed on my Proto:48 Southern Pacific layout. I’ve used various roadbed materials in the past but this time I decided to go with a product that’s new to me: the foam roadbed from Woodland Scenics. This is readily available in my area – my local hobby shop even had some in O scale, which was pleasantly surprising.
The roadbed is supposed to be quieter than traditional cork, and it certainly seems like it will be. Since it’s my first time using this material, I also bought a bottle of the glue Woodland Scenics markets to install this. This adhesive is foam friendly and remains flexible when dry to help deaden sound transfer from trains to table.
Here are some overview photos of the roadbed, starting at the left side and looking towards the right:
While installing roadbed, I also cut some holes in the benchwork.
I decided an irrigation canal to serve the citrus groves would provide some visual interest. I opened up the baseboard and then installed a new, lower baseboard underneath. The railroad will span this canal on a concrete structure – an overgrown culvert, really – that will hide the plywood edges of the roadbed. In this way, I can keep the 3/4″ plywood intact over the span.
I also cut the benchwork in the staging area to accommodate the two below-grade inspection pits included in the Banta Modelworks kit for the SP’s Port Costa roundhouse. Given the layout’s height and the structure’s location near the fascia, these will be highly visible and a great detailing opportunity.
I’m now ready to start gluing down ties. I have some on order and I can work on the engine house while I wait for them to arrive.
The Model Railway Show 