Fast Tracks

This might be a little out of topic. Please remove it if you feel that it should not be posted here.

I have done some experimenting with a new way of building sub roadbed. I used three parallel PVC pipes screwed down at the bottom of the pipe.

Then I added cork roadbed on top glued down with latex caulk.

Sorry for the bad image quality.

I can see many advantages with this way of building sub roadbed. It's easy to build curves and grades. It's fast and easy to build. No masonite strips to cut and glue. The only thing I wonder is...

What do you guys think?

Is there a particular type of adhesive you recommend to use with this? Have you encountered adhesives that suggest they might not bond well over time?

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MikeM

I use regular latex caulk to glue the cork to the pipes and the track to the cork with no problems at all. I wonder if the plastic pipes will expand and contract less then wood?

Hmmmm..... very interesting. I would be very interested in how this turns out for you. My only concern would be that the hollow nature of the tubing would cause it to amplify the sound of the wheels over the rail in the way a hollow guitar does. Still very interesting.

Let us know how it works.

JRL

I personally use 4" thick foam as the base board and a clever little Aussie invention to glue the track and ballast to. It's flexible, so it can be shaped after glueing to whatever radius, provided you are using flex track. It's then a matter of using regular fixing pins to hold the assembly to the baseboard. As it's foam, just push it through with your finger. Obviously it's very easy to remove should the need arise. And it is virtually noise free.

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Now waiting for a better currency exchange rate before I order.