Cork in a Stunting Layout

[GNRi1959]

I'm about to lay 3mm cork under my track bed. On looking at pictures of the Goods Yard and sidings at Omagh, there is little ballast and the 'shoulder' of ballast around the yard and sidings have disappeared. If that is the case, would it be acceptable to lay cork across the entire baseboard area and save me the trouble of cutting cork either side of the sleeper line. The ballasting would form some shoulder - would it be enough?

See photo below......

Edited March 22, 2018 by GNRi1959

[BosKonay]

or just lay the track on the baseboard (assuming it's clean and level).

Slow areas like yards and such wont' make noise as the real noise only comes from trains at speed.

[GNRi1959]

BosKonay, the ply is new, clean and level. Locos won't reach any speeds worth talking about however the cork does add a little cushion to the firm 9mm ply surface.

 

[Noel]

In yards ballast shoulders rarely existed because the surface was relatively flat as per your photo above.  So either direct to baseboard, or lay the cork across the entire baseboard which has the advantage of taking track pins a little easier than ply.

Edited March 22, 2018 by Noel

[GNRi1959]

Noel, the sounds coming from locos on the bare ply are quite realistic at the moment without the cork. Might just lay it direct without cork.

[Glenderg]

In yards, you'd be lucky to see a sleeper! Pack it to the hilt, wee dash of diesel to finish off  

[GNRi1959]

It will certainly make it easier to lay track, bore holes under tie bar for point motors and fit dropper wires. I may not need to use the extension rods provided on Gaugemaster point motors to throw the points. I think i'll just leave the bare ply as there will be a better bond for PVA and scenics.

 

Edited March 23, 2018 by GNRi1959

[Mike 84C]

I have used cork floor tiles from diy store Wickes. The sealed ones used sealed side down, it does make a difference if a chassis is noisy.  There is a company in Walsall who supply cork for all sorts of purposes Charles Cantrell. I bought 7mm thick strips that they sell as expansion joints for wooden flooring. They curve beautifully and two side by side are good for a single track main line. Browse their website for ideas. Just a satisfied customer.

[GNRi1959]

6 hours ago, Mike 84C said:

I have used cork floor tiles from diy store Wickes. The sealed ones used sealed side down, it does make a difference if a chassis is noisy.  There is a company in Walsall who supply cork for all sorts of purposes Charles Cantrell. I bought 7mm thick strips that they sell as expansion joints for wooden flooring. They curve beautifully and two side by side are good for a single track main line. Browse their website for ideas. Just a satisfied customer.

Mike84C, I just got on with it and stuck down 3mm cork from a 10metre roll I bought at reasonable cost. Its down now and to be honest does nothing for sound in a shunting layout but just adds a little bit of depth of sleeper height and improves appearance. I am now ready to drill for point motors, fit droppers and fix track with pins to run serious tests.

I also need to get the baseboard joints sorted with copper clad strips.

Edited March 26, 2018 by GNRi1959

[Weshty]

Ballast shoulders.  So there is a name for the shape of the ballast on a mainline.   Nice one.