Underlay for tracks

[fgstf]

3mm thick floor underlay by 20 meters (60 ft roughly) long and its moisture proof off local builders provider €150.00 about £129.00, as opposed to €450.00..£387.00 for cork in roughly the same length and it does the same job

[yelrow]

Why do you need underlay. most of us lay straight on top of ply. Seems an expensive add on. John

[fgstf]

Gives the rolling stock and trains a smother run its like a cushion between the hard base board and the track

Youtube .....Cork Underlay How To Video

[yelrow]

Whatever, you are happy with, I suppose. I don’t think it will catch on. Most of us get very smooth running with traditional method. If one is starting from scratch’ it’s another option, however.

[Walkingthedog]

In my view the best way is straight onto the board.

I used underlay in some form or the other for years but each time ended up removing it. Makes absolutely no difference to smooth running, particularly if you ballast the track.

[fgstf]

I would argue with respect .....that the rolling stock and trains have a more cushioned run, the underlay will absorb any lumps and bumps that the baseboard WILL have

[fgstf]

Ballast in my opinion is just decorative, and has no effect on the running of the layout........Again when the stock is running with a cushion underneath its smoother

[Walkingthedog]

Of course ballast is decorative as are fences, figures, trees and anything else you add that serves no useful purpose. Any way each to his/her own. Just make sure the board surface is absolutely flat otherwise the underlay will just follow the lumps and bumps.

[Bandit Mick]

Don't want to be rude but why waste money which can be put towards buying stock etc.

[yelrow]

I originally, put that, then thought perhaps, i should change it. There are no lumps or bumps in a correctly laid baseboard. Waste of money in my view also.