Underlay for tracks

[fgstf]

Got a cheaper option instead of cork underlay which would have cost us north of €400.00 this floor underlay cost us €150.00 approx and does the same job

[footplate1947]

Why do you want any underlay at all. And what is this stuff made of. I hope it is not a fibrous material because if it is it will play hell with loco mechanisms.

[fgstf]

It is non fibrous.... Yes I agree the for and against argument will always be there on the merits of using underlay.In my opinion it works, and we have found a cheaper option

[Ron S]

Underlay, once painted, reduces noise & stuff getting into loco mechs.

[footplate1947]

Cork gives you a firm base for tacking down points. Over time people have had issues with points bowing upward which causes some rolling stock and locos to derail. That is why it is better to tack down points not only on the ends but also in the middle of the points. To hold them flat and firm. Most points have holes provided for that purpose, but not all. If you lay a soft underlay it is no longer possible to tack points down firmly in the centre. The only thing you gain by using a soft underlay is less noise, but you leave yourself open to other problems which may outweigh the benefits.
Fact not an argument. I must say it looks nice
I rather like the noise the trains make as they travel along the track. Just like real railways. Try standing by the track next time you stop at a closed level crossing you can't hear yourself think let alone talk.

[Bandit Mick]

This topic has come up many times. Yes, the shoulder might look nice but if underlay causes track/points to not be flat then running qualities are compromised. As previous posts have pointed out, trains do not run silently over tracks. Still, it's each to their own but it seems a lot of extra work and expense - especially as once the track is ballasted a lot of the sound deadening qualities are lost.

[footplate1947]

It is non fibrous.... Yes I agree the for and against argument will always be there on the merits of using underlay.In my opinion it works, and we have found a cheaper option

Much cheaper and firmer to pin it down on the base board Ply top. I would rather spend £150 on new loco or something.

[RSR Engineer]

Just read this thread with much interest. As can be seen from the pix I've published of the new RSR layout, the hidden tracks on the lowest level are laid on "Selit" floor underlay, which undeniably makes for quiet running. However, there are plans to lay a centre third rail and stud contact on part of the layout to accommodate Hornby Dublo and Märklin, and this Selit does not provide a firm enough base. I can just imagine the fun I'd have laying Peco Streamline stud contact strip on that stuff. Even installing a continuous third rail, especially through points, where the height difference is critical, would be tricky (and probably frustrating enough to drive you bonkers) if you've no relatively solid base to fix everything down on. I'm grateful to members for raising this point, as it has certainly given me food for thought about how to proceed.

Cheers,
Artur

[RAF96]

I tried laminate floor underlay tiles (Wickes) as an in lieu for cork, but binned it on the next layout.

It was like a green soft hardboard with a textured side that seemed ideal as a base for landscaping, rather than shiny like hardboard.

It took track pins easily but warped after wet ballasting, whereupon the quiet running qualities were also lost.

Now I lay track straight onto ply bed boards.

[yelrow]

i have never seen the need for underlay. We are supposed to be modelling Real Railways. They have, no underlay. As for noise suppression, WHY. Real trains dont have it. There is nothing better to me than 3 rail locos running on Tinplate track. Here we are in the age of sound locos and guys want noise reduction ????????. Save the wasted money, and spend it on a loco. Model railway noise, is meant to be enjoyed, and track, laid direct on ply. john