TRACK UNDERLAY QUESTION.

[The Sligo Rover]

I have read various details for and against track underlay to reduce noise when running trains.
What is the general feeling, is it worth putting down a cork underlay and if so how thick, and how much of the running noise is it likely to reduce? My layout is on 12mm ply on the usual 50mm X 25mm framing.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, experiences and recommendations please.
Thank you in advance as always.

[Walkingthedog]

First question is do you intend to ballast the track?

If the answer is yes then using underlay to cut down on noise is a waste of time because the ballast will negate this.

Otherwise it is up to you. Me, I don’t use it.

[Bandit Mick]

Me neither. I like the sort of noise produced by no underlay - more sort of industrial/mechanical. Plus it’s cheaper without.

[Walkingthedog]

Railways are noisy places.

[bulleidboy]

I do use cork underlay under my track - and would agree with what you have already been told, that it does increase the noise. The reason I used it, was to slightly raise the track (about 2-3mm), so that when ballasted, there is the ballast shoulder either side of the track, as can be seen on real railway lines.