Rokuhan Track

After some more time I'm actually getting closer to starting construction on my first Z layout (more like getting closer to finalizing a track plan). After lots of debating I ultimately decided to go with Rokuhan track for a variety of reasons. First, cost, second I liked the variety over MTL (especially considering options coming down the pipe in their future), Ease was also considered since I'm building a layout that is on the smaller size it's nice not worrying about building blocks, etc. However, this did spring a new dilema which based on previous posts will probably spawn some debate. How are most Rokuhan users mounting your track? I plan on painting and weathering each piece (at least the visable ones). Are we using the mounting systems provided by Rokuhan? Are we gluing... glueing (whatever lol) each piece down? Any thoughts are appreciated...

I use double-sided foam tape. I recommended this to the BAZ group when building their Big Freight Yard, and it worked perfectly. There are pluses and minuses, but the pluses outweigh the minuses big time.

There are two approaches to using foam tape. One is to attach it first to the layout, then lay the track on top. The other is to apply the foam tape to the track sections individually first, then peel and stick the track pieces to the layout. Either way works, and you wind up with a nice, quiet layout that works flawlessly. It's a quick and clean method.

You can buy the tape at Big Box stores, some arts and craft stores, and of course online. Recommend sticking with the 3M brand as being the most reliable.

Jed,
I've been using double-sided foam tape. I cut pieces that fit between the lateral bracing on the underside of the track. It holds fairly well, but I'm not counting on it for the long term. Once I've got the track positioned the way I want it, and have tested it, I'm using white glue and ballast on the outside edges to add a bit more detail and mount it more permannently.

Mark

Thanks guys, foam tape had crossed my mind after seeing it on another forum, didn't know if it would hold... was planning on balasting so might switch to glue as well after

Jed,
I'm not sure I'd use just white glue. The underneath side of all the roadbed track is nonporus and pretty smooth. Also if you're going to use the Rokuhan power supply contacts, you need to be concerned about the glue getting into them. If you want to use an adhesive, I'd suggest something like latex caulk which does a better job of staying where you put it, although I haven't tried that method myself and the track.

Mark

Caulk does have a problem, as I learned first hand. If you do not apply exactly the right amount in exactly the right places, as you press the track into place, your track will sprout hundreds and hundreds of curly segments of white "grass" that grow along the rails where there are tiny holes that pass through the roadbed parts. The harder you push, the longer these sprouts get, and they become a serious mess to clean up. This is why I switched to foam tape. As long as the foam is just a little wider than the base of the roadbed, you will have more than enough surface area to make an excellent permanent bond.

I dont know what they have in the US but I use this grey acrylic caulk that sticks pretty good to the MTL roadbead track. It is the same shade of grey, and blends right in with roadbead. I do believe there is a beige and perhaps brown color out there too. Like I was told a long time ago by folks here online that acrylic caulk can be painted while the other stuff cant. I have also had to pull some track off that I had to redo later, and it does come off with minimum damage. Advantages are, I found some cheap no name stuff, I load it in the gun, and can do a lot of gluing, with minimum mess and it takes a little while to set, so I can make minor adjustments.

Looks like we're sticking with the tape for a while... I've been known to have a little a.d.d. when it comes to changing track plans so probably all for the best. Thanks guys.