If so what do you think of it? Is it quite? Would it be good to build a sectional track layout.

My layout is Ross section curves and straights as well as Ross switches. There are also 7 Gargraves uncoupling/unloading tracks. All of these pieces, roughly 90 in all, are installed in Ross Roadbed. The layout surface is 1/2" Homasote glued to 3/4" plywood. All of the track is screwed down using Gargraves # 4 X 3/4" blackened screws (I think the stock # is # 108 or 808). Everything is ballasted into place as well.

I don't have the "rolling thunder" sound problem, but keep in mind the roadbed is 10 mm thick from the bottom of the track's tie to the bottom of the roadbed, then I have 1/2" Homasote. About the only noise I have is the actual train sound of metal wheel on steel rail, almost like a metallic whooshing sound as well as the typical rail joint "clicks".

From an appearance standpoint, after ballasting, the roadbed's look is breathtaking, especially the uniform "shoulders" look of well maintained track, much like the Erie Lackawanna's mainline through New Jersey when I was a teenager.







From a cost standpoint, adding the Ross roadbed to the total cost of track was a very small percentage of my overall purchase of track and switches.

Hope this info helps.

Pat,

How far down into the roadbed does the track sit? I can't tell from your pics. Just wondering because I like the look of the painted piece. I just don't want to see the ties sitting way up. I have been trying to get ahold of Ross but no one is answering. I think they will be a Syracuse this weekend. I had not planned on going but may decide too.

When you press the track into the Ross roadbed, about one half of the tie's thickness is below the surface of the roadbed. This photo, taken before I ballasted the missile railcar yard area, provides a birds-eye view.

I use the Ross roadbed under Atlas track, and like it a lot. The roadbed is glued to 3/4 plywood and track held down with wireraps. My trains run slowly--there is some noise, but not a lot. Hope this helps, Jim