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You might have the best plan for your model railway, but if the base lets you down, everything falls apart. Quite literally! You end up constantly adjusting, reinforcing, patching things up, trying to salvage the situation – and still the result is disappointing. With model railway cork underlay for the H0 scale, you can focus on what you truly enjoy – the passion for building – rather than battling an unreliable foundation. Cork model railway underlay is precise, durable, dampens vibrations, and easily adapts to the track layout.
Precise
Suitable for H0 scale
Reduces noise and vibrations
Easy to work with
Realistic appearance
Natural material
You probably have a few questions, so we've prepared the answers!
WHAT IS CORK UNDERLAY MODEL RAILWAY?
It’s a natural underlay for railway tracks used in layouts and dioramas, creating a realistic track bed. Precisely shaped 45° edges make it easier to cover the cork with modelling scatter, perfectly replicating a real railway embankment. The underlay is made from eco-friendly cork, which is lightweight, flexible, and helps to dampen noise and vibrations.
WHAT IS THE H0 SCALE?
The H0 scale (also written as HO) is the most popular scale in model railways, where everything is reduced to a ratio of 1:87 (1 cm on the model represents 87 cm in real life). It allows you to build realistic layouts, even in a home setting.
IS NATURAL CORK FOR H0 SCALE DURABLE ENOUGH FOR LAYOUTS?
Yes, compared to technical cork, it’s more flexible – making it easy to fit around tracks with tight curves. It’s durable, resistant to deformation, and doesn’t crumble, making it an excellent, stable base for layouts.
CAN YOU PAINT CORK UNDERLAY MODEL RAILWAY?
Yes, which means you can create realistic landscapes – from green hills and rocky cliffs to desert scenes. The best options are cork paints, but acrylic, latex, and dyes for natural materials also work very well.
DOES MODEL RAILWAY CORK UNDERLAY REDUCE TRAIN NOISE?
Yes, it dampens vibrations, making your trains run more quietly. Its natural structure acts like a shock absorber, reducing the vibrations that travel through the layout base.
WHAT COLOUR IS NATURAL CORK FOR H0 SCALE?
It has a warm, light brown shade. It’s perfect for recreating features like railway embankments and forest paths.
IS CORK UNDERLAY MODEL RAILWAY EASY TO CUT?
Yes, it’s a flexible material. You can quickly and easily cut it using a knife for cork.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN MODEL RAILWAY CORK UNDERLAY?
Cork doesn’t need any special care – simply dust it with a soft brush or blow it clean with compressed air. For heavier dirt, you can gently wipe it with a damp cloth. Just remember to avoid soaking natural cork in water, as this can damage its structure.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADHESIVE FOR FIXING NATURAL CORK FOR H0 SCALE?
It’s best to use adhesives for natural cork – they bond well and won’t cause it to crumble. Wood glues also work well for securing cork in place.
Modelling isn’t just a hobby – it’s a passion and a precise art. If you’re building railway layouts, architectural models or dioramas, you know how important it is to choose the right materials. You don’t want to waste hours on repairs or, worse, struggle with components that crumble. Model railway cork lets you focus on your passion, not on fixing problems.
#1 PERFECTLY SUITED TO H0 SCALE
Model railway cork is 100% compatible with the scale – it has the right thickness and 45° bevelled edges, perfectly replicating a railway embankment. There’s nothing more frustrating than a layout where trains rattle, bounce, and shake like they’re on a rough road. Natural cork dampens noise and absorbs vibrations, keeping the tracks stable and the trains running smoothly.
Tracks on a poor base are a fast track to derailments and constant repairs – and nobody enjoys that. Natural cork provides a stable track bed, so you can forget endless fixes and focus on what you truly enjoy.
#2 A LAYOUT THAT LOOKS NATURAL
Competition modellers choose cork – and it’s no coincidence. There’s no room for compromise; everything has to look perfect. With natural cork, you have full control over the details – and it’s the details that make the biggest impact.
Tracks, roads, hills, and green spaces all look just like they do in real life. A cork-based layout has depth and character, something synthetic materials simply can’t match.
Whether you’re recreating old steam routes, the diesel era, or modern railways, model railway cork fits seamlessly into any scene.
#3 QUALITY AND EASE OF USE
If you’ve ever built a layout using low-quality materials, you know how quickly it can ruin the enjoyment of modelling. Foam boards tear at the edges, synthetic materials crumble at the first cut, and cheaper cork from DIY stores feels more like sawdust than a solid material.
Specialist model railway cork meets both professional and hobbyist standards – you can cut, shape, and form it without worrying about damage. Unlike foam boards or cheap cork alternatives, it doesn’t leave annoying uneven edges. Plus, natural cork is lightweight, so it won’t put extra strain on your layout.
#4 ECO-FRIENDLY MODELLING
Most substitutes like foam or plastic not only look less natural, but are also harmful to the environment. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, and harvesting it doesn’t require cutting down trees – quite the opposite! Trees that are regularly stripped of their bark continue to grow and absorb even more CO₂. It’s a material that isn’t made in a chemical-filled factory – it simply grows in nature.
Here, being eco-friendly isn’t just about using natural materials – it’s also about durability. Model railway cork lasts for years, so you won’t constantly be replacing your base or fixing crumbling elements.
#5 SAFE FOR CHILDREN
Modelling is a passion you want to share with the youngest enthusiasts, but not every material is safe for them. Sharp edges, toxic substances, or crumbling pieces can quickly spoil the fun. Model railway cork is safe, hypoallergenic, and easy to work with, making it perfect for children to create their own layouts.
You can share your passion without worrying about them getting hurt. It’s a great way to spend time together as a family and pass on your love of modelling from an early age.
| Colour | Natural |
| Length | 450 mm |
| Width | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Pieces | 150 |
| Material | Natural cork |
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