This post is for beginners because, IMO, it is very elementary.
Cork roadbed, if done reasonably well, can greatly enhance the appearance of a layout.
First photo shows my farm siding before recent renovations:
Notice that there are pieces of cork roadbed, used more like shims, beneath the track. These cork pieces are remnants of the cork roadbed I had on my prior layout.
Now, look at the cork roadbed i installed this morning, under the same curved track in the photo below:
Although I still need to add ballast and this project is not yet complete, I think the continuous curved cork roadbed beneath the same curved track is an improvement. Not only does it look better, but the trains run better on the track screwed through the roadbed and into the plywood board.
I also think this Midwest Cork Roadbed from Scenic Expeess is a very good product.
I had to decide how to affix this curved cork roadbed to the plywood table. I could have glued it, screwed it or nailed it to the table. I decided to use #4 one half inch wood screws to fasten it to the table.
This project may take me years to complete if I decide to put continuous cork roadbed beneath all of the track on my moderate sized layout. My plan is to start with the sidings in the foreground of the layout.
Arnold