So many great suggestions here to use for asphalt roads on the new layout. After reading the suggestions for a second or third time I decided to conduct a study that was three weeks in duration...it was not a scientific study, but I believe the results are acceptable
I decided to purchase the 3/16" black foam sheet at Hobby Lobby in 20" x 30" pieces. It is similar to the Darice product mentioned above by HMORGAN. I actually had used the Darice product before for a roof replacement on my Korber engine house a few years ago. The study was to place a Brooklin 1955 Chevy Nomad and a Buby 1956 Mercury Monterey on the board and let them sit undisturbed for three weeks. As some of you may know, the Brooklin is a very heavy piece compared to other 1/43 or 1/48th cars available on the market.
The good news is that tire marks were not present when I lifted up the cars. Someone above had an experience where the cars had left tire imprints on the foamboard. It could be that the Hobby Lobby product is more rigid with a harder surface than other brands? I like the thickness of the product as well because it will reduce the high curbing appearance of the MTH buildings on Main Street. Once the roads are cut with the help of my wife (she is very particular about such things), I will spray paint the board with the Rustoleum "Aged Iron" color mentioned above by HMORGAN.
Thanks again, and please comment further if you would like! I'll let you all know how the finished product looks on the layout...
