Hello, I just finished building a 3'x6' plywood base table. The track i'm going to use for the layout is Kato unitrack in N scale. 1. Do I need to use foam layer as a base for the track? 2. What's the purpose of the foam? 3. When laying the track, do i use nails that go all the way through the foam to the wood or just into the foam is fine? 4. I've seen the sheets of 10MM Midwest Cellfoam. Is that what I should use? They sell 4'x8' sheets of 1/2" styrofoam at Lowe's for about 1/5th the cost. Can I just use that? thanks Rich
Foam is so you can build uneven terrain. With a foam base you could cut away some to make a stream that you have a trestle over. It can also just be simple hills that roll lower than your track. If you're only interested in building up, like say a moutain, a tunnel, etc. Then maybe you can do without a base and just use the foam for what you want. When you place down your unitrack I believe some members have good results with a small, small amount of hot glue in all 4 corners of each piece of track. I don't believe unitrack has holes or a place to put holes for nails. I'm not familiar with that brand of foam, maybe someone else can chime in about that. The kinds I know are pink or blue. It depends on where you live how easy it is to find. In warmer areas it's more scarce because it's just not required for construction like in cold areas.
You don't need to but I strongly encourage it The foam: Helps to deaden the sound As mentioned can have many scenic advantages Easier to manipulate "Plant" trees and other things I use 2" foam base with 1/2 of foam on top of that. This allows me to: Mess up, (and replace), the top level Cut down into the foam an even amount Use as a removable base for structures I might want to swap out Use as support for an incline. I personally wish I had used two 1/2 inch layers and will probably do it on the G and G IV.
Use two inch pink/blue foam as a base under your Unitrack. You then get use a hot glue gun to attach the Unitrack road bed to the foam after your track is in the correct position on the foam. Have fun with pink foam.....
fyi, I live in Southern California. I've looked all over for the pink or blue foam. I cannot find it. Does anyone have a resource in So. Cal by chance? If I cannot find it, what are my options? thanks... Rich
Welcome to TrainBoard, 951trainguy. Extruded foam is hard to find in warmer regions of the country. I found this using a TB Search for "extruded foam": http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/id44.html There might be other sources - this was just the first one I found. Big box stores usually don't carry it; try a local lumber/contractor supply outfit. Hope this helps.
Thanks, I'll try it. The Corning website claims a Home Depot just a bit farther down the road carries it. I'll have to verify
If I cannot find the proper foam, can I use cork? I'm not planning a stream bed or anything that I need to cut away. If I end up using plaster cloth to form mountains, will that stick ok to the cork? Is cork paintable? Will the groundcovers and things like that all stick to it? thanks, Rich
I just called and these guys have it instock. [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Foam Sales and Marketing[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]1005 West Isabel Street [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Burbank, California 91506 [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif](818) 558-5717[/FONT]
If you can't get two inch foam, use thinner pieces and build up to two inches. 3/4" blue foam is available in many areas. The foam will also deaden sound from the trains rolling on the track.
I just want to add a dissenting voice to the post that said that the foam will deaden the sound. I find the opposite. I have a portion of my layout with 2" foam base, while another portion is open bench with the drack on plywood subroadbed. The track on the plywood is much quieter. I find that the foam actually amplifies the sound. It's not nearly as dense as the plywood is.
Worth the expense, time, and effort to put homosote under the foam? Strictly for sound deadening? How much is a sheet of 4X8 homosote?
Some twenty years ago I saw a layout made on ceiling tiles for sound deadening. He used the old 2' x 2' compressed paper type that you stapled to the ceiling. I don't know if they are still available. But maybe some of the newer 2' x 4' would work. It would be a lot easier to handle and transport if it will work.
Hi Rich, I might suggest dropping by your LHS and looking for a book on scenery construction. Foam is only one option, as many methods have been used over the years, all with success. There is no one "best" method, and anything that works is good. Don't be afraid to experiment (maybe on a scrap base) to work on your methods and techniques and see what works for you. Many is the modeler who embarked on building his empire, only to be frustrated by initial efforts that fell short, with the more extreme cases going so far as to take up <gulp> GOLF! In any event, enjoy the journey and above all, HAVE FUN!
I'm just tagging along with a foam question. I am in the process of mounting my extruded foam onto my hollow door. After this is completed, I would like to paint a base over the foam. What is a good paint or medium to do this. I want something that won't affect getting the roadbed glued on. Thanks!
pga: Welcome to TrainBoard. I would use a non oil based flat paint in the tan/brown family. That will cover the foam and be compatible with any type of scenery you add later. Have fun painting foam.....
Went to Menards last night and found the pink foam isle!!! HEAVEN!!! There are all sizes of pink nfoam imagineable!!!
Foam question... I have just finished the benchwork, the 3/8" plywood subroadbed, and have laid on an inch of foam board. I noticed the foam board has a very thin layer of film on both sides. Do I need to remove the film? It hardly noticeable but I don't want it peeling up after I start getting the layout built. ALSO - What is the best adhesive for laying track and cork onto the painted foam?
I am also interested in what would be best for laying track and roadbed on foam, and what is the best way to fasten the foam to the plywood or an HCD? Thanks, Tony
