Benchwork Question

I am about 3/4 the way through getting my benchwork setup for a small layout. I've got a 4x8 1/2 inch sheet of plywood that I was going to use. I had read that many often use a layer of Homasote on top of the plywood. My question revolves around Homasote. What is it? where at the hardware store would I find it? Does it go under a different name?

Thanks.


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Smile! It makes people wonder what you are up to.

 

Do you have a Home Depot or similar store in youre area? They should have it just ask one of the salespeople. Its a grey colored fiber product that also comes in 4x8 foot sheats.HTH.....Mike

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Its only Money !!

 

Homasote has a website (www.homasote.com) where you can find the dealer nearest you. The Home Depots in WA and OR have stopped carrying Homasote so you may not find it at the Home Depots where you are either. If you go to your local hardware/lumber store you will probably get some strange stares and remarks like, "Never heard of it. What's is it?"

Homasote also comes in 4 x 10 foot sheets. It is primarily used in the building trade as a sound deadener for walls and as an underlay for flooring. It is made of ground up newspapers that have been pulp and then pressed into sheets. It is very dense so it holds spike very well but the spikes can be pressed into it easily.

[This message has been edited by ncng (edited 10 October 2000).]

 

A word of caution about homasote.
Like you I started out with a "yard" of plywood underlayment and a layer of homasote on top.
After a while, it has begun to move about. My layout is in the basement, stays a constant 57 deg. but dampness is a problem. If your layout is going to change humidity, be careful about homasote.

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When in doubt, empty your magazine.
Member #33

 

You can use Homasote on top of the plywood, but I wouldn't. If you use any water based products for scenery the Homasote will expand and warp. You can use Homasote as roadbed under your track work. It is a good support for track work and will take ballast glue ok. Just don't lay a sheet of plywood down and then cover it with a sheet of Homasote. You will be asking for trouble.
Check out some of the KALMBACH PUBLISHING CO'S books on benchwork to get you different ways to build benchwork and support trackwork.

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Let's Go Run Trains
MARK

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to stick to my plywood as my subroadbed.

Bry

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Smile! It makes people wonder what you are up to.

 

Why not plywood + homasote? What will happen?

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Scott Jay
member of:
Half Nuts Model Railroaders

 

If your going to use plywood and homosote on your layout take some advise from one who has been there.Seal everything with a coat of paint before you use waterbased scenery. Both the plywood and the homosote will suck up the water and they will WARP!Usually in opposite directions.This can create all kinds of track work trouble.

But Hey we're still havin' FUN!! Right?

 

Not only that, your benchwork will weigh a ton! I'd pass on the Homosote and just use the plywood as your sub-roadbed BUT SEAL IT ANYWAY!

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

 

Do you mean seal the plywood? If so, with what...a coat of paint?

I'm using the Woodland Scenics foam system for my layout, so most everything will be elevated on the foam. But, naturally I expect that water-based stuff may still hit the plywood.

So, what is best to seal it with?

 

I have tried the Homosote but found it difficult to work with. I much prefer 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick foam insulation. It is easy to shape and cut. Put that on the plywood then cork roadbed and it provides a fairly quiet roadbed. It is easy to put culverts and ditches as the foam is easy to cut.
This foam insulation is sold in most hardware and lumber dealers

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside

 

Seal the plywood with either latex or enamel house paint. Use an earth or sod color paint.

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF