Hi all, I'm about to start construction of a 6 x 2.5 foot Z scale layout. My outside frame is going to be made of 2x2s, with 1x2 bracing. I'll likely attach 2x4s to the inside of the 2x2s for a little more rigidity. I'll be using a 1" pink rigid foamboard sheet as the basis for all the scenery. My question is whether I need to include a sheet of plywood between the foamboard and the frame. Most of the plywood I've seen at my local DIY stores seems to be pretty warped, so wondering if there are pros/cons to forgoing this step. Thank you very much
I use a 1/4” birch plywood (3/32” actual measurement) under my foam. It makes the top more rigid, it is lightweight, and it provides a nice place to screw tortoises and wiring retainers to under the layout.
Rigidity is everything as any flex at all creates problems. I use 1/4" as Karl suggests. When you glue the two together, make sure the surface they are sitting on is nice and flat, and weight them down until the glue sets. The two mated together keeps them flat. I'm a boat guy on the wet coast, so untreated wood just looks like another potential problem, so I seal all wood. If you live where the humidity changes, I'd suggest the same.
Perfect, thank you! Yep, humidity is definitely an issue here. If I'm using pine for the frame and 1/4" plywood for the top, is there any particular brand/kind of sealer you'd recommend please?
I use Varathane, but only because I've been using it for 20 years. It seals well, but takes a few coats to build up a surrface. I've had my eye out for a more up to date sealer. I saw one recommended for model railways a couple of months ago but I couldn't get it here in Canada, now can't find the link. My criteria for a new one would be: 1. 2 coats - first penetrates, second provides surface protection 2. dries fast 3. good for sealing and for exposed wood where you want a natural look 4. water based. Hope someone else has a recommendation.
