Hi, getting ready to start my first layout and I was wondering if some one could tell me why I should use foam on top of the wood? I have an old HCD just sitting in my shed, not sure why I saved it, but now I seem to have a use for it. I am going to attempt my first layout on the door. I see a lot of people use foam on top f their wood. It seems to me as a newbie that is would create some unneeded hassles, routing wires, track fastening, etc. Someone please give me some pros and tips for using foam, I would appreciate it a lot. Thanks...
Hi, Screwjack and good luck getting your first layout underway! My short answer for why use foam on top of wood is that the foam layer gives a layout builder the option of having topographic relief below the level of the track. It is easier to cut down into foam than through the door if you want to cut out a creek/river valley, a roadway that passes through an underpass below the tracks, a pond, etc., and the foam doesn't add much weight. I don't have a good photo handy to illustrate what I'm saying, but I'll bet if you search through the layout photos in the railimages part of the sight you'll find some (or maybe someone else will post one here). I'd say your decision on whether to do this for your first layout depends on what you are mostly interested in this first time out and what your goals are. If scenery and realistic topography are something you want to focus on from the start, it is probably worth thinking about the foam layer or other methods of building a layout where real terrain relief is do-able. On the other hand, you can certainly have a good-looking layout built on a flat surface (and maybe terrain can still be built UP from that flat surface) so if you are looking to get trains running a little more quickly and aren't as concerned with this particular scenery method, the foam layer is certainly optional. Jeff Edit - Here are some links to photos or galleries that show foam layout construction like we are talking about: Layout Construction - RailImages.com 09-01-08_-d - RailImages.com Cars, projects, and misc items - RailImages.com (look for the "constructing a diorama" photos) Isle_of_Sodor_1 - RailImages.com Mini Layout 17 - RailImages.com The BIG Apartment Layout
Great news, and good luck! I use foam both for below track level topography and for deadening sound. Additionally I think it is easier to lay track on foam because you can glue it down and use simple straight pins in the "nail holes." Route wires by drilling through the foam and the HCD. Keep us up to date with your progress!!
Aside from it's value in creating scenery, using foam lowers the weight of benchwork. Where that is a concern, is primarily modules. It also helps deaden sound. Boxcab E50
I have a door panel layout without foam. I plan to cut some of the door panel to create a river. It really depends on where your layout is set. If you are doing the rocky mountains I would suggest going with L girder or open grid framing. If you want a slight bit of scenic relief go for foam. My layout is midwestern. It is very track intensive. I like to roll lots of trains around. I prefer the stability of having my cork glued directly to the door. My layout is flat!
