Foam Core Board

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’ve been considering using the book, “N Scale Model Railroad That Grows”, as a guide line for beginning my new layout. The table they make is made of 1/2" thick foam core board. I’m a little wary of the weight bearing capabilities of such a table. Especially as additions are added.

Has anyone here tried this material or used this book as a guide?

Thanks.

2

I may be wrong in this, but I believe the table TOP is made of 1/2" thick foam insulation board, not foam CORE board. Also, there is additional support beneath the foam.

Foam insulation board is a great material to work with. It is easy to glue, stack, carve and otherwise chop up for whatever you need. Thicker foam, such as 1 1/2" or 2", is much more stable than 1/2" and requires less support.

With 1/2" foam, your supports should be no more than 12" apart for N or HO scale. Larger scales will need supports closer together. With 1 1/2" or 2" foam, you supports can be 16" apart in any scale.

I have seen entire layouts, INCLUDING the support structure, made from foam insulation board. It is a very sturdy material.

Darrell, quiet…for now

3

Here is a quote directly from p. 8 of the book. “We chose foam core for our construction Material.” In the list of table top materials is listed “Foam core: 1 sheet 1/2” x 40" x 60" and “1 sheet 1/2” x 32’ x 40’."

The smaller sheet is cut into sections to be used for the braces, joists, sides and ends to reinforce and support the larger sheet that is the actual table top.

My concern is will this type of top remain strong enough to support the finished layout. I can understand a thicker table top being stronger but foam core is definitely listed as the table top construction material.

If I have missed something and foam insulation is the recommended construction material I would really appreciate you telling me where it is listed in the book. I just want to do this right.

Thanks again.

4

Having built my staging yards out of 1/4" foam core, I can assure you that it can be made very rigid.

Not sure I’d want ot build an entire layout out of the stuff, though.