If i do a foam base on my layout will the track nails stick in the foam and hold it in place???
Probably, but not as solidly as if you were to use cork or homasote…IMHO.
You’ll need to use white glue or caulk to secure the roadbed to a foam base and track to foam (or cork) roadbed.
Probably well enough until you ballast it, if you use the ‘usual’ ballast method of putting ont he ballast, wetting it with ‘wet’ water (water and detergent and/or alcohol), and then dripping on diluted glue.
But if you really want the track to stay in place, ballast or not, look at some cheap latex caulk. Spread a THIN bead, smooth it out with a putty knife or similar tool - THIN layer is all you need, if you have pencil lines for track location, you should still be able to see them. Darn near instantaneous, and you can peel up track if you want to change things or make a goof, without damage to the track.
–Randy
Hi, Keith.
I use foam a lot. I don’t recommend nails for either the cork roadbed or the track. The foam won’t hold the nails for long. Same thing for screws. There just isn’t enough strength in the foam to hold them.
Take Randy’s and grande man’s advise and use cheap latex caulk or white glue. It’s easy to make changes even after the stuff dries. Use it for both roadbed and track. You can also use silicon caulk or the adhesive made specifically for foam (Dap makes it, home improvement stores and hardware stores carry it). These will hold better, but they are a little harder to make changes without tearing something up (usually the cork roadbed).
Hope this helps.
Darrell, quiet…for now
Please use Latex Caulk. I used thicker Silicon Caulk, it has a death grip on my layout, making modifications very tedious at best.
Do not use Silicon ! Dave