I am finally starting on my (N-scale) layout! [:D] Since I would need to be able to move it back and forth in order to make room in my apartment as I need it, it is going to be portable. I was thinking of going with plywood (approximately 3x5), covered with foam (using Liquid Nails as adhesive). I decided to go with Kato unitrack, mainly because I don’t want to dive into ballasting just yet, and I do like the raised look of the rails. My questions:
1- Using unitrack, what would be the best way to permanently mount it, drill holes through the track and use nails, or use an adhesive (like Liquid Nails)?
2- What about structures and scenery (trees mainly), can I use Liquid Nails there too? Or do I need something else? So far it looks like I’ll be mainly going with plastic structures, but I may get some wooden ones in the future.
Any other tips/hints would be greatly appreciated. I do have several Kalmbach publications. This is my first layout, and I would like it to be a nice learning experience. I want to keep it simple, something like one of Atlas’ or Kato’s layouts (http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/watchung-hawthorne-connecting.html), maybe expanding the sidings a little bit.
Thanks,
Michel.
PS. I have a little test layout, an oval with siding. I am using Bachmann DCC, and so far I like it. I’m able to run 3 engines at a time (2 DCC, 1 analog).
I built a similar N scale layout a few years back (foam on plywood, Kato track, etc.) I just used the liguid nails from the caulk tubes very sparingly to glue down the track. Worked great! You can use it to glue down other stuff, too. Just remember that a little goes a long way so try not to over do it or you’ll wind up with a big blob of dried glue. Straight Elmer’s white glue works well for scenery, too.
Good luck.
Some liquid nails products attack foam. Keep that in mind. Also, liquid nails has a VERY strong adhesion to it. So tough that it may not be possible to make changes once the track is glued down.
I used silicone caulk. It works just like liquid nails but it doesn’t hold quite as strong. It also dries clear, costs much less, and you can take up track without damaging it so you can reuse it. The brand I use is called White Lightning brand that I got at the local Meijer’s store, but any of the cheapo brands will work. I’ve used it on virtuall anything that needs held down.
Thanks for the answers! Would insulation board be better? Also, I’m a little concerned about the caulk. Since it’s not as strong and I would probably need to store the layout on it’s side for a few days at a time, I’d be afraid of the track falling.
Insulation board would be lighter, but for a layout that would be handled often, some reinforcement of the frame would be needed. Also, many solvents dissolve the foam, so choose adhesives and paints wisely. I would not use Liquid Nails unless it was for something I NEVER intend to remove, because I probably won’t be able to after it cures. El Cheapo caulk will hold up just fine, and remember a little goes a long way. Our club used caulk to lay cork roadbed and track, nearly 10 years later it’s all still good. On a 4x16 layout, we only used like half a tube of caulk, including using it to “plant” buildings. The thing we like is if we need to remove something, we can with a little persuasion; not possible with Liquid Nails.
That said, I don’t use caulk, nor do I use cork roadbed, but instead I use “putty tape” for roadbed. This stuff is similar to AMI Instant Roadbed, but is not nearly as tacky and can be removed if needed in the future. It’s sold and used for sealing around mobile home/camper doors and windows, is grey in color, and comes in 3/4" widths (ideal for N scale, use 2 for HO scale). Simply roll it out, remove the paper backing, lay out the track and press it into place.
Brad
The silicone caulk will do fine. I need a putty knife to slip under my tracks if I want to take them up.
I’m in Normal scale like you, and I used 1/4 inch foam insulation board over 1/4 inch luan with a box frame of 1x4’s with 1x3 crossbeams on 12 inch centers. It holds up quite well for my purposes, but you might want to go with 1/2 or maybe even 3/4 inch plywood instead of the luan if you plan on moving it a lot.
Just some thoughts…