i have my track planning done. i have my benchwork done up until the point of plywood. so its still has the open grids.
what is my next step? putting the plywood down? should i use the cookie cutting method for grades?
is it easier to use one layer of plywood and then build terrain on foam or to use a jigsaw and stilts
Please help… im stuck and need to know what the next best step is
No! Don’t fasten the flat plywood down. The cookie-cutter method is great for all small-layouts. Lay out the track plan on the plywood. Use a large compass (yardstick with holes for a pencil and at the end a finishining-nail-sized hole so a swivel can be made by hammering the nail into a small piece of wood and place actual turnouts to make their precise locations. Make sure there will be no grade changes under turnouts. Don’t forget that grade changes are gradual: they transition from one to another. After that, cut the plywood along the marked elevated track as well as those areas where you want below-the-track terrain like a creek or deep ditch (very important feature). With below-the-track features you’ll need to have 0-inch track elevation somewhat above the framework. You will likely need to add more grids to put risers at the beginning and ending points of grades and possibly at the corners where grids are likely absent. If you’re planning on having under-table switch machines to operate turnouts, check to see that risers and framework don’t interfere with their installation. Move them as needed. Be sure to drill the holes for any switch machine linkage with the turnout before laying track.
Mark
Great info mark, thanks.
quick questions. when all this is done. what goes over the plywood before the roadbed? and does it cover all plywood or just where track will be.
and where can i find some good info on wiring switches. i plan to use dcc
Most people use a cork or rubber roadbed product made for this purpose. I’ve preferred and used since the 1970s the product known as Homabed. I think it is ideal but it is quite expensive unless you cut your own homasote pieces, but then I handlaid track and a homasote roadbed is ideal for this purpose.
I hate wiring so don’t want to speak of it. A lot depends on the type of turnout you’re using. Maybe you should start another thread on this topic, identifying the type of turnouts (manufacturer, frog type) you will be using. I’m sure there are people out there willing to help you on this.
Mark
yeah ive looked into the cork, rubber and homasote. does anything go inbetween the plywood and scenery or structures?
what im asking is does anything cover the entire plywood
No. you only put it where you want the surface to be at track level. I do place it under trackside structures such as stations and trackside industries. One purpose of the roadbed is to raise it above ground level, so only place the materials adjacent to the track if you want to have the effect the track is level with the surroundings, such as at a yard or team track.
There are many fine Kalmbach publications that would answer your questions in detail. Just my opinion.
If you know exactly where every section of track and every building is going to go, now would be the time to be getting out the jigsaw and cookie-cutting the plywood. If you’re not sure of every single detail, you’d be better off to lay the plywood as a “flat top” and experiment with things first. You can always cut it later…or better yet, use Woodland Scenic risers and then you don’t have to cut the plywood to get the desired results.
thanks guys. great info
Typically, using Woodland Scenic risers or foam sheets over plywood is a waste of money. (I’m sure a lot of people would disagree.) You would be paying for additional, expensive material not needed if using cookie cutter. It also creates problems such as mentioned in my post in the “installing tortoise switch machines” thread in the Layouts & Layout Building forum. (WS is the unmentioned manufacturer referred to in that thread.)
Cookie-cutter plywood isn’t stone. With jigsaw, glue and clamps, all sorts of changes are possible. While track location can be critical, specific building location isn’t. General areas can be assigned for “future” development. As I said, trimming and additions are easy to make, but do have a plan before cutting.
Mark