I am starting a new layout, which will be made in 4 ft sections. No plan, just laying out a main, with all other tracks put down so they will be easy to change. It will be build on 1/2 ply, with 1/2 homasote screwed to it, no glue. On top of that will be cork roadbed tacked on. Question: Will this work or am I just looking for trouble? D & S RR
What do you mean when you say the cork roadbed will be tacked down – that implies that it will still be fairly loose and can move about.
That might be okay for a temporary layout just to see how your track plan is going to work out, but I would fasten the roadbed with caulking or white glue if you intend for it to be more permanent.
If you are going to attach the Homasote sheeting with no glue, make sure you use lot’s of screws. I have always ‘glued & screwed’ Homasote to the plywood. Homasote is paper and is subject to moisture! I would also glue the cork down. You can use small brads to hold it in position while it dries. The cork is inexpensive, and can be pulled up with a putty knife if you need to make changes. As one person mentioned: ‘The plywood moves at one rate, the Homasote at another, and the poor track is hanging on for dear life!’
Jim
SOUNDS LIKE your building David Barrow’s Dominos. I recommend trying to get a reprint from MR. (September '96 MR).
David cut the 1/2" Homasote into roadbed sections, and laid track on top, then ballasted.
HOMOSOTE is a sound deadener. (One doesn’t need cork too).
i’M CURRENTLY USING 3/4" ply with nailed HO cork on top of ‘O’ gauge cork for double-profile roadbed and sound enhancement properties - eliminating the Homosote - and modifying Davids original design).
In conversations with David later Ifound out he didn’t like the Homosote, either, and replaced it with 1/2" pine. It gets humid in Dallas.
I got the message. I have decided to glue everything, and forget the short cuts. Thanks for the help. D & S RR
My layout is constructed in exactly the same way as you describe. I have four 4x4 modules arranged in an L-shape. The only difference is that I glued and screwed the 1/2 plywood to the frame, glued (no screws) 1/2 homosote to the plywood, and finally glued (no nails) cork roadbed to homosote. It is very sturdy, stable, and quiet. Later I plan to hide the layered outer egdes with a stained hardwood fascia.