Using Ceiling Tiles

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have access to a couple of pick-up loads of some of the pressed paper ceiling tiles for free. I was wondering if they could be used on the layout in place of foam board? I know they can be used for rock out-cropping. Sence I can get all of them I want, and am starting a new layout, I am considering useing them instead of foam, I am on a real tight budget at the time and would like to save as much $$ as I can but still want to have a good layout. Any succestions? Thanks, Mike

Edit…I will be using it on top of a 1/2’’ plywood table, and in HO, if that matters. Mike

2

Click here to go to a thread you previously started on the same subject 3 months ago. There were several good replies given at the time.

Click here for another thread from this forum on the subject.

Click here to go to an article from Model Railroader on the subject.

3

Yes, I know about using them for the rocks and cliffs but what about using them for the flat part of the layout and fastening the roadbed and track to them?

I do remember the post about using them for the mountains but I am asking a different question here. Mike

4

You mean subroadbed?

5

This might have to be one those things that you pioneer with and let everyone know the results later. [4:-)]

6

I’ve little experience with ceiling panels but would think it worth a try. Maybe put the back side up for consistantcy in finish and color?

7

There is a very well known and reputable model railroader who swears by using ceiling tiles as subroad/roadbed over top of plywood. He actually uses 2 layers of tiles (upside down) to provide more depth for carving out drainage ditches and such. Just make sure they are well supported.

A pioneer - No; something different and uncommon - yes.

8

If you do wind up using them as sub-roadbed, be sure you prime them and paint them well. They are like a sponge and will absorb moisture over time especially in humid climates.

Also if you tend to lean on your layout while working on it, the ceiling tile won’t support as much weight as homosote and it will compress and won’t spring back.

9

If the tile is reasonably dense, it can be sliced up and used under flex track like cork roadbed. To bend it around curves, kerf about 3/4 way through from one edge every inch or so.

When I tested some locally-procured ceiling tile with latex caulk, it held the flex track just fine. When I tried to remove the flex, chunks broke out of the ceiling tile - which cleaned off the flex but ruined the tile.

I’m using thin foam (fan-fold underlayment) for roadbed over plywood. Ceiling tile could be used the same way.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)