An awful lot of Homasote availablility is geographical. It is made in New Jersey so the closer you are the easier it is to get and the less expensive it is. Shipping is a huge part of the cost. Classic Homasote is the 440 board. However, since it is used as an insulation product they do not worry too much about the surface finish so it can be quite inconsistent. If you do not have the capability to sand the Homasote level or do not want to pay someone like Cascade Rail Supply or California Roadbed to do it for you, then might I suggest that you look into a product called PINnacle. It is Homasote 440 that has been sanded smooth at the factory to be used for interior panels. About half again as much as the regular 440 but very smooth and consistent. Look at the Homasote Company web site and there is a dealer locator tool that has a listing of what is carried where and whether or not you can special order through them if you need to.
I really like homasote to lay under large area’s such as yards. I paint both sides of my homasote to make it moisture resistant and use a dehumidifier in my basement, which really only runs in the summer months anyway. It does get pretty humid in Virginia in the summers which is why I run the dehumidifier. As for cutting, I use a box cutter for that, it works pretty good and there is no mess at all really - you only get that if you are using a power saw - if you do that I suggest you do it out side for sure.
I can just tap or push Atlas track nails or Micro Engineering spikes into it. I use traditional cork which MB Kleins carries, for the mainline portions of my layout.
Yes, my local home depot carries homasote in 4x8 sheets. I do use drywall screws to fasten it down tightly to plywood and make sure it is nice and flat before securing track to it.
Hello All,
Is there a particular reason that Homasote is more advantageous over other materials for your application?
I recently discovered that Homasote is simply compressed paper, which is extremely absorbent; not only to sound waves but also moisture and mold and requires special handeling, particularly in humid environments.
If your read the “To Build On Sand” numbered threads; particularly #3 & #4, you can understand some of the challenges of working with this material.
I have found that medium density fiber board with foam insulating board over it with foam roadbed works best for my situation (add dissenting arguments here) without needing special handling or preparation.
Good luck in your Homasote search.
Hope this helps.
Interesting that the MR project railroad the Winston-Salem Soutbound project is using Homasote roadbed. It will serve as the foundation for Tony Kuster’s custom tracklaying. I’ve had Homasote in place on my layout for over 20 years with no moisture related problems and I haven’t given much thought to humidity control. The RH varies from about 35% in the winter to 60 to 70% for extended periods in the summer.
Joe
One way I have found the product is in the concrete supply aisle at the big box stores. It is cut in strips about 4 inches wide, used as spacer material in sidewalks or driveways. It’s gray, and yes, is compressed paper. It’s about 1/2 in thick. Dan
Just because people say something - stop and ask yourself, are those things really true? Many have used the stuff for years and it worked fine for them. It’s been featured in many a Model Railroader Magazine article as well over the years and spoken of favorably there as well. Based on that I’ve tried it myself and liked it.
Take reasonable precautions, such as sealing it to make it resistant to moisture (as a bonus it will have a base color too) and use a dehumidifier and challenges should be minimal. Maybe this will help?
You mean people post things online that aren’t true?
Just the other day I found a piece of Homosote that had been in my attic (not climate controlled) for 20 years. It was warped a little, but looked usable to me.
BTW, the last time I asked about Homosote in a big box store the guy scratched his head for a minute and then said “Oh, you mean TRAIN BOARD”.
Always interesting to see a post from 2-1/2 years ago being resurected. I am sure the original poster has long since moved on with his modeling needs.
For myself, I use Homesote for road bed. I buy it locally from a real contractor’s lumber yard. I cut strips on table saw outside looking like a snow storm while cutting and then route profile using a 45 degree bit on a router table with good dust pickup. Makes lots of paper machee type dust. Paint strips before attaching to layout. I attach with Loctite for projects type caulk adhesive. I hand lay ties and track so the ease at which homesote takes nails is a real advantage. To bend strips, I use a hand saw to kerf the strips every six inches. Run the kerf through to where the profile starts. It allows the material to bend but still maintain a smooth curve.
Watch David Popps recent video where he uses commerically prepared Homebed for tips in laying out turnouts and curves using Homesote. Good stuff.
Sure, or in this case there is often alot more to it than meets the eye. Obviously a lot of folks have used homasote with great success.