I am about to start my new layout over Xmas vacation. I have the track plan but my question is this, I've decided to glue foam board on plywood and have designed a stream going through the layout. Would you use 1 inch or 2 inch foam board as sea level? Which would give a realistic look as the train crosses the stream over the bridge? Also after reading comments on other forums, what type of glue do you recommend to set the foam board on the plywood? Do I use the same glue for the cork roadbed, and would I use the same glue to tack down the tracks to the roadbed. This is an N scale layout for Japaneses Bullet trains with it's highest point from from sea level will be 4 inches high into a mountain tunnel. [ 22. December 2004, 01:04: Message edited by: Bernard ]
2" = 26.7 feet in N scale, and 1" = 13.3 feet. If it's a stream and not a river, 1" should suffice. It might be more dramatic to put in a river though, considering your track elevation at its highest point would be 53.3 feet above sea level.
Bernard: Welcome to Trainboard. I used two inch foam board on the JJJ&E which has water throughout the mountainous layout. The two inch foam allows you to develop scenery easily; more so than the one inch foam. Stay cool and run steam....
I'm at the same stage. It was my intent to purchase 3"s total of 1/2 to 1 inch foam as this would give me the greatest flexibility.
Bernard, Good choice on using foam for your base. I used two layers of 2 inch foamboard. The reason I did this was not only for stability but this depth will allow me to cut dramatic scenery into the layout. Building up the mountains and cutting into the scenery foam will allow for creativity....not to mention dramatic drop offs! I would receommend the use of 2 inch foamboard...will provide more options. Good Luck! [ 22. December 2004, 14:30: Message edited by: WesternMaryland ]
Bernard, Welcome to Trainboard! Because 2-inch foamboard is not always readily available in some warmer climes, a lot of us just glued 1-inch foam in layers. I used Liquid Nails for Foamboard and yellow and white glues. One member of the forum has reported that his foamboard is separating from a plywood base after 4 years; I've had some problems myself with foam-to-foam bonds. But, generally speaking, folks have been very satified with foamboard. I now use white glue to attach roadbed to the foamboard--a modest soaking with water will allow you to move things if necessary. I also use white glue for gluing the track to the roadbed for the same reason. I used Liquid Nails for a while, until I tried to pry up a piece of track. It can be done, but takes some patience with a scraper. Liquid Nails has the advantage of some immediate tackiness.
I'd go for both if you have the choice. More scenery versatility unless you've already figured out all you need is 1". You don't want the high points to be exactly the same height, for example. The 2" will give you a stiffer base to work on and maybe somewhat less gluing to do overall. Alan
