Since I have not layed track in over 30 years or so, before foam etc. What is the most popular method to lay N scale track on a fairly level 24x48 layout. What kind of base board to use? Plywood with foam ontop, plywood with no foam, roadbed and tracks on the plywood ? To make slight inclines and declines and H2o features I guess I need a foam bed. Thanks Tony
Foam is a good base. Its easily shapeable. Some guys just put 2 inch foam over their framewrok. I would need some plywood under the foam...if I used it...as I am a 'leaner' and the foam wouldnt last long I am afraid...JMO .
Foam seems pretty popular, but you will find people using plywood too. What you use is a personal choice, depending on what you want to be able to accomplish and what method.
Yes wood frame with ply on top and then maybe the foam might be good for me, I need to be able to pick this layout up amd move it as needed. So the trackbed goes on the foam with? glue, cauling I have seen some use. nails, staples? The track with track nails ? Thanks Tony
Hi Tony, I use normal PVA glue to fix my track down onto plywood. You need to weight the track down, especially on flex curves. The advantage, especially when starting out, is that if you decide to change your track layout, a light spray of water over the track loosens the glue so you can lift the track without damage. Cheers, Kev
Most of us recommend light, strong benchwork. I prefer a 1x4 wood frame with 1/4" lauan plywood top. Plenty rigid and light. Glue some 2" thick extruded foam insulation (found at many home improvement stores) using either latex caulk or Liquid Nails for Projects and Foam Board. On my latest layout, I am using 3/4" wide double sided foam tape as my roadbed. I laid out the plan on top of the foam and unrolled the tape, leaving the top cover on the tape. It's a little tricky to get it to go around curves with the top cover on, but it can be done. Then I peel off the cover and stick the track down. Two cautions: one, I have noticed that the flex track curves that I laid will pull up. I spread a little yellow carpenter's glue under the offending section and weight it down. Problem solved. Two is that you need to put something over the tape at all turnout throwbar locations. I cut a small piece of electrical tape and stick it (sticky side down of course) onto the exposed double sided foam tape. This prevents the throw bar from sticking. I will bet that double sided foam tape would work really well with UnitracK, True Track, or any sectional track with attached roadbed.
