I need some advice... I have my benchwork almost done. Its 4' x 8' x 19/32" plywood with 2x4 and 2x6 framing underneath. Anyway, solid as a rock. I can stand on it and it doesnt complain so my trains should be fine. My delima is this... How to finish the surface? Im not sure which is better, paint the plywood with a good coat of latex paint and work up from there with cork track bed or add a sheet of homasote or foam on top of the plywood. Please keep in mind I live in an apartment and will be moving in about two years (fiancee graduates college) so I would like to keep the weight and hassle down moving or dissmantling it. Thanks guys.
I went with 2" extruded foam because at the time I believed it would be easier to landscape as a beginner/novice layout builder. I still feel foam was a good choice but if I were you I would paint all of your benchwork to seal against humidty changes. Just use the cheapest latex paint you can find. Check your local home improvement store for custom mixed paint that has been returned for incorrect color. These usually sell for pennies on the dollar. If you really want to keep the weight down then I would skip the plywood completely and use 2" extruded foam over grid benchwork. I remember how excited I was when I finished my benchwork. Great job!
Since 2” foam board is not available, only ½ “ blue board. I uses ¼” plywood base, cookie cutter style with 4’ x 2’ x ½” thk. ceiling tile for sub roadbed. This is the first time I have ever use ceiling tile. Worked great easy to cut and has a sound absorbing quality. It is also easy to carve. You can use it for building up scenery also.If you decide to use ceiling tile use the back side of the tile. It is solid with no texture. Mike
Well, plywood is already attached so I think its staying, no place to put it if I took it off! LOL Thanks
You need to decide what you want to end up with. Starting from where you are, if you are aiming for a mainly 'flat' area of track with structures and terrain rising above the track level, then you may as well just paint the ply and work upwards. OTOH, if you want to have significant 'sub-track' features, such as a river and/or road, then you'll probably find it easier to add a suitable depth of foam now so you can dig out those features later .
Mike, What you describe is pretty much what im looking for. This will be my first layout I have done myself so I still with flat track. Thanks
