Best base for 2' x 4' layout

Dave McDonald Jul 5, 2020

  1. Dave McDonald

    Dave McDonald TrainBoard Member

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    I am wanting to start a 2' x 4' layout using Kato Unitrack. What is the best base/platform to build on? I want something that won't echo/reverberate the sound of the locos. I used some Homasote many years ago but it isn't all that flat and I have read that it absorbs moisture. All opinions are welcome.
     
  2. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I use the blue or pink foamboard. It does transmit noise, but that diminishes with scenery and ballasting.
     
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  3. Dave McDonald

    Dave McDonald TrainBoard Member

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    Hemi...what about putting a sheet of 1/8" plywood on top of the foam. Do you think that would deaden the sound?
     
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  4. Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett TrainBoard Member

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    I used foam also, you don't want to put plywood on top but it would be better on bottom. On top would make carving the foam difficult. Like Hemi said there will be some noise and it's quieter with scenery.

    Good luck with your layout.

    Joe
     
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  5. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    If you have the room rethink the layout size to 30 inch wide by 6 foot 8 inches. The size of a HC door. Mount that on two cheap kitchen counter bases unfinished and you have storage. For the top use the pink foam come in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets and either install two 1/2 inch sheets or one 1 inch sheet. The 1 inch will allow for creekbeds, ponds, and ditches. The HC door has a sound damping effect because of the dead air space and then add 1 inch of foam. No model railroad is absolutely silent when running.

    Of course you could still do the small layout on top of a single cabinet base unit with 3/4th inch plywood and the foam.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2020
  6. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    The 1/8' plywood would make it more rigid without adding a bunch of weight at that size. The foam should go on top of the plywood for sure. The noise really isn't that bad and like Hemi said, with scenery, it mostly goes away.
     
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  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yes. This is a very good way to go. With today's adhesives, the foam is easily, solidly attached to the plywood. It would be quite rigid when done.
     
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  8. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Another vote for foam on top of thin plywood! What I did was something extra and actually have 1/2" wood frame all around the sides - think breakfast in bed tray. Then I attach two drawer handles on one of the long sides. VERY easy to move by just grabbing the handles.
     
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  9. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    you could cover the foam with cork. would that not make it more silent ?
     
  10. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Funny part is.....

    My Unitrack is set on top of 1/2 " plywood. No foam. No noise. Lots of 'scenery'....grass...trees buildings etc.. Sometimes while working at the workbench I have to look up and make sure the trains aren't stalled somewhere becuase there is no noise on the layout ! I think foam is great on top of plywood...IF...you need to carve out rivers and other topographical scenery. Otherwise I dont see a need for it at all. JMO
     
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  11. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    All things considered...the 1:1 railroads are noisey...Its the nature of the beast !!

    Go stand about 50 feet back from some railroad tracks. After the locomotive goes by...close your eyes and let your mind take in all the sounds of the train going by.

    Suddenly you will realize your layout is way to quiet....LOL :LOL::p

    ** If you dont have access to train tracks near you....click this link https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/links-for-the-rail-fan-cameras.129520/ and slide the sliders until you see trains going by...click off the slider. You will get the idea of how noisey trains really are. ;):whistle:
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2020
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  12. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    To clarify the 1/2" is the thickness of the wood. The sides actually extend 3" up.
     
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