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 Posted - April 04 2009 : 12:25:04 PM
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Well I have all my stuff together and I'm about ready to start building my 1st 4x8 HO layout.
First things first. I have read many articles on how to build a table and will be utilizing the I beam constuction.
The question I have is; what to use for the top?
Most all the articles I read just assume one is using plywood.
I have heard a few mentions of other materials, like foam?, homasote?, etc..
Can someone explain these other materials, advantages and disadvantages?
I'm assuming weight is a factor, but it will always be a factor depending on what you put on that surface, but starting light is better than starting heavy and just getting heavier.
I'll also take a stab at noise. I already know that trains make plywood sort of sound hollow.
If it helps any I will be utilizing Woodland Senics Mountains Valley Scenery Kit {eBay/$48.00} as the base foundation on top of whatever sugguestions I get here.
Thank You 
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Country:  USA ~
Posts: 16 ~
Member Since: February 24 2009 ~
Last Visit: February 03 2011
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 Posted - April 05 2009 : 4:21:50 PM
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Hi, congratulations on entering the model railroad hobby! I am also working on my first 4x8 layout. I used four 4 foot studs going across and 2 eight foot ones going down (I used studs because they were the cheapest, you could use any piece of lumber), like a ladder, but this probably isn't the best design . . . anyway, about the material to use, I went with polyfoam insulation sheets, which come conveniently in 4x8 size. they are meant to insulate big office buildings, or your house, but hey, they work for model railroading! They are about 10 bucks apiece, which is MUCH cheaper than plywood, at least at our local lowes . . . They are also MUCH lighter, Plus you can easily push tacks in to secure grass mats or buildings to the layout. I don't know about the noise, but that has never been a problem for me when I run my locos. you could also buy noise-deadening roadbed. All you have to do is secure the foam with nails or screws to the frame. Hope this helped! Good luck!
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
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Country: USA ~
Posts: 232 ~
Member Since: March 29 2009 ~
Last Visit: March 22 2010
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