I am planning an 8 x 8 toy train layout. It will have two 4 x 8 sheets of plywood bolted together covered with homasote, upon which will have green outdoor carpeting. I will cut a square section in the middle for a removable access panel. It's that access panel which has me concerned. Wanting the carpet edges to look finished, I was planning to pull the carpet under the outside edges of the plywood; but I'm thinking about leaving the edge where the two sections of plywood meet lay flush - especially around that access panel. Does that make sense? Any suggestions? Should I glue the carpet to the homasote? If so, what products do you recommend? Thanks!
I would make that opening circular instead of square. Not having the corners of the square sticking out could make track layout easier in the inner parts of the layout. And they're not really useful access space, since your waist is probably closer to a circle than to a square. For example, you would need O42 track to make a circle around a 2-foot square, but O27 would fit around a 2-foot circle.
Bob Nelson
lionelsoni I would make that opening circular instead of square. Not having the corners of the square sticking out could make track layout easier in the inner parts of the layout. And they're not really useful access space, since your waist is probably closer to a circle than to a square. For example, you would need O42 track to make a circle around a 2-foot square, but O27 would fit around a 2-foot circle.
The answer is obvious, use carpet glue. It's a latex-based compound that you find in the flooring section of your DIY store. Having worked with Homasote on past projects I know of no reason why the glue should not adhere to it. As long as the surface is clean when the glue is applied. But if you do find you have problems with delamination of the substrate, then just skip the Homasote and only use plywood for the access hatch.
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Hi!
Kind-of agree with Bob about the circle.
My thoughts:
If you do a straight run, you could run a road along the outer edge of the access panel. This way the carpet edges wouldn't have to look too finished.
I've used homasote for years and really like it. One thing (I don't know about you) however is that I often change my mind and the direction of my layout plans. I'm thinking that I would use staples or small nails to tack down the carpet instead of the glue (But, again, that's me)
Good luck. If you get a chance after it's done, post a picture.
stebbycentral The answer is obvious, use carpet glue. It's a latex-based compound that you find in the flooring section of your DIY store. Having worked with Homasote on past projects I know of no reason why the glue should not adhere to it. As long as the surface is clean when the glue is applied. But if you do find you have problems with delamination of the substrate, then just skip the Homasote and only use plywood for the access hatch.
traindaddy1 Hi! Kind-of agree with Bob about the circle. My thoughts: If you do a straight run, you could run a road along the outer edge of the access panel. This way the carpet edges wouldn't have to look too finished. I've used homasote for years and really like it. One thing (I don't know about you) however is that I often change my mind and the direction of my layout plans. I'm thinking that I would use staples or small nails to tack down the carpet instead of the glue (But, again, that's me) Good luck. If you get a chance after it's done, post a picture.
I would go with staples. Much easier to use and install. Did this for carpet I used (not indoor.outdoor) with a very thick pile and it worked like a charm.
PTC I would go with staples. Much easier to use and install. Did this for carpet I used (not indoor.outdoor) with a very thick pile and it worked like a charm.
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