Raised elevation

[Anonymous]

On my 8' x 8' O gauge layout, I want to raise the ground level about 3"-5" for the Country House scene. I am interested in the best way (easiest and strongest) to go about this. Any suggestions?

Craig

[ChiefEagles]

I would suggest pink or blue thick sheets of foam insulation. Easy to work with and easy to install. Also, light weight.

[dougdagrump]

[#ditto] to what the Chief said however I would add purchase one of the socalled "Hot Knives" for cutting this stuff. It makes dealing with the mess afterwards so much easier.

[TurboOne]

Craig, let us know what you do, so us returning newbies can use your trial and tried knowledge to help out. Thanks for asking.

Future elevation layout man

Tim

[Anonymous]

What do you recommend I place on the foamm insulation to make it a hardened surface as I will be putting a building on top?

What about the Woodland Scenics thick foam or making a box with their foam?

Craig

[Buckeye Riveter]

Use foam. It is light weight and strong. You don't put anything on top of the foam except paint and grass. Plant some trees if you like.

In the following photo the 2" foam spans joists spaced at 16" c-c. Your house will be fine sitting on the foam. All of my buildings and track sit directly on the foam. Click on my signiture photo to see the engines on the track sitting on the foam.

[Anonymous]

pickup or build a "hot-knife" used to cut foam, sandwich and white glue several pieces together to get desired height and shape, then carve out the Hill, slope or whatever ya want..

[dougdagrump]

Instead of white glue, which has a lot of water in it causing it to take forever to dry, I would use an adhesive designed for use on insulting foam. They dry much quicker and offer a much stronger bond. The only drawback is that they are more expensive than white glue.

[Anonymous]

Okay, thanks. I'm going to go with Woodland Scenics foam. Thay have all different thicknesses, and it is safe and non-toxic to cut. I can even trowel a small stream in the foam. This is way too much fun. My three boys are actually enjoying something other than their X-Box and PS2. Thanks again for your help.
Craig