Homesote as a track surface

[jfitz]

I'm considering a painted Homesote 1/2 inch layer under my O track. Does any one have experiance with this material. As I under stand there is a Homesote product specific to this purpose .Can't find out much about it. Thanks for comments. jfitz

[willpick]

The correct name is Homasote. there are several grades, the one normally used for subroadbed/roadbed is 440 homasote. The homasote roadbed you are trying to find was called Homa-bed, and is still available. The original company sold the business to another company, and I don't know the name. I'm sure that you will get some more replies with more information than I have.

EDIT: web site is www.homabed.com

HTH---

[bfskinner]

jfitz

I'm considering a painted Homesote 1/2 inch layer under my O track. Does any one have experiance with this material. As I under stand there is a Homesote product specific to this purpose .Can't find out much about it. Thanks for comments. jfitz

That's exactly what I used in my best "permanent" layout -- now long gone.

Try here, and don't hesitate to contact them and ask. Homasote has been used as a base for  toy train layouts for years.I used 4 x 8 sheets.  Let me know if you want details. I do have a few pros and cons.

http://www.homasote.com/

Here's another potentially useful link that should click:

http://www.homabed.com/

.

[traindaddy1]

I have used it for years. Holds screws and nails.  Is paintable. Cuts easily but a little messy. Helps with noise. Usually sold in 4' x 8' sheets BUT I have been able to get smaller sizes on the "cull" rack at the local Home Depot for practically nothing.  My : You'll like it.

[dougdagrump]

Soundboard, made by the same company as Homasote. Better results and cheaper to boot.

[Taranwanderer]

X2...I have my entire layout's 4X8 sheets of plywood covered with Homasote, overlapped by 6" on each edge. This gave me a little extra room (almost another whole 4X8 of area over 3 sheets of plywood.) The Homasote is nice for quieting things down, is easy to work with, and is a little messy when cut. Overall, I'd do it again.

[laz 57]

I used it on my layout and works great.  I put 2x4s spaced out 16 inches under the Homasote and can crawls across it if need be.  Like posters before said easy for screws and paints well.  I purchased it ib local lumber yard for years and they still have it.  I also got it in Lowes, a few years ago.

laz57

[jfitz]

Thanks will.

[jfitz]

Thanks bf.

[jfitz]

Thanks tdaddy

[jfitz]

Thanks grump.

[NYC Train Nut]

 laz,

I have my homasote cut and laid on 3/4" plywood.  I''ve also picked up Kilz primer and some green paint.  Still have to make the plunge and paint it, but I'm hesitant because the layout has tons of curves and took a long time to cut to size.

 

Do you find the paint wears well?  Does it tend to chip off easily due to the uneven surface of the homasote?  I was hoping primer would help in this regard, but was hoping to get some reassurance from forum members.  My father's used homasote for years on temporary layouts but advises against painting.  I hope I'm not making a mistake; otherwise I'll get a big "told ya so"!

 

Thanks!

NYC Train Nut

 

 

[Taranwanderer]

Mine's held paint with no problems, it soaks in a little due to the porous nature of the Homasote, but it's fine (might need a second coat, might not.) I use latex paint, put some in a cup, and add some sand or used coffee grounds to the paint to give it a little texture (I use that technique all over the layout to give anything that's painted more depth.) So far, no problem with the Homasote holding paint. Have at it!

[msacco]

I believe  you MUST paint homasote to seal it. Otherwise moisture or a spill could ruin it.

 

Mike S.

[ChiefEagles]

dougdagrump

Soundboard, made by the same company as Homasote. Better results and cheaper to boot.

He is right.  Soundstop is what I used.  Saved money here.  Some places homasote is is high $$ and has to be ordered [as is here].  Dusty but seals good with a coat of paint.

[laz 57]

NYC TRAIN NUT,

  Paint works great on it as others have said.  I also have used white elmers glue and bird litter for ballast and creating dirt scenes on layout.  The bird litter is crushed English walnuts that are very fine.  I got a 50 lb bag at pet store for 20 bucks.  You can use it as dirt or even make a mixture of elmers glue, water and then add acrylic paint of the desired color for ballast or dirt, coal etc.  Hope this helps?

laz57

[jfitz]

Thanks laz ,jfitz

[jfitz]

Thanx chief, nice bass, jfitz

[jfitz]

Thanx Mike,jfitz

[NYC Train Nut]

Taranwanderer,

 

Thanks for the confirmation on wear and use of latex paint.  I think I'll give it a go ASAP!

Maybe I'll prime twice if I'm feeling up to it 

Cheers,

NYC Train Nut