rrinker I throw away nothing - I still have a box full of small foam chunks. The bits you carve out for below track level scenery, you glue back on to form the bits that go above track level. As for spike holding - I last used spikes on a layout more than 20 years ago (ok, there was a long time in there I had NO layout...). The last two used adhesive caulk, and the next one will too. The ability of the base material to hold spikes is a non issue. In fact, the ability of the foam to take a push pin to hold track in place while the caulk set up was actually a benefit. They push in easily and they do hold with plenty of force to keep the track in place. If I used plywood, I would have to use the soup can express to hold the track in place. Push pins are quicker and I don't have to raid the pantry to weight things down. I may use less foam base this time, but not through any dissatisfaction with how it worked on the last two layouts. I will be using a lot for the scenery, cutting and stacking it and then carving. --Randy
I throw away nothing - I still have a box full of small foam chunks. The bits you carve out for below track level scenery, you glue back on to form the bits that go above track level.
As for spike holding - I last used spikes on a layout more than 20 years ago (ok, there was a long time in there I had NO layout...). The last two used adhesive caulk, and the next one will too. The ability of the base material to hold spikes is a non issue. In fact, the ability of the foam to take a push pin to hold track in place while the caulk set up was actually a benefit. They push in easily and they do hold with plenty of force to keep the track in place. If I used plywood, I would have to use the soup can express to hold the track in place. Push pins are quicker and I don't have to raid the pantry to weight things down.
I may use less foam base this time, but not through any dissatisfaction with how it worked on the last two layouts. I will be using a lot for the scenery, cutting and stacking it and then carving.
--Randy
Homasote and Homasote roadbed remain my "go to" base for track and flat scenery.
And rolling scenery/hills/mountains will likely be plaster products over screen once again.
Sheldon
Another reason I like using foam, is the abilty to easily cut out the peices for the Peco switch machines to drop into. Much easier than having to cut out these from plywood.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
That is a good system if you use the PECO track and switch motors, no question.
While very high quality, in my case PECO is not a product that suits my needs.
Looks like you are continuing to make good progress.
MotleyAnother reason I like using foam, is the abilty to easily cut out the peices for the Peco switch machines to drop into.
I really don't care for any system that requires something mechanical/electrical be buried under something else.
maxmanI really don't care for any system that requires something mechanical/electrical be buried under something else.
.
Is there a perfect system where everything is always accessable?
It seems that on every layout I have built, something always winds up under something else.
The Peco system is very reliable. I know of two large layouts that use Peco components on all trackage with no problems.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Sorry, but this is a rather silly statement. Any switch machine will somehow be buried under something, unless you go for those primitive attached thingies Atlas and others still sell.
Sometimes I find your humor not very humorous.
The Peco track system, including their switches and switch "motores" are highly reliable. The switch motors have one big drawback, though - they draw an awful lot of current!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Maybe he could make a removable hatch in the plywood underneath, to gain access to the machine, without picking up track.
Mike.
My You Tube
You don't service selenoid switch machines. They just work for ever and ever. I have never heard of a peco switch machine failing. On my last layout I had 35 Peco switch machines and never had a problem in 7 years I had that layout.
The switch will fail before the machine fails.
Just getting more trackwork done. Left side (where the power plant) is almost finished. And the two mainlines on the top side are almost complete as well.
Michael,
I like the backdrop!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I'm taking a break from track laying. I just finished this Coors building. Its Walthers Wasington Salvage Yard. Gonna use it as a Coors maintence building.
I haven't updated this thread in a while. Track laying has been slow. I did get some switches, and the outside mainline. This is on the right side (Coors area).
I decided to go with Peco #8s here, for the curve entry to the yard. And using #7 curved switches here to.
And I had to remove a section of track here. There was a small bulge from the foam joints. Just shaved the roadbed some.
Hi Michael,
Any progress is good progress! Your backdrop looks good!
Still laying track and making good progress. I have started the yard area as well.
I got sick of seeing that damn pink foam so I started to paint it with a dirt color for scenery base.
Still in track laying mode. Getting the mainlines for the yard almost complete.
I started painting the track. I used floguil by hand with a brush.
I mixed brown, black, and dark green to get the color I wanted.
Do you guys like it?
Getin closer to finishing the two mainlines. Yes they are not dead straight, because I have 2.5" centers on the tracks, but the crossover switches are 2.25" centers. So they have to bend slightly at the switch.
I started installing some of the power feeders on the outside mainline. I hooked up my NCE Powerhouse Pro wireless. And I ran some trains!!! for a couple hours at least. I can run about 3/4 around the outside main. Back and forth and it was really fun.
And I got some more panting done. I hate the pink foam color.
I want to start on scenery already, and I don't have all the trackwork completed.
I have known the pain of needing to wait to build scenery.
The pain of not having a spot for my layout is worse!
Congratulations on the successful train runs.
SeeYou190 I have known the pain of needing to wait to build scenery. The pain of not having a spot for my layout is worse! Congratulations on the successful train runs. -Kevin
I built this (removable) mountain section for the left corner, using foam peices and plaster. I did this a couple months ago, just waiting to finally place it.
I will make it look better with some more surrounding hills and trees later on.