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gsetter, I agree that Homosote should be used over plywood or solid wood strips as an underlayment. I had success with cork-over-Homosote-over-wood (deck or bench work). Track Nails (Atlas #2540, 1/2 inch) work well for quiet operations and easy installation [use a "spike driver"]. I have noticed in another "General Discussion Topic" that some folks are using adhesives to fasten ties to the roadbed. I didn't know this method was so widely used. Somehow, it seems like an unnecessary step. Some adhesives ( eg., Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue) dries to a hard laminate and could amplify motor noise. If a Modeler wished to change his track plan at a letter date, the glueing method would entail extra clean-up and possibly the loss of material (cork, Homosote, etc.) in removing old track. As a Neanderthal, I haven't looked into "Foam" as [sealed] Homosote is inexpensive, cuts and textures easily, holds spikes well and with a 1/4 inch veneer of cork applied over the Homosote; noise is supressed. Since my layout dates back to the Steam Era, I will leave the "Space Age" to the "Cadets." Only kidding! "One man's cake is another man's poison."
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