HO layout help needed

[wickman]

layout is on 5x9 feet plywood divided into 3 sections is setup for 18" radius
these are pics of what's left of my HO scale layout I actually removed the lower level tracks for now even though the pics don't totally show them removed I also had a mountain and top level cross over , the layout had numerous reverse switching on the lower level . What I would like to do is add some contour for the lower level for hills and other hills for the track to have something to ride up and across over. As you can see the outer upper level track is fixed on the plywood pretty good and I really rather not remove it to add the bottom layer of foam basing does anyone have some ideas of getting the foam styro close enough to the outer edges so that I can gain some contour and also add some water effects . I also would like to know if I put a layer of styrofoam insulation if the Flex track is to be nailed like it was on the plywood or how is it fastened . There is suppose to be a mountain that fits on the high end left corner the track that comes from the upper level down to the lower runs trough it .
I' m open for any and all suggestions
Thanks Lynn

[ndbprr]

If you want to add some contour you are going to have to depress an area. First you will need to mark where the supports are under the railroad so you don't cut through them. Then cut out an area with a saber saw for a lower profile. It could be a river, lake, rolling hills with a fill for the tracks to run on. i would doodle awhile and try different ideas until you find the "right" one

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman
I also would like to know if I put a layer of styrofoam insulation if the Flex track is to be nailed like it was on the plywood or how is it fastened .
Thanks Lynn

latex caulk seems to be the current favorite . you can find it here
http://www.homedepot.ca/escalate/store/DetailPage?pls=hd_canada_gift&bc=hd_canada_gift&pc=140026&tab=desc%3E&clist=0189803237ff:01898032382f:01898032389d
and apply with this
http://www.homedepot.ca/escalate/store/DetailPage?pls=hd_canada_gift&bc=hd_canada_gift&pc=140026&tab=desc%3E&clist=0189803237ff:01898032382f:01898032389d

the brand you buy will vary from store to store and also where you are in the world , but that's the basic idea .
you want to make sure the product you use is paintable . and some people here say the silicone versions are better , some don't . probably varies with the brand

have fun !

[wickman]

is there any benefit to using the white styrophome for landscape compared to the blue or pink ?

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wickman

is there any benefit to using the white styrophome for landscape compared to the blue or pink ?

most people say don't use the white , it breaks up into little pieces too easily , and it's hard to cut a clean flat surface like where you'd want to mount your track , buildings etc . i think it also crumbles with age
the blue and pink are basically the same thing as each other , just different manufacturers , and are a much denser material than the white