Whats the best size foam?

[Anonymous]

hello i was looking at foam for my base on my layout and i saw all kinds of different sizes in inches i saw 1" 2" 3" and 4" what is the best for a layout?

[Blind Bruce]

There is no "best" size for a layout. You need to determine what kind of terrain you will be modelling as well as the type of benchwork that will support the foam. A good framework with stringers every 24" will support 2" foam with no plywood base. If your stringers are spaced further apart, as are mine, you should cover the layout with 3/8 underlayment. More than 2" isn't cost effective in my opinion. 1" foam doesn't allow for much carving of ditches etc. so I chose 2". Remember to get blue extruded not white "beaded" foam.
Hope this helps,
BB

[Anonymous]

Keith, I am probably one of the few who used 3" foam. Most people use 2" foam but I wanted a deep Harbor and river banks. I think it looks more dramatic going down that deep and I am happy with my choice. 3 inch foam doesent need much support so I just used 1/4 inch ply under it which I use as the Harbor and river beds. Actually, you wouldn't need much support at all. The 3 ich was quite a bit more expensive but I only plan on buying it once lol.

This is my last layout, I think

Hope this helps, DON

[orsonroy]

Two inch is a good all-around foam thickness. I use 2" for my layout base and scenic contours and 1/2" for roadbed, and don't bother with the rest. Of course, if I was modeling a more mountanious area, I'd probably go with the 3" stuff.

[dgwinup]

Hi, Keith,

2" foam should be more than adequate for a base as it will give you some 'carving' room to vary the height of your terrain. If you are planning on some deep carvings, either use a 1/4" plywood sub-base or use the 2" foam as your lowest elevations and just add more on top to get to the level of your tracks. Foam is so light that you can keep stacking layer upon layer without any appreciable weight penalty. And, each additional layer adds to the stability and strength of the layout. The real penalty is in cost. In my area (midwest near St. Louis) 4' x 8' sheets go for about $22. At that price, I quickly learned that my mountains didn't need to be solid. Hollow was more economical.

You can also use thinner 1" sheets to cut up for scenery risers. That will make all of your scenery hollow. Just cover with plaster-soaked paper towels for hard-shell scenery.

I haven't tried it yet, but you MAY be able to use the really thin 1/4" or 1/2" foam panels for backdrops or dividers. The foam readily accepts latex paint (usually two coats for best coverage).

Hope you feel like you are getting good suggestions now. Your questions are more to the point now and allows everyone to give more complete answers.

Darrell, quiet...for now