Layout Surface Question.

[Anonymous]

What is the best surface board to put a layout on. My available space is about
5' x 6'? I'm dealing with HO scale.

[CP5415]

1/2" plywood is what I use & my layout covers 9x12.

Gordon

[selector]

Yes, for the size you describe, 1/2" ply with three supports below it, one at each end and one in the middle. You should not get any deformation (sagging) with that arrangement.

Some modelers have used 1-2" extruded styrofoam cut to size, and boxed on the edges with 1/2" ply strips to which legs are screwed to make a bench or table.

Either will be noisy. If you can manage to put a softer (AMI or Woodland Scenics) foam subroadbed directly under the track, or even cork (they don't cost much), you can reduce the noise.

[cwclark]

i've had trouble in the past with 1/2" plywood...after a period of time and depending on the humidity in your area , 1/2" plywood can sag or bow if it's not supported about every 12" to 18"..i've used nothing but 3/4" plywood ever since..i also like the 3/4" plywood (though it's heavier and more akward to work with) because it makes a real nice looking elevated subroadbed when the scenery goes in...chuck

[selector]

Chuck makes a very good point. If where your layout will be is highly humid, then 1/2" ply may sag over time without additional support. You should add support if the ambient humiidy exceeds 66%.

[dgwinup]

Boy oh boy, have you asked a question that has a zillion answers!

Basic layout surfaces are an extremely personal choice, and everyone makes that choice depending on what they are familiar with, what they can afford, what other modelers have done and what's available in their area. Some modelers make their layouts from used lumber, often salvaging lumber from old buildings, even old wood pallets! Others buy only the best grade plywood from the lumber yard. More and more of us are using pink or blue foam. None of these methods are superior to another, they are just different. And because they are different, the construction methods are different in many ways. A 1/4" thick plywood has a lot of flex to it. But mount it on a 1 x 3 frame with cross bracing every 12" to 16", and you have a very sturdy table top. The same framework will support 1" or 2" foam with just as much strength. A 3/4" plywood on a1 x 3" frame without cross bracing is just as sturdy. Different methods, same result.

Then there is L-girder construction, which doesn't use solid pieces of plywood or foam. Girders are constructed of 1 x 2" and 1 x 3" lumber, glued and screwed in an "L" shape (hence the name!). These girders then support stringers to which risers are attached that support the roadbed, usually narrow strips of plywood, sometimes 'splined' roadbed. Even foam has been used like this.

Each method has it's advantages. Do some research and, if possible, visit some layouts that have different construction methods and see which method appeals to you. Find out what the advantages are for each method and then you can make an informed decision that you won't regret later.

Hope this helps.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[cwclark]

please visit my webshots photo site...I have a lot of pictures on the steps i took in building L girder bench work and the subroadbed... http://community.webshots.com/user/bayouman1 there are explanations for each picture and the first 20 or so pictures may give you some ideas ...chuck