I have a layout that is 2" blue foam over 1/2" plywood. There is flex track on cork over the foam. I also have a lift up section to allow access to the center of the layout. This 3' section is cork over plywood, no foam. The sound generated by the wheels going over the foam backed majority is very loud and detracts from the sound equipped locos. The access bridge is quite quiet in comparison.
I am considering a new layout with minimal grade differences and wonder if useing 1/2" foam will be any quieter than the 2" foam.
Any thoughts?
73
Bruce in the Peg
How is the plywood under the 2" foam supported? What did you use to attach the foam to the plywood, the cork to the foam and the track to the cork? In this forum, I've heard of foam, without adequate support under it, acting like a drum head to increase noise from the trains. I've not heard of a noise problem with 2" foam attached with latex caulk to 1/2" plywood with adequate benchwork framing support under it, e.g, on say 16" center causing a noise problem. I'm planning to use the same configuration, i.e., 2" foam on 1/2" plywood supported on no more than 16" centers with cork under the track on my new N scale layout.
Bob
RFinch, I have the plywood supported every 12" and have used latex caulk for all 3 items. foam to ply, cork to foam, and flex to cork.
Now to my original question, will 1/2" foam be any quieter than 2" foam assuming all other parameters are equal?