Attache Track To Plywood

[CBQ_Guy]

j,

You've gotten some good info here thusfar. To add to the knowledge pool, I'll add how I do it, but ultimately you'll have to choose which seems best for you.

I see you're using O-27scale. My first layout my Dad got for me back in 1956, when I was 3 years old, was Lionel O-gauge and he attached the track to the plywood using small, black wood screws about 1/2" or so long.

I currently model in HO and I use 1/2 inch plywood for the table top, many others prefer 3/4 inch ply but the 1/2 inch has always served me, and others around here well. On top of that I glue (white glue) and screw sheets of a compressed, recycled newspaper product called Homasote. After the glue dries you can leave or remove the screws. Homasote is not available in all areas, or it is a special order item. Locally, it is available at Menard's Home Center, and also at a privately owned lumber dealer. Call around to see if it's available where you are. The company also has a web site and dealer locater at:

http://homasote.com/

The cork can be glued down using white glue or even rubber cement. I usually just use some small brad type nails. The track can be nailed down through the cork into the Homasote using the small nails or track nails which they sell specifically for the task, and all the ones I've seen are black color to more closely match the color of the ties (sleepers). Some modelers glue the track after carefully spreading down a THIN layer of construction adhesive, caulk, or silicone. This method eliminates the unprototypical (unrealistic) looking screw/nail heads sitting on top of the ties where you've affixed them. That's about it.

Others use large sheets of foam insulation for a table top, but that's an area I'm not familar with. Maybe someone else can fill you in on that method.

Good luck and have fun with that grandson! [:D]

[Anonymous]

Hi jwalk
I have always used a double table top the first layer being ply wood or chip board or similar the top surface I use canite not sure what the US equivelent is called but it is a compressed cardboard product with a white surface.
I glue and weight it down on the ply wood.
When dry I glue the cork to the canite then paint the canite an earth colour the cork grey.
When the track is fixed down I pu***he nail through the hole in the sleeper with a pair of long nosed pliers until it hits the ply by which time it is allmost home then get a roofing bolt and then gently tap the nail using the bolt like a nail punch until the nail is home no damadged rail and no damadged sleepers(Ties)
And more important no anoying noise coming from a drumming table.
regards John

[IRONROOSTER]

I would use small nails that fit through the holes in the track sections. Drill a hole into the plywood for each nail just slightly smaller than the nail and tap home with a small hammer and nailset. That way you'll avoid hitting the track with the hammer or deforming the track by driving the nail in too far.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Working on new 4x8 o27 planf or grandson. Will be using cork for road bed. What is the best way to attach track to plywood, nails, screws, glue etc.?