Door 18" x 81" Layout Questions

[Anonymous]

I have this door that is 18" x 81", hollow core indoor type, painted, that I would like to model a yard-switching with military theme...should I throw door away and use plywood?...so, can I lay track directly on door or must use cork?...expect to use a John Allen "Timesaver" switch problem as part of layout...

[Javern]

you can lay the track directly on the door, or use roadbed...it's your choice. You can use glue or caulk to affix the track to the door

[Anonymous]

Well, the first question we have to ask is, "What scale?" Sounds like you're planning HO, but it could also be N.

If the door is sturdy, no reason not to use it. However, you'll probably want to put something between the track and the door if you're using HO, even if it's 1/2" or so of cork, foam or Homasote. It'll help deaden the sound of the wheels on the track, which could be amplified by the hollow door. Plus, a thicker layer will give you the ability to have track on more than one "level", or to model things below track level like culverts, ditches and the like. In the "real world" track is rarely all at the same flat level, so it'll enhance your scenery if you have the ability to have stuff at different heights.

[bcammack]

I'd say definitely put down a 2" sheet of foam over that door. It'll act like a sounding board if you don't and you'll limit your opportunities for much in the way of interesting terrain features. I used some foam-core board and it provided little or nothing in the way of sound deadening or terrain opportunities.

I have also read some fairly compelling arguments regarding how John Allen's "Timesaver" switching puzzle has ruined more than a few switching yards because it doesn't reflect reality, but is a puzzle that will have a negative effect upon the utility and enjoyment, over time, of your layout.

Up to you, but I'd investigate every avenue for switching layout designs before committing to something integrating the Timesaver into it.

I hope you're doing it in N scale. You could have an awesome switching layout in that space. [:)] Good luck!

[cacole]

Hollow core doors are excellent for use as a model railroad base instead of using plywood. The Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's 20x40 foot HO-scale layout is built on hollow core doors with a 1" layer of sound board glued on top. Most doors are pre-treated against moisture absorption so they don't expand, contract, or warp with changes in the weather like some products can. For support, we used a 2x4 framework with crossmembers in the center of each door and one at each end between abutting doors, but this substantial a framework is not necessary for a home layout. Cosmetically damaged doors can usually be found at lumber yards for as little as $2 each, which is certainly cheaper than plywood.

[leighant]

Not on a door, and not linear like a Timesaver but this is a military base theme switching layout.


More pix if you want to take time to load them.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aaa.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aab.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/abj.jpg

[bcammack]

I like the painting of the blimp hangar on the backdrop! Is it supposed to be the El Toro LTA base?

[Anonymous]

thanks for the help...some thoughts...the layout is HO...will adjust my thinking about the 'Timesaver'...think I will use a combination of foam, cork, glue and nails to 'educate' myself...was worried about the engineering associated with the door itself, but appears that the door is not a problem...many mention 'noise' as a problem without a roadbed...is this because it annoys us engineers or because it makes it too loud for the rest of the family?...

[Anonymous]

leighant...nice pix...I like some of your ideas...what type track, turnouts and manual switches do you use?...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PDN Express

...many mention 'noise' as a problem without a roadbed...is this because it annoys us engineers or because it makes it too loud for the rest of the family?...

Yes. [:D] It's amazing how loud an HO train can be on a flat piece of plywood, especially in a smaller room -- I imagine a hollow door would only act as a sounding board and make it that much worse. Plus it's more fun to hear the click-clack of the wheels rolling over joints, points, frogs, etc than to just hear the amplified whine of the electric motor drowning everything else out.

[darth9x9]

At the very least, use something for roadbed (ie Homabed, cork, etc). There is nothing worse looking than a mainline that is at the same level as the scenery. Using a sheet of foam in addition to roadbed is a good idea not only for reducing noise but also gives you the chance to creat ditches, gullies, etc.