was wondering about tops for n scale modules, i have tried both luan and foam as for module foundation on 1x3 frame, is it better to have luan for flat surface evan so with unitrack to reduce sound , like to have opinions on this, modules are only 4ft long x 14inch wide,thanks
Modules? LION thought ewe said Models and him was wondering models of what?
LION would use plywood. Or him would use Homesote. LIONS do not use unitrack, but him running subway trains like them to make as much noise as possible.
Oh well. You will make it work.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
On my 17x13 layout I have various situations and this is my observation.
with Woodland Scenics Foam Roadbed on all surfaces under the trackage I have found when it is on plywood alone it is the quietest. when it is on ceiling tile or homosote it is loudest and when it is on the pink styrofoam it is the loud but not as much as the ceiling tile.
I have used this to my advantage by using it to also force perspective. At the end where you enter the room an is my major urban area, I used the ceiling tile to make it noisier.
Then through the mountains I used the pink foam so that there is still a good rumble that would be echoing off the rocks. Then at the far end it is all on plywood roadbed that is almost silent and emphasizes the fact that it is further away.
Works for me, and I definately would build this way again.
I always get a kick out of the Guys who complain about the noise of the track bed and the Athearn Growl. If you have ever stood beside the tracks as a locomotive went by, you know it is not quiet. And there are many ways to reduce any significant amount of growl out of the Athearns.
The bonus for me anyway, is that I don't need sound decoders to be satisfied.
Johnboy out...............................
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
I made all of mine from 1x4s. I made a template out of oak, that I use to drill holes for alignment dowels and holes for wiring. The dowels really make aligning the modules easy when I pull them apart. The wiring holes help keep the wiring running in straight lines. I use connector between modules, it make it SO much easier to get the wiring plugged into the correct circuit.
I buy most of my electrical components, wires, connectors, etc. from AllElectronics.com
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Use just foam for expansion and contraction eliminations as a proublem. Don't know about the track you are using in this regards but for regular flex track this is true.
This site might be useful:
http://free-mon.wesleysteiner.com/
Ed