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Hi All, I'm new here, and I plan on introducing my Nephews to Model Railroading this Christmas after being out of it myself for about 12 years. A lot has changed...especially the prominance of foam and the Woodland Scenics SubTerrain system. I'll be helping them get started with a basic 4x8 layout. I plan on using 2" thick extruded-foam insulation as the main risers for the track sub roadbed (on top of a 1/2" plywood base), with Woodland Scenics Incline sets to create rises. I also plan on using the WS Track-Bed and Atlas Code 83 Snap-Track. I will be using a Low Temp Glue Gun to adhere the foam risers to the plywood base, and to glue the inclines to the risers (per WS instructions) In researching the WS SubTerrain stuff I've found that they say to cover the foam sub-roadbed (inclines and risers) with a single layer of dry Plaster Cloth (to create a "hard-shell") then to wet it with water from a spray bottle, and smooth the plaster with your fingers. Then sanding if necessary. They also suggest sealing the Plaster Cloth with Flex Paste to help keep water from leaking into the Plaster Cloth and loosening the roadbed (when laying ballast or spraying water around the track for any reason). My questions are these: a. Has anyone here used the WS Plaster Cloth over foam SubTerrain system? And if so, what are your thoughts? b. If I go that route, is there another or better way to "seal" the plaster cloth shell rather than using WS Flex Paste? Would painting all the Plaster Cloth with latex house paint keep water from soaking into the plaster? Would it work as well as the Flex Paste? And is this step even necessary? c. I've seen a lot of people here recommend Paintable Latex Adhesive Caulk as the best choice in glueing down WS Track-Bed to the sub roadbed (plaster cloth on foam shell)? Caulk also appears to be pretty cheap. I've also read on here that Elmer's white glue is a popular choice as well. WS obviously pushes it's 'Foam Tack Glue' for the job. I want to go with what actually works best, rather than what costs less. So what is actually best? d. I've never used the WS foam Track-Bed before. Is it really better than cork? It sounds like it. Does anyone know of any reasons that I shouldn't use it? Should I stick to cork? (which is what I was used to.) What is really best? e. Will the WS foam 'Track-Bed' curve around 18" radious curves without having to be split apart? Or does it need to be split? Part of why I like the WS system over cork is the continous roll (and it's cheaper). But if it needs to be split apart then that's no longer an advantage. Woodland Scenics is obviously trying to sell their products...which is why I want to know if there are other products that will work just as well for less. But if they actually are best, then I'll want to use them. So, thanks in advance and sorry for any repeat Questions. And If there is a good source for me to find all of this info, rather than to ask these questions here, then please by all means let me know. Thanks!!!! Dave
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