Am I Really Ready to Lay Track?

[HAZMAT9]

The track area is raised/lowered per the cookie-cutter method. The rest of the plywood sits on top level for scenery. I'm mainly concerned about the areas adjacent to the roadbed and track. If I want these areas to be flat, should I cover the entire layout w/ foam (including the roadbed/track) or can I use something other than plaster on the flat areas adjacent to the track like very thin foam to model scenery?

[Medina1128]

I used the plywood method years ago. This time, I used the open grid benchwork. With cross-bracing under the subroadbed, you can easily raise and lower the track level. The open spaces around the subroadbed open up a whole new realm of possibilities for scenery (scenery that's lower than the track). I cover the open areas that will be higher than track level with foam. It's easily glued to the supports and framework with Liquid Nails for Projects. I recommend the Liquid Nails over white glue, because the white glue takes forever to dry (air can't get to it). For scenery that you want lower than track level, just glue foam in from under the benchwork. It's real easy to carve out and shape once in place. Happy modeling!!! I'm going down to work on some scenery now..

[HAZMAT9]

Looking at the posts on the subject of foam and benchwork, it got me thinking if I'm missing something before laying track. My ho scale RR is cookie-cutter using 3/4" plywood which was cut to raise/lower the surface. Originally I was going to go w/ a foam top though I wanted to add more strength, the reason for going with plywood. Anyhow now that I'm ready to lay track it got me thinking about scenery. I wanted to use foam to do most of my scenery (hills..etc), should I attach the roadbed and track down directly to the plywood or add a layer of foam on top of the plywood and attach the roadbed/track to this? I wanted to avoid the mess of plastering the plywood in flat areas and the added extra weight. The foam just looked easier to place vegetation such as trees..etc. Any suggestions? Thanks, Steve [:0]