track sound dampening with foam shelving pad

[scotttmason]

Testing materials for sound dampening, I found this beaded shelving foam is exceptional for dampening sound but can react with plastic ties. Mainly considering this for hidden track (not supposed to hear trains) and won't scenic over this track. Has anyone suggestion to avoid having ties deteriorate? Thinking about gluing craft paper under track, or priming bottoms of ties to prevent this.

[scotttmason]

Testing materials for sound dampening, I found this beaded shelving foam is exceptional for dampening sound but can react with plastic ties. Mainly considering this for hidden track (not supposed to hear trains) and won't scenic over this track. Has anyone suggestion to avoid having ties deteriorate? Thinking about gluing craft paper under track, or priming bottoms of ties to prevent this.

[der5997]

Can you describe this product a bit more? I'm not "getting it". [:(] Also, what sub roadbed are you using? It seems to me that sound dampening might be somewhat negated if you put a paper between the ties and the foam material. Wouldn't the paper tend to act like a speaker membrane, and not cut the sound? so using primer might be a better plan. Also, I think you're right to keep this to hidden trackage (no ballaast), if ballasting would negate the sound aborption properties.
Interesting idea 'though.

[der5997]

Can you describe this product a bit more? I'm not "getting it". [:(] Also, what sub roadbed are you using? It seems to me that sound dampening might be somewhat negated if you put a paper between the ties and the foam material. Wouldn't the paper tend to act like a speaker membrane, and not cut the sound? so using primer might be a better plan. Also, I think you're right to keep this to hidden trackage (no ballaast), if ballasting would negate the sound aborption properties.
Interesting idea 'though.

[Anonymous]

I think scotttmason is talking about this:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=103114

My suggestion would be to prime the track with cheap spraypaint on the backs of the ties - for unseen areas.

Rob

[Anonymous]

I think scotttmason is talking about this:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=103114

My suggestion would be to prime the track with cheap spraypaint on the backs of the ties - for unseen areas.

Rob

[Anonymous]

MR had an article recently about using "topper tape" - the stuff to seal between a pickup truck bed and fibreglass cap. Sounds really good in theory.

The problem with the foam shelving pad is that it disintegrates over time anyway. Whether it is really attacking the plastic ties, or just breaking down, there are a bunch of issues with it - like how do you replace it? what about all the little bits created as it breaks down? etc...

Good luck with the experiments!

Andrew

[Anonymous]

MR had an article recently about using "topper tape" - the stuff to seal between a pickup truck bed and fibreglass cap. Sounds really good in theory.

The problem with the foam shelving pad is that it disintegrates over time anyway. Whether it is really attacking the plastic ties, or just breaking down, there are a bunch of issues with it - like how do you replace it? what about all the little bits created as it breaks down? etc...

Good luck with the experiments!

Andrew

[scotttmason]

Thanks for feedback; have found that the stuff seems to last as I have some from 5 years ago that is still intact although not quite as non-stick. Liked the topper tape article and may give that a shot too; see how much per roll.

[scotttmason]

Thanks for feedback; have found that the stuff seems to last as I have some from 5 years ago that is still intact although not quite as non-stick. Liked the topper tape article and may give that a shot too; see how much per roll.