Light Wgt Hydrocal & type of track

[roadrat]

I don't know about a replacement for Hydrocal, although I believe that some types of floor leveler at Home depot. Lowes etc. is a type of hydrocal and is cheaper by the bag.

As for track, code 100 or code 83 nickel-silver is the way to go, Cork roadbed is still very popular. I would avoid EZ track as it is kinda restrictive, flex track is the way to go IMO.

P.S. welcome to the forum[#welcome]

bill

[Anonymous]

Hi, Dean. A lot of modellers use Plaster of Paris, which can be bought in a 25 lb. bag for a few dollars. It sets up quickly, so you have to really be moving when you use it. And it's considerably heavier than the light weight hydrocal.

I use cork and nickel-silver rail (Atlas code 100 flextrack and turnouts) on my layout and have been pleased with it. The cork provides some sound deadening, and the flextrack gives you flexibility in your track configuration.

[rolleiman]

Hydrocal is very cheap if you buy it in a building supply. It comes in 100 pound bags and the last one I bought was less than $20.. I doubt Hobe depot will know what it is. Try someplace that caters to contractors (hint, these places won't have a candy rack in the checkout aisle)..

http://www.gypsumsolutions.com/distributor/map.asp

Good luck,
Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi all ..... thanks for the replies about engine jumping track. It seems that the jumps only occur at the turnouts. I'm checking track dims. with a caliper.

Does anyone have a workable, less expensive, molding material as a substitute for light wgt Hydrocal?

Also, what kind of track and roadbed do most HO modelers use? Cork and nickel-silver, E-Z track and ballast, etc.?

Thanks again
Dean Dameworth
Hartsville, SC