Toy train operating and collecting

Hi Im ready to build my (12 by 6 ) L shaped lay out.....  What should the table top be???

Should I use Homosote???  Should I put the Homosote on top of plywood???

What is the advantage of Homosote???

Thanx  CS

For plywood, I'd use 1/2" minimum, if you can afford 3/4", it's better than 1/2". Make sure you properly brace  the legs. I'd also brace the underside at 24" intervals or less. Homasote can be expensive, there are alternatives- cork roadbed, foam roadbed(from Woodland Scenics), and Viynlbed and Homabed. I used a cheaper alternative--- HushBoard from Georgia Pacific. It's not as dense as Homasote, but it still holds nails & screws like Homasote. But it's 30-40% cheaper----

If you use Homasote/HushBoard, attach it to the plywood with plain old white glue or construction adhesive. Screw the Homasote down until the glue dries, then remove the screws. If you screw the track down, be sure to use screws that do not penetrate into the plywood(you want to keep from transmitting the sound into the plywood).

I used 1/2" OSB.  Usually it is cheaper than plywood, and has one fairly smooth side.  24" O.C. spacing is more than adequate.  This setup is what is used for new construction roof framing!  I would then put down foam or go with homasote or similar product.  I did not and regret it.  My layout can get very noisy. 

IMHO get your table the best it can be in the front end to avoid problems later.  A lot of the strength comes from the bracing between the top and the legs.  1 x 3 set at 45 degrees on all leg / table joints.  Also, use sheetrock screws to put it together.  Love those things!

Do a few searches.  There are several threads of construction progress of tables.

Jim

I've been thinking about a different combination of "stuff" to quiet the noise some.    Might try 3/4 osb or chip board, pretty dense so thats a good start.  Next glue carpet padding to the top of that.  Next use pink or blue foam glues to the padding.  Could probably use homosote glued down as well.  Then to hold the track down use some of those  plastic drywall anchors that screw in  to grab the drywall and then the #4 screws  in the anchors.  The idea with the carpet padding is to put a seperate layer between the base and the track support.  The track support would float on the pad and transfer much less sound to the base than just homosote glued down.  Anyway, its just an idea and it probably would be cost prohibitive as well although the carpet padding is really cheap.

Even with homosote on it, half inch plywood seems to vibrate quite a bit.  My only reason for the 3/4"osb is that is is more dense and should vibrate less, than the 1/2" plywood.