jamnest wrote:If you want to use foam, why not construct a 4' x 8' frame with 1" x 3" to support the foam? There have been several layout articles in Model Railroader using this type of construction.
If you want to use foam, why not construct a 4' x 8' frame with 1" x 3" to support the foam? There have been several layout articles in Model Railroader using this type of construction.
Do you know which issues might have articles on that?
Someone else mentioned how I was going to store it. I may not have explained it correctly: It will be stored standing on its side (the 8ft side). Due to the small amount of space between the backboard of the daybed and the wall, that will limit my scenery options severely. For now at least I just want a place to run my trains.
jamnest wrote:Luan is a high grade plywood, usually used for cabinets and furniture construction...but also layouts. If you want to use foam, why not construct a 4' x 8' frame with 1" x 3" to support the foam? There have been several layout articles in Model Railroader using this type of construction.
Luan is a high grade plywood, usually used for cabinets and furniture construction...but also layouts.
I wouldn't call luan "high grade" plywood. It's actually cheap ply. It's typically 3 ply with the top being a veneer layer. The core is usually balsa or a similar soft tropical wood. It's good for craft projects or dust panels in furniture. You get it in 1/8" or 1/4" thickness. It's not good for structural use. The best ply for that would be any type of birch ply (aircraft or marine grade).
-G-
I'd vote for 2" foam with a lightweight frame too.
Would it be possible to raise it to the ceiling rather than stand it on edge. Have some good legs to put it on when it's down, hanging wouldn't be a good table to work on. Perfectly level lifting wouldn't be necessary. Just a thought.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I'm looking into buying supplies so I can make a storeable 4'x8' layout. It will have to be stored vertically behind my daybed for the time being, as there is no space in my household to build a more permanent layout. My original plan was going to be a 4'x8' foam sheet with wooden bracing underneath for strength and light weight, as plywood is too heavy.
Someone then told me about this "luane" (sp?) stuff. They pronounced it 'loo-AHN.' It's supposedly a composite that's lighter than plywood and very stiff. She said it can be found at home improvement stores like Home Depot. Has anyone heard of luane or had any experience with it?