Hi All -- I'm finally getting my layout built - I've built a table with 3/8" and I'm going to glue 1/2" blue styrofoam on top of that -- My Question is (and I'm sure I already know the answer) do you take off the plastic covering before you glue it down or start painting the base color coating???
Alex Z
Off.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Alex,
Just curious but do you have photos or plans of the layout you're building? Is it a shelf type layout or table top?
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Welcome to the forums.
Yes, remove the film.
I am presuming you have already bought your foam, since you know it has the film on it. However, if you haven't glued it on yet I have a suggestion. Unless you are building primarily a yard or a very flat section of the country, I'd suggest using 2" foam as your base. 1/2" foam doesn't give you much for below grade scenic possabilities. Also, I would suggest cheap laytex caulk for an adhesive for your foam to wood, foam to foam, cork to foam and track to cork. Doesn't take much and works very well. If you already have the 1/2" you can still use it for land forms, elevating a section of your track, foundations, stone walls, piles of dirt and a host of other things.
Have fun,
Yep you knew the answer.
I all second the 2" foam. And a little tip. If you can find a damaged section at Home Depot (there's is pink) if you ask for a discount they will knock off 75%. My last section was $28.00, I got it for around $8.00.
All so from me as well.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Ahhhh, the film. When I first got the pink foam, I didn't notice it had a film on it, and ended up gluing that sheet down without removing the film. Then on the next sheet, I was like, oh the film, what the heck, and of course peeled it off and then glued it down.
ooops.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Yes, with foam more is better,
In my case the thickest sheet available was 3/4 inch so I glued one on top of the other.
Happy Railroading
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I second the peeling part AND the 2 inch part. I used 1 inch blue on a 12 inch on center frame for my small HO layout. I built up using the WS one inch foam flexible riser ramps and one inch foam flexible "pillars" to vary the height of the traks so I didn't have a "prairie" look to it. But I would Use the 2 inch blue foam as a base next time!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Hi All
Thanks for the input - I kinda figured that was what I needed to do
For Antonio's question - I have a tabletop 5X9 thinking about the Verdent Valley or the Granite Gorge and Northern layouts - In HO scale working with DCC (Digitrax Zephyr)
I hear the preference for pink 2" foam - but I think with having my 3/8" ply screwed down and the 1/2 blue glued down - am I committed now to this setup??? or should I go through the trial of pulling it all up and starting new???
as additional information - I plan to use the Tortise w/ Hare or Wabbit for the turnouts (taht will be a different posting for mounting advice)
Thanks to all
Alex
Not a problem Alex, get the 2 inch foam and use caulk to glue it to what you all ready have! Just add some weight on top while the caulk sets up. That how we make mountains using the foam.
PS, don't forget about trying to find damage foam and getting the discount.
I second all what "cowman" has to say here. Very sound advice!
I also used the 2 inch foam but to secure it I used a relatively small amount of white glue and screwed it down with fender washers. If I ever want to pull it up or change it (which I recently did) Just unscrew the washers and tug on the foam some. Comes right up.
Springfield PA
I agree, just glue down a second layer of foam on top of what you have.
You can also just glue it down in the places where you know you need more vertical relief in your terrain. Like where you want your tracks to go. The original 1/2" layer would make a nice water feature with the rest of the terrain elevated 2" above it.
One great attribute you have is your willingness to rip out and redo if things don't work right. In my opinion, that's an essential attitude in this hobby.