jjdamnitIn past posts I have been accused of, "spreading false information" so I didn't want to comment on something I have no experience with.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Hello All,
JaBearWhile I raised my eyebrow at your use of 5/8 MDF, overall, I think yours is a worthy and useful appraisal.
Ja Bear, thank you for your kind feedback.
The reasoning behind using 5/8-inch MDF was partially because of cost and partially out of remembrance.
My first pike, back in the early 1970s, was a slab of MDF supported by two massive sawhorses made from 4"x4"s with three 2"x4" stringers to prevent sagging.
Weight was no issue as this was set up in my parent's attic that had been converted to one big room.
When I was looking for a base for my "new" railroad I went to what I felt comfortable with- -MDF.
Boy was I wrong in that choice!
As with all our postings we hope to educate others as to our mistakes and pitfalls to make this great hobby less frustrating for the uninitiated.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Yes, use the L-girders and add 1x3 pieces across the top every two feet to hold the foam. Having the space allows you to run wiring without any issues. I like the layout and can't wait to see further progress!
jjdamnitWhen I was looking for a base for my "new" railroad I went to what I felt comfortable with- -MDF. Boy was I wrong in that choice!
I built the shell of my paint booth from MDF, and it was a good choice. However, I would never use it for a layout.
Sheldon used OSB with success.
I am a believer in high-grade 3/4" plywood for subroadbed.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Thanks for the tons of information (although some of it is comflicting... ). I believe I will use 2-inch foam on top of frame benchwork, and in sections I need to go below 2 inches (the Saranac River) I will make the benchwork lower and build things up with aditional layers of foam. Let me know how this plan sounds.
Also, one more question, should I put something down under the foam (plywood, MDF, OSB, etc), or is foam enough?
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
HarrisonAlso, one more question, should I put something down under the foam (plywood, MDF, OSB, etc), or is foam enough?
If the 2 inch thick foam has support from a cross-member every 18 inches or so, you should not need any more support...
However, having 1/2" plywood on the bottom can make securing wires and mounting Tortoise switch machines easier, if you ar planning on using these.