Plywood, Cork and Track

[taholmes160]

Hi Folks:  IM planning a layout in N scale -- ive been watching the Canadian Canyons video series from Model Railroader, and I notice in that series, David Popp chose to put cork directly on the plywood and then track on the cork, Does this provide sufficient sound dampening, or should I try to put a layer of Homosate over it (worried about switch rod lengths etc at that point)

Your feedback appreciated!

TIM

[garethashenden]

I thought common practice was homosate or cork, not both? No idea about the noise cancelling, but it would get rather thick if you used both.

[davefoxx]

Tim,

You shouldn't have to worry about switch rod lengths, because I've got under-the-table switch rods that are penetrating 1/4" lauan plywood, 2" of foam, and 1/4" cork roadbed.  They work fine.  But, I think the Homasote and cork would be overkill, not to mention the additional cost and unnecessary labor.  Since sound is subjective, you would be wise to build a small section of benchwork and test it.  What's objectionable for you could be okay for others, and vice versa.  I never thought that cork on plywood was noisy, and I'm sure it's quieter than cork on 2" foam.  Regardless, I've generally found by the time you fully scenic the layout, that seems to help quiet the track even more.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[Mark5]

I thought common practice was homosate or cork, not both? No idea about the noise cancelling, but it would get rather thick if you used both.

I've always used homasote clamped and glued to 1" plywood (old school L girder) with great results here in Maryland (over decades). On top of that I used cork.

Mark

[nkalanaga]

Two reasons to use homasote, or foam, between the plywood and cork, even though it's probably not "needed":

Easier to cut ditches and shallow creeks.  No need to cut the plywood, just remove all or part of the "filler" material.

Easier to have industrial spurs lower than the mainline.  Leave the cork off, and one doesn't have to nail/glue/spike the track directly to the plywood.

[SkipGear]

Just my .02. I have worked on an HO layout that was homasote over ply. Never again. I hate homasote with a passion. It clogs saws and drill bits, was extremely difficult to carve, and was not very dimensionaly stable with changes in humidity.

[DKS]

I never thought that cork on plywood was noisy, and I'm sure it's quieter than cork on 2" foam.

A great many people complain that laying track on foam creates excessive noise. Well, it does--until you add scenery. Then the sound deadens substantially. This isn't much help in tunnels, where the foam vibration isn't dampened by scenery, but if you glue almost anything to the foam, it stops being a sounding board.

Agree that Homasote is waaay more trouble than it's worth. Anything but Homasote...

[peteski]

This entire layout is built using the L-girder supports with 1/4" lauan plywood base, cork roadbed, and foam/Hydrocal/wood-putty scenery.  We don't think it has a noise problem.

I thought Homasote went out with Tyco H0 model trains.  Didn't realize someone was still using (or contemplating using) that stuff.

[ednadolski]

I thought Homasote went out with Tyco H0 model trains.  Didn't realize someone was still using (or contemplating using) that stuff.

FWWI, Dave Stewarts' A&O RR and Doug Geiger's GMRY are basement-filling layouts that are built on top of Homasote roadbed.

Ed

[peteski]

FWWI, Dave Stewarts' A&O RR and Doug Geiger's GMRY are basement-filling layouts that are built on top of Homasote roadbed.

Ed

Since you quoted me, I don't know what to say - good for them!
Obviously (judging by some other replies in this thread), some modelers still use that stuff.  I just stated that " (I) didn't realize someone was still using (or contemplating using) that stuff.  Well, now I know better.  But if I ever build a layout (or a module) I don't foresee using Homasote.

[Chris333]

Last time I  touched Homasote about 25 years ago it was far from flat. Like it had a purposely irregular surface.

[Santa Fe Guy]

I've built many Various Scale layouts and only ever used 1/2inch (12mm ) ply and 1/8th (3mm) cork for track.
Stuck both down using Selleys No More Gaps and it has served me very well.
Rod.

[Mark5]

Last time I  touched Homasote about 25 years ago it was far from flat. Like it had a purposely irregular surface.

Strange. I've never seen that. This piece has been sitting in my basement for about 15 years.

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[Chris333]

Yeah that photo is what I remember. Bet if you put a straight edge on it you will see a lot of light under it.

[Mark5]

Yeah that photo is what I remember. Bet if you put a straight edge on it you will see a lot of light under it.

I just did, and amazingly no light after leaning against a wall all these years.