Recommendations for ‘domino’ top surface?

[Ted Thorson]

I’ve ordered some 2 x 4’ modules from Mianne Benchwork and I am wondering what people might recommend for the top surface of the modules?  These modules are going to be used to try out various prototype ideas.  I expect that the trackwork will be secured by small nails (although I am open to other ideas), and will be altered many times over.  I prefer to avoid Homasote due to the mess involved with cutting it.

[nkalanaga]

For a 2x4 module to be altered frequently, how about a suspended ceiling tile?  I have part of one I've been using as a portable work table for close to 50 years, another ended up with a loop of Z track as an Nn3 test track, and I used them over plywood for one of my permanent layout towns.

I have no idea what they're made of today, but mine is some kind of brown fibrous material, with a smooth white surface on one side.

[Jesse6669]

Maybe look at Gatorboard.  It's foam but has a thin wood veneer on one side and paper on the other.   They also make Falconboard which is all paper fiber--never tried it but I bet it would hold nails well.