Thanks for all the kind replies--boy I LOVE this forum! The answer is....I dunno. Trains are not running yet. I am wiring the track. I laid out 12 blocks for purposes of locating shorts quickly. The power is 12 180W Lionel bricks feeding 3 MTH TIUs in super mode with all outputs FIXED (no need for variable outs with no conventional operation), with a TMCC base dangling off the back. My locos are all DCS or TMCC--No Legacy and no conventional.
Each TIU output terminates in a box with terminal strips and PTC protection. A green LED is on as long as the PTC hasn't tripped. The green LED goes out anytime the PTC blows (or so the theory goes--I have yet to test it--but the internet is never wrong...right?). Each terminal strip goes to the track sections for one block. It's all pretty simple. But it takes time to put together.
So the upshot is that without trains running, I can't say for sure about the sound deadening. That is still TBD. But to be clear, most of the layout is Gargraves/Ross laid on Midwest cork on 1/8th inch luan supported by blocks of 2 inch foam cut to the needed height vertically. The foam blocks are gorilla-glued to the platform at the bottom of each block and to the luan at the top (Gorilla glue does not attack the foam).
I read all the stories about guys using 3/4 inch thick plywood bolted to L-girder benchwork with 1x3 risers supporting the track and I KNEW that wasn't for me because I am bad with wood. I measure twice and cut once--and still come up a half an inch short! The foam blocks supporting the luan with gorilla glue at both top and bottom--that structure is very forgiving--the glue expands to make a good bond. Anywhere you don't feel is properly supported, just add more foam blocks! You could theoretically have 100% of every grade glued solidly to the platform. But that isn't necessary. with the blocks 8 inches apart, the structure is very strong.
Yes, the screw tips stick out...sigh...more work for Mr. Dremel.
I hope the pix make it clear. But I digress....back to wiring...
Don Merz
