was going to use 1/2” Homosote on top of 3/4” plywood for my layout. Friend said he used 4x8 1/2” black sound proofing board from Lowe’s on his layout and it has worked great for years. Homosote is $30/sheet. Black sound proofing sheet are $10/sheet. What are your thoughts on this? Anybody using the black sound proofing board? Thanks, Bobby
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Neither, use Woodland scenics foam road bed for your track. If you layout is not on carpet but a solid surface use rubber pads under all the legs. There's really no need for either.
Real trains are noisy, even with welded rail. About a week ago I stood along side a straight piece of track, upgrade, welded, it was quiet and I could hear the diesels working hard and the wheels clattering on the tracks-and the train wasn't even in sight yet. I like Homosote. Looked at sound board but passed on it.
I can't tell you anything about the soundproofing board but I used both 1/2" and 1/4" Homasote (I don't think 1/4" is available any longer) on top of 1/2" plywood and it worked very well. I used open framework construction, and therefore didn't have the "drum" effect of a solid table, and was thinking about using 3/4" plywood at the time but a side by side test of both combinations prior to starting work revealed that the difference in sound transmission was indistinguishable to my ears. I've been happy with the Homasote mainly because it takes paint, track nails and screws well. I'll be adding onto my layout soon with a yard area and I'll watch others chime into this thread with their opinions but so far I'm considering using the exact same combination - 1/2" ply & 1/2" Homasote.
I have some of each on my layout, and my feeling is that Homasote is overrated. Actually, in my opinion, neither really do much to reduce noise. Most noise is related to the track you use, more specifically whether therail is solid or hollow. Solid rail is naturally quieter.
If you do chose to go with cheaper option, and it has a coated side and an uncoated side, put the coated side down against the plywood.
Although there must be a good reason as to why most people suggest using Homasote, it was not that easy to find in my area and I used the "black soundboard" from Home Depot.
I agree with Elliott that the coated side must be placed toward the plywood and I found that the treated material will really "gunk up" saw blades, drill bits, and razor knife blades. It was a lot of work cutting a small stream and lake out of the material.
The material does take paint and scenic materials very well.
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