I am about to begin work on a new (second) layout that will be approximately 5 ft X 9 ft using Lionel Fastrack. The layout will be predominately flat with a "recessed" lake and river.
I intend to use QuietBrace over plywood on 1X4 benchwork.
My question is: Should I use insulation foam board over the QuietBrace or use 2 layers of QuietBrace and cut out the lake and river through to the plywood?
What would be the pros and cons of using either method?
Thank you in advance for your comments.
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Whatever you use above the plywood, just use one layer of it. If you still need more relief for your water, cut a hole in the plywood slightly larger than the feature, fill in around the edges with scraps of your chosen material, then put back the plywood plug and support it.
Having more than one layer of material makes it more difficult to secure your track.
As mentioned, raising the entire surface area to allow a lake in one are doesnt make sense for several reasons, including monetary.
If you have a sandwiched board that isn't totally bonded, that is TOTALLY glued in ALL areas, it could set up a vibration which could amplify train noise.
If you are making rolling scenery, then the foam would be a reasonable base for carving out depressions. But then cut the brace stuff into appropriate strips to use as ballast/roadbed. The QuietBrace can be screwed all the way through to your plywood base. It does not transmit sound laterally from the track to the screw, as long as you dont contact the screw with the track. The plastic foam does not absorb sound , it insulates heat.
Great comments and suggestions.
I think that I will use the QuietBrace over plywood and use the $$$ I would have spent on the foam for something else that I will need for the project.
The lake and river/stream really do not need to be more than 1/2" deep.
Thank you!
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