Did you ever have one of those “aaaaaargh” moments?
This morning I went back to the model shop to get some more track underlay to complete the layout and I got talking about my setup. I mentioned that the underlay had really quietened the running and it was then suggested that I use insulating foam under it all to really make it quiet.
Initially I was hesitant because it meant lifting all the track & underlay up, putting down the foam and starting again, but the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a really sensible thing to do. I looked up the foam and found it at Bunnings for $12/sheet at 1200×600. My layout is 1200×2400 so I need four sheets… but wait… my layout is actually 1220×2440 courtesy of the sheet of plywood I used as a table top… so I will need five so I have one to cut up for edges! I guess I can use what’s left to make a small hill sometime!
The big advantage of the foam, other than the noise deadening qualities, is that I can pin the track to it easily. Thinking ahead, I’m also going to be able to plant trees and stuff in it easily without have to resort to drilling holes in the plywood every time.
I managed (with a little help from my daughter) to slide it underneath the layout without too much trouble and here’s the result:
The two branch lines which finish in the centre are not yet complete.
I’ve used balsa underneath all of the points instead of underlay as advised.