Hi All,
Would one of you send me a link to the underlayment that you used, or the
underlayment that is on the 12 x 15, please.
I know what the bottom looks like with the white and the contractor dots -
and I'm not seeing that on the HD or Lowes website.
Thank you,
Rick
On Sun, Nov 22, 2020 at 7:17 PM Ken Young <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Here's a Lionel video on their method of reducing Fastrak noise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpHg-w0yYHM
Finding a straight clear pine 1 X 2 is difficult. However, I have used fir
1 X 2's and they seem to stay straight as long as you buy a straight one to
begin with. Haven't bought any for a while but the last ones came from Home
Depot. They may still carry fir.
I highly recommend the 1/4" flooring underlayment we used on the portable
layouts. It has held its shape despite being stored in the trailer. I've
noticed the 1/2" plywood we used on the original modules of the large
layout is starting to sag between the support stringers.
Ken
On 11/22/2020 6:08 PM, Walter Strohecker wrote:
The 1x2's should be assembled as a grid with the 1" edges at top and
bottom. That way, any warpage in the top sheet will be eliminated when you
secure it to the frame. IMO laying the 1x2's flat will make the frame very
difficult to assemble and square up. Finding 1x2's that lay perfectly flat
is next to impossible unless you want to pay for high priced furniture
grade lumbers such as poplar or oak.
On Sun, Nov 22, 2020 at 11:11 AM Wally Ubik <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Rick, Lowe’s and Home Depot sell both luan plywood and flooring
underlayment. They are both nominally 1/4” thick. Pick whichever one you
like best. The club modules use underlayment - you can tell by the grid
lines that the contractors need/use.
Just glue and screw it to your frame. It won’t warp. If the frame
moves, you have other problems.
Wally
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 22, 2020, at 10:57 AM, Rick <ricksinva@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks Guys,
Can one of you send me a link to the luan you have used, please?
They really want to keep this super low because their tree already almost
hits the ceiling.
* Does the luan lay pretty flat on its own or would it want to warp?
* Would a 1 x 2 frame, attached laying flat, underneath it keep it from
warping?
Rick
On Sun, Nov 22, 2020 at 10:35 AM Walter Strohecker <
wmstrohecker@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Rick,
My under the tree layout is about the same size as what you're
planning, and also two pieces. Peter is right, making an underframe is the
way to go. It keeps the layout a few inches off the ground and the top can
be much lighter. I used a 1x2 frame with a Luan top and it's held up for
over 10 years. A 1x3 frame would also be good. 1x4's are more than you need
unless you want the layout that high off the ground. On the sides where the
2 pieces meet you would want to make the top flush with the frame. That way
you can drill holes and connect the two pieces with bolts, or just use
dowel pins which is what I use. The other three sides can hang a few inches
over the frame. That allows you to round the corners if you'd like.
For deadening the sound, you could use the insulation sheathing. It's
similar to Homosote and made from compressed paper about 1/2" thick. It
comes in 4x8 sheets and can be easily cut with a utility knife. Also, it is
dense enough to hold screws (unless you pull the track straight up) to
prevent any lateral movement. I used it over plywood on my HO layout, and
used it to cut O scale roadbed for gargraves track.
No matter which top you use I highly recommend painting it white. If
you're planning to use the Christmas felt mat with the glitter (which is
what I have) will not hide the color of your top material.
Walt
On Sun, Nov 22, 2020 at 5:02 AM Peter Condro <pcondro@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Rick…..and you know this already
Any screws will transmit the noise to the wood.
FasTrack, though a great choice, has an “echo chamber. if you could
stuff it with 1/4” carpet pad and then scenic it so it is glued to the
carpet or homesite, it will dampen noise….
Storage: any moisture will potentially give you rust
3/4” plywood is very heavy……the thin stuff we’ve been using is very
light and I have learned that the key is proper bracing 1x4s and 1x3s work
fine…..I grew up thinking 2x4s or nothing.
Peter
On Nov 21, 2020, at 5:53 PM, Rick <ricksinva@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:platform.
I am helping our Son-In-Law build a Christmas time only, 4 x 7
It's been a long time since I built mine; so, new thoughts arewelcome.
"frame" for other reasons.
Using:
Lionel FasTrack, permanently screwed down.
Platform will be 2 pieces.
Base will be covered with white felt.
He is keeping it low to the ground.
He is thinking 3/4" base with 1 x 4 boards lying flat underneath as a
deadening.
Homasote used to be the go to material. Primarily for sound
My layout uses Homasote.(as a sound deadener), with the white felt on top of that.
He was thinking 3/4" plywood. I know that amplifies the sound.
They would be okay with putting Berber carpet on top of the plywood
Plywood gives me a very firm base for the track screws to grab into.to secure FastTrack are thin. I'm wondering if those screws would work
What about warping?
Is Homasote still available?
Homasote isn't as solid as plywood and the tiny screws that are used
loose over the years in Homasote?
Does modern Homasote warp?berber vs. Homasote (without the berber)?
How drastic would the sound difference be between using plywood and
Virginia attic (heat / cold) without warping, rusting, or some other
Can FastTrack and plywood or Homasote be kept year round in a
damage?
If necessary, they can store this in a spare room instead of theattic.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Rick
