 Joined: 25/03/2017(UTC) Posts: 119 Location: England, Devon
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Hi
I am about to start constructing the layout board for a new HO layout using C track. I was intending to use ply with a 3mm sound mat on top to deaden the sound, and build from there, screwing the track down once all tested etc.
However, I wondered if I should use a 20mm close cell sheet material on the ply, and build up from there. Using this would allow me to easily create cut outs for rivers etc. However if I did this I was unsure as to how best to fix down the track as I dont think that the screws would grip properly into the close cell sheet material.
Suggestions and advise gratefully received.
Thanks
Alex
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 3 users liked this useful post by Alex H
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 Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,882 Location: Michigan, Troy
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Welcome Alex! If the 20mm cell sheet will hold the screws, then it's ok. If you want the screws into the wood, then may not be. The track screws aren't that long. I used batted dark brown and green vinyl upholstery fabric stapled down. My wood base is hollow and it's quiet enough. Some ballast scatter material can echo more than others. Test the underlayment before you buy a lot. With sound locomotives and trains, much track noise can be drowned out.
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 Joined: 26/07/2021(UTC) Posts: 635 Location: Sydney
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I can't comment on holding down C track. But anything to have scenery below track level is a resource often overlooked.
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Joined: 20/05/2023(UTC) Posts: 214 Location: Wales, powys
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no point using sound damping with any screws or track pins as the sound will vibrate down screws to wood underneath you need to use adhesive with sound underlay
hess
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Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,763 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Originally Posted by: Alex H  Hi
I am about to start constructing the layout board for a new HO layout using C track. I was intending to use ply with a 3mm sound mat on top to deaden the sound, and build from there, screwing the track down once all tested etc....
Suggestions and advise gratefully received.
Thanks
Alex Hello Alex, I have a multi-track layout with 4 sides 2.6m x 3.2 metres using all C track. As the previous post from hess says, the screws transmit noise to timber. It is like the amplification in a violin or guitar regardless of underlay. My layout is NOT SCREWED down at all and performs wonderfully well - with only the SWISHING of wheels on rail. See my example at Softly Softlyregards Kimball |
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge. |
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Joined: 25/03/2017(UTC) Posts: 119 Location: England, Devon
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Thanks everyone for your comments so far - I have to admit that I hadn't considered that the noise would be transmitted through the screws !
Hess: If I were too glue the track down, would it be best to use a PVA glue? What about if at some time in the future I wanted to reconfigure the track design?
Kimball: Does the track not move around if it is not fixed in some way?
Regards
Alex
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2 users liked this useful post by Alex H
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Joined: 20/05/2023(UTC) Posts: 214 Location: Wales, powys
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most people use window sealant how ever it can not be painted if you are using PVA it will work ok all depends on how shiny your undelay is. I use hot glue on track joints about every 5 section very sparingly not forgetting to glue underlay to base if you are fussy about track preservation it works best and is adequate enough. for a moor permanent fix ballast between the track's than PVA water mix. if noise is a problem test small section's of track with different underlays before committing all the best any problems send massage
hess
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Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,763 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Originally Posted by: Alex H Thanks everyone for your comments so far - ..
Kimball: Does the track not move around if it is not fixed in some way?
Regards
Alex
Hello Alex, Thanks for the question. If you build a simple closed oval of track and place it on a base of wood, yes it can shift around. But if you place that oval on a thickened underlay (any material) it is less likely to move. I use three layers including Woodland Scenics or Heki paper base. But I have not used a felting material which might even be better. My layout oval is 4 track, closed and all interconnected so never moves. I think you should try it yourself starting with a simple oval and see how you go. You should be convinced on your own account. regards Kimball |
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge. |
1 user liked this useful post by kimballthurlow
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Joined: 25/03/2017(UTC) Posts: 119 Location: England, Devon
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Thanks Kimball I will try that this weekend
Alex
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Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,882 Location: Michigan, Troy
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I don't see how screws can echo sound to the wooden base. Maybe more so with M track. C track is quieter and lacks the metal roadbed properties. My HKM glowing steel ingot car with motion switch doesn't even light up on C track. It always did on M track. One bench base is the same as before, with batted vynil upholstery covering the plywood.
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 Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,555 Location: Paris, France
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Hello Alex Here C track user from France. I use 10 mm thick plywood within a frame construction like this  Under this approach using Märklin screws makes that no significant noise is created especially once you have added landscaping All my locos are with sound but trimmed to a low level I guess, the point is to avoid a large plywood surface acting like a drum. Using a foam or cork bed makes that the rail surface may make waves instead of being straight. Here is the result (sound-wise) on a finished layout All this is true except with very old locos like my CCS800 or DL800 or G800 but the noise is coming from a very heavy and noisy loco. Cheers Jean |
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1 user liked this useful post by JohnjeanB
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Joined: 25/03/2017(UTC) Posts: 119 Location: England, Devon
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Thank Jean for your input. I will experiment this weekend. I absolutely love your layout. What is the total area, it seems so big?
Alex
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Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,555 Location: Paris, France
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Hi Alex My layout is L-shaped 3.5 m x 4 m so it is medium size, but on 3 levels so you may have 26 to 28 locos, or trains simultaneously Glad you like it (I do too  ) Cheers Jean |
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