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Offline Mr. Ron  
#1 Posted : 15 January 2021 19:34:52(UTC)
Mr. Ron

United States   
Joined: 05/07/2020(UTC)
Posts: 311
Location: Mississippi, Vancleave
I have finished building the framework for my layout. The size is approximately 12' x 13'. What would you recommend as the material to use for the top? I was thinking plywood, but what other materials might be better? Has anyone used 1" thick rigid foam insulation board? If plywood, what thickness?
Offline DaleSchultz  
#2 Posted : 15 January 2021 21:16:36(UTC)
DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
1/2" plywood
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
thanks 3 users liked this useful post by DaleSchultz
Offline JohnjeanB  
#3 Posted : 15 January 2021 21:46:42(UTC)
JohnjeanB

France   
Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3,084
Location: Paris, France
Hi Ron
I think plywood is the best approach with 3/8 (10 mm)thickness in a frame structure
This is a good compromise for HO between weight, space between levels, cost.
The frame structure provides for solidity, access to multi-layer layout and noise reduction (foam or cork under the track is not needed with C track.

My structure is made of "beams" of 5/8 (15 mm) plywood mounted vertically (5" wide) in squares with removable feet with casters & brakes
Here is the look of it before landscaping

With landscaping there is no noise / resonance
Here it is with some landscaping

Cheers
Jean
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by JohnjeanB
Offline Mr. Ron  
#4 Posted : 16 January 2021 00:02:00(UTC)
Mr. Ron

United States   
Joined: 05/07/2020(UTC)
Posts: 311
Location: Mississippi, Vancleave
Originally Posted by: JohnjeanB Go to Quoted Post
Hi Ron
I think plywood is the best approach with 3/8 (10 mm)thickness in a frame structure
This is a good compromise for HO between weight, space between levels, cost.
The frame structure provides for solidity, access to multi-layer layout and noise reduction (foam or cork under the track is not needed with C track.

My structure is made of "beams" of 5/8 (15 mm) plywood mounted vertically (5" wide) in squares with removable feet with casters & brakes
Here is the look of it before landscaping

Cheers
Jean

Thank you for sharing the video of you outstanding layout. It looks like it is running smoothly with lots of action. What DCC system are you using?

Offline Bigdaddynz  
#5 Posted : 16 January 2021 05:10:27(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
12mm MDF would be the only alternate I'd recommend to ply.
Offline JohnjeanB  
#6 Posted : 16 January 2021 12:22:41(UTC)
JohnjeanB

France   
Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3,084
Location: Paris, France
Hi Ron
Originally Posted by: Mr. Ron Go to Quoted Post
Thank you for sharing the video of you outstanding layout. It looks like it is running smoothly with lots of action. What DCC system are you using?

Thanks Ron. The layout is using MFX and MM2. It operates from a CS2 (60215) a 60101 (100W Märklin power supply) and is driven by Rocrail. The system is Märklin 3 rails (detection by contact rails.
The wooden structure is so that there are 2 large modules forming a T and a small appendix. The Modules are 2.45m by 1.25 m and bolted together.
The structure can support the weight of a person.
Cheers
Jean

Offline 1borna  
#7 Posted : 17 January 2021 21:28:31(UTC)
1borna

Croatia   
Joined: 21/12/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,340
Location: Hrvatska
There are a lot of different types of plywood, some are heavy and have a solid surface into which it is difficult to screw something, especially small rail screws! Several years ago, I discovered an extremely light Ceiba plywood in which even the smallest screws can be easily screwed.
UserPostedImageUserPostedImage
It is easy to cut and comes in various thicknesses and sizes. One plate 250 x 150 cm weighs only 10 kilograms!
UserPostedImage
The large layout of the Backo mini express was also made with the same material but slightly thicker. I used side and other load-bearing sides 10 mm thick and for larger surfaces and routes only 6 mm (with support).


thanks 4 users liked this useful post by 1borna
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