I used homasote for subroadbed with Homabed for roadbed in a area of a previous layout. It did work, but needs frequent support, no more than 12" between supports. I used plywood for the areas built later on that layout. I am using plywood so far on my current layout, but may use some spline in areas between towns. (I have some wood lath in my wood pile, so I'll probably use you it.) Several people have used homasote successfully as spline roadbed. One example was one of the Minneapolis area layouts on tour at last month's NASG convention. I wouldn't skip the subroadbed/roadbed combination unless you are using spline. Don't skimp in areas that affect trackwork on a layout. If you need to save, go with less locomotives and rolling stock. Building your own turnouts saves money unless you need to amortize Fast Track jigs. Homabed works good under hand laid track. I'm hand laying and bought the premade roadbed from California Roadbed. If you cut your own, make sure you do it outside, or at least other than the train room. Sawdust and trains don't mix and homasote dust is worse.
Dave Heine Easton, PA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jeff Ngowe Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 4:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: {S-Scale List} "S"ome questions All, My Friday Fun has consisted of continuing benchwork on a switching layout I've been planning. However I' have run into a roadblock. Since I have not decided on terrain, and would prefer something that isn't flat. Track will be handlaid I considered using homasote for a layout base, but I am not certain if it will be strong enough. I have considered spline roadbed from homasote, but am not sure with the large number of turnouts involved (8) if this would be feasible. Another possibility would be a cookie cutter type roadbed made from homasote. To keep cost down I am trying to do without subroadbed. Another question is roadbed width? Finally I would appreciate it if judgment was passed on the 3 variation of the layout. http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad248/jfrydom/SwitchingLayoutvariation3.j pg http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad248/jfrydom/SwitchingLayoutvariation2.j pg http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad248/jfrydom/SwitchingLayoutvariation1.j pg Also I think I've caught a di"S"ea"S"e I'm starting to put quotation marks around the letter "S". Jeffrey Ngowe ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
