Temp track attachment thru foam

Johne -

If I am understanding your post correctly, I think I have your answer. My sub-roadbed on my entire layout is the pink insulation foam. i do not use Homasote, nor cork, nor any other roadbed product. I don't know what kind of track (brand) you are using, but if it's Atlas flex tack, you'll notice holes in some of the ties.

I use 1' to 3/4 in straight pins, the kind used for sewing. They insert perfectly into the track holes, and are long enough to stay put. Now, if there are no track holes, you have two other options. You could take two pins, and getting as close as you can to the side of the rail, place one on the outside of one rail, and another on the inside of the other rail, with  just enough of the head of the pin sticking up to catch the rail web. this way, the rails cannot shift side to side.

The other option is to use what are called "tidy" pins in the sewing world. They are basically a double pin, with a piece connecting the two, so you could insert these over the rails, and press down (but not too much, because you don't want to squash the ties/track down), thus keeping the rails from moving forwards and backwards, and to a lesser extent, side to side. The great thing is that these methods are reusable and don't damage anything.

Here's a link to show you the "ABC's of sewing needles", with pictures to help you shop for the right ones -

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3830/a-pin-for-every-purpose

Happy (temporary) track laying!

RAH

Permanent or Temporary

If you're looking to fix the track down permanently, with the ability to easily pull it up and modify it, I know Our Publisher Joe, uses something like DAP adhesive to set his track. It's strong, flexible, and using a putty knife to sheer the joint, allows easy track removal.

He demonstrates the process in his DVD on track laying.