Roadbed and track

On the first module section, I will put down HO cork for the main (5mm thick) and N scale cork for the siding (3mm thick). Then the industrial spurs will be mounted directly on the plywood.

I will use gray latex caulk to glue down the cork and the track. I expect to first paint the cork with gray primer-sealer to protect it from the effects of humidity.

I have yet to actually do this, but I'm not expecting it to be all that noisy. I will be laying track in June and doing the wiring, so I can report back what I find at that time.

Resonance has a lot to do with how something is constructed -- as in does it have dimensions that match the wavelengths of certain noise frequencies. Because the plywood roadbed in this case will be glued to all the cross members (and stapled in place with 1/2" brads to 'clamp' the wood down while the glue sets), I'm figuring that's actually more solid than most layout roadbed. Siskiyou Line 1's roadbed was simply attached with screws.

My guess is the gluing will dampen a lot of any resonance that might otherwise occur.

roadbed, track and resonance

Thanks for your quick response, Joe. I will be following this closely as I am going to try it.  My 2 modules will be 24"x72"  double deck for staging opposite directions. If these work out satisfactorily then I think I will re-do my existing heavy monster modules, one at a time, in line with true TOMA doctrine. John Colley, Sonoma