Benchwork and roadbed
New layout room floor
After way too many years of waiting I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel (that or it’s the loco heading straight for me). Anyway…..my future train room is almost complete, along with the rest of the basement. I’m painting all of the walls in the next few weeks before the ceiling goes in. With that work almost done its time to start thinking about flooring.
Space constrained - looking for ideas for track layouts
I do not have too much space
Whatever space I can use, I would need to clear it out and use it only when I am working on my model.
Hence, I am considering going to N size
I was considering the following
- Design in modular size (e.g. 2 x 4, 3 x 5 or 3 x 6)
- Have the ability to place these modules side by side
- Should have the ability to join tracks and electricals and sceneries and backdrops quickly
Homasote
While shopping for hardboard (Masonite) at the Menard's in Sycamore, Illinois, I found that they carry 1/2 inch Homosote. Hopefully they carry in all their stores.

Vertical clearance above staging
I'm trying to plan a 3-layer HO layout (two levels plus staging). Keeping deck thickness becomes critical, so I've been looking at a metal support systems like Randy used. Not wanting to divert his blog thread beyond asking him about what he did, I started a new one to ask my questions.

Found Homasote
Here in the Springfield, MO area we have Homasote in the 2 new Menards stores. If you are in the midwest area you might check with them to see if they carry it.
2x4 sheet @ $11.00
4x8 sheet @ $29.00
Jack
TOMA -- Moving later, how to detach modules? -- SOLUTION
I have a solution for my problem!
Here's my original post:
---------------------------------------------
Most likely, once retired, I'll be moving. It's 5 to 7 years out, so I really do not want to postpone building this layout. The new house will be a custom build, so I can fit existing modules in the new house. Modules are built, no trackwork yet.
TOMA -- Moving later, how to detach modules?
Most likely, once retired, I'll be moving. It's 5 to 7 years out, so I really do not want to postpone building this layout. The new house will be a custom build, so I can fit existing modules in the new house. Modules are built, no trackwork yet.
The modules are 3'x8', supported by legs on all sides, with adjusters. The layout is free-standing, but is "around the room". This will make it easier to remove the modules and transport to the new house.
Attaching wood to basement walls
I'm wondering how to attach wood to our poured concrete basement wall to support a layout and backdrop. Will construction adhesive work on painted concrete? Son-in-law suggests anchors propelled into the concrete with a .22 shell, but doesn't that require a gun permit to use/buy shells. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, John
Fibre Board ceiling tiles an alternative to homasote ?
I'm hunting an alternative to homasote board. Our local hardware stall in Australia stock compressed fiber ceiling tiles
and was wondering if they may be a similar density to hold track spikes for hand laying.
Here is an example. would be looking for one that isn't "pin hole" texture.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/knauf-insulation-15mm-pinhole-ceiling-tile-1...
What size ballast for N-scale roadbed?
Woodland Scenics and others have a number of ballast products available. It is not easy for me to determine what size to use for my N-scale track roadbed.
What size do you use? What is the typical size used for N-scale track roadbed?
Thanks.
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