I am building a small layout (16"x33") with Kato Unitrack. Since this is going to be my first layout, I want to keep things simple. The layout is going to be built on the lid of an under bed storage box. Due to the small size, I was thinking to use either 3/8" or 1/2" plywood for a base. My question is, if I want to create plain flat layout without any tunnels or hills, should I still use something between the plywood and Kato Unitrack? I am most likely going to cover the plywood with grass mat but I am curious if I should use foam or some other material under the mat to dampen the noise from the plastic Unitrack. Thanks.
I would use foam but only 1 inch thick, or even thinner if available. The foam allows carving ditches and a small amount of elevation difference-- not hills or tunnels, just a little variation. I would not use grass mat except for very limited circumstances-- formal lawns, etc. Ground foam (and reach dirt or sand maybe) in dirt and grassy colors would look so much more real. And less "flat." Just my druthers.
Thanks for replying. Besides the more realistic look, does the foam serve any other function? My concern with additional layers is that the layout can be only about 5" high (before the cover starts crushing my buildings). So if I use 1/2" plywood plus 1" foam, I am left with 3.5" space to work with. Not a big deal for the cars but if I decide to put any taller buildings like factory, water tower, etc, I am looking at a very close fit.
For the taller buildings, just make them removable and either lay them down on the layout or put them in an adjacent box. Also, there is 1/2" foam available (actually thinner, too...1/4 or 1/8 is available but might be harder to find) that would accomplish your goal and give you a little more space.
I would do a Google image search on "Small Layout Plans" or "Small N Scale Layouts". There are a lot of plans out there. You can click the link to look at the picture, or choose to go to the site.
So it looks like you all are recommending to use foam. What if I just do not want to model the terrain? I know that flat grass mat will look unrealistic but I am building this layout with my kids and I have to meet two criteria: limited budget and I actually want to finish the layout in reasonable amount of time. I do not want to spend weeks carving the terrain, buying different stuff, gluing various rocks, grass, etc. I am just curious if grass mat on plywood would be enough or if I should use something else in between to dampen the noise, vibrations, etc? Tred: I already have the track layout that I am going to use. Thanks.
You can skip the extruded foam and just use plywood. I'd probably use 1/2" and hope the thicker ply wood be more resistant to warp. For sound deadening you can try Woodland Scenics Track Bed or the cheap route using craft store craft foam. Greg Amer The Industrial Lead gregamer.com
1/4" birch plywood would seem more than sufficient for the surface....if you want to deaden sound that will be amplified by the wood, the use of HO scale cork under N Scale KATO track will work fine. glue the cork in place and use a liquid nails kind of caulking to adhere track to cork.
