DEV had some further, very thoughtful (and much appreciated) comments regarding my choice of materials, as well as some suggestions.
He expressed reservations about using particleboard, citing a tendency to sag. I've heard this before, but having used particleboard in all but one of my previous layouts, I must say I've never encountered the problem. I think, as he mentioned, that proper bracing is important. I would also add that the thickness is significant; I have used 1/2" particleboard and have had no problems in the past. In my previous post, I said I'm currently using 5/8" particleboard, but I need to correct that statement. The particleboard I'm using was left by the previous homeowner, extra material from an attic flooring project...I just measured it and it is actually 3/4"!
With particleboard, humidity is indeed a concern with such materials and, admittedly, when we lived in Boise, Idaho, humidity was extremely low; Boise is in high desert and I've seen the humidity there down to 10%. Where we live now, in southeast Texas, it's at the extreme opposite end of the scale. However, before Boise we resided in Portland, Oregon, which is notorious for its damp climate, and I had no problems there with a layout in a semi-heated garage room. Again, I agree good bracing is a must.
DEV also mentioned celotex ceiling tile as a useful scenic material for landforms, etc. I can second that...I used it on a layout I built some years back and liked it.
Again, the comments are constructive and welcome! I've enjoyed hearing from you, DEV, and hope others will join in!
About Me
- Chuck
- I'm a lifelong model railroad enthusiast, which must be genetic. Two of my great-grandfathers were with the Northern Pacific Railway, one as a conductor and the other as an engineer; the 4-6-0 locomotive he frequently operated stands in a city park in Pasco, in my native Washington State. I'm just old enough to have memories of steam locomotives in service. My last model railroad (now dismantled) was my sixth; I am planning my seventh.. I've always modeled in S scale, thanks to an American Flyer train set my father bought (supposedly for me) when I was 6 months old! Besides trains I've always been interested in astronomy. For Christmas 2010 my wife Susie gave me a really nice telescope and so astronomy has also become a hobby. We've returned to the Northwest, to Idaho, where we have previously lived, after eight years in Texas. We enjoyed Texas and have many truly great friends there, but we missed the mountains and the distinct seasons of Idaho. We're retired and are thoroughly enjoying it.
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