I'm building a shelf around around a room, about 12" below the ceiling to run an HO train. It's the only place I can do a permanent setup in our tiny cottage. It is about 75% complete. I'm concerned the shelf may act as a soundboard and make it noisy to run. I was thinking of laying down some felt under the track to help deaden the sound, but I'm afraid it may be difficult to clean after it gathers dust for a while. Any ideas from those of you who have been there and done that?
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
Review the merits of installing cork roadbed. I'm not familar with the latest new materials out there that could be better.
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
I know a couple of people that have used insulation foam under the track. They both like it. I noticed the low amount of sound when I ran trains on one of them. In fact, they did not even use any plywood underneath, only framing. If I were to use foam, I would still use plywood under it for strength.
If you use this method, be sure to use insulating foam, not the kind of foam that is made of tiny pieces, and not the kind of foam that flower shops sell to make fake-floral arangements. Use the solid foam available very inexpensively from places like Home Depot. It usually comes in 4'x8' sheets.
Good Luck
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by Kennedy Model Trains (Member # 808) on :
You can also try AMI's self-adhesive roadbed. It works really nice, and is pretty good at getting rid of noise.
My opinion will differ with Jared Kennedy. I have heard nothing but bad things about AMI's roadbed. It may deaden sound, but it is too soft, and it causes tracks to warp and tilt.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Thanks for all the helpful tips. I think perhaps I'll look into Konstantin's foam idea. That sounds best suited to my situation.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy