Homosote

[747flier]

Does anyone still use homeosote in layout construction or has this been replaced with foam techniques. Neither Lowe's or the "Homeless Despot" seem to have this stuff anymore. I was looking to add to some layout framing that had this track bed material.

Thanks!

 

[Hutch]

1" foam on a good frame is all I use. I stay away from anything heavy and expensive. When I bought my stuff from an estate sale, this is how his very large layout was done. I ran with it.

 

[timlange3]

I use Homasote still. Just bought some at Menard's last fall. I put it on top of 1/2" plywood supported every 16". I find it good for sound deadening and holding track nails. My track has cork directly under it. This gives me plywood underneath to mount switch motors and such. After cutting the Homasote to size I paint both sides to prevent moisture intrusion.

 

[migalyto]

Does anyone still use homeosote in layout construction or has this been replaced with foam techniques. Neither Lowe's or the "Homeless Despot" seem to have this stuff anymore. I was looking to add to some layout framing that had this track bed material.

Thanks!

I think HD will order it for you. I haven't seen it carried for a while though.

 

[migalyto]

Post edited: contained wrong information.

 

[dave1905]

MDF is not the same as Homasote. Homasote is compressed paper, not wood.

People who hand lay track use Homasote because it holds spikes well.

 

[Bruette]

Homasote is a brand name associated with the product generically known as cellulose-based fiber wall board. It is made from recycled paper that is compressed under high temperature and pressure.

Green Building Boards Soundproof Fiberboard | Homasote

 

[Rico]

After cutting the Homasote to size I paint both sides to prevent moisture intrusion.

For sure seal it good, I know of two clubs and a couple fellows who had this stuff swell to two times it’s size from moisture or humidity!

 

[747flier]

Thanks for the input gents! If I don't find some I'll go with the foam.

 

[MikeGTW]

I have homasote that's got to be 25 -30 years old Only used any paint (Apple Barrel) on the top side Never had any of it swell up at all
The stuff has wax in it stopping moisture Homasote company put two sheets on a frame of 2x4 outside for two years
looked the same as when put up
I used OSB with homasote on top for years never any problem with moisture
Back in the late 70's at a club we cut up sheets of homasote for roadbed big mess but it worked again never a problem with moisture and this was in a old commercial building Just my opinion

here's video on homasote

 

[Rico]

Looks like “new and improved” as the saying goes!

 

[Snowman]

I could not get Homasote at all about 30 years back, but my lumber yard stocked Upson Board.

[a quote from 2001]:

UPSON board is similar to HOMASOTE but is a layered paper product. It has a cream-colored surface and is easy to draw on. It takes spikes failrly well but is slightly denser than HOMASOTE. It is very flat and precise.

It comes in varying thicknesses but anything over 3/16" seem hard to find here in Florida. Call the company and get the phone number of the local distributor.

Upson board was denser and did hold spikes quite well, I remember. At some point I did get a hold of some Homasote and remember being somewhat less impressed on that score.

Nearly certain I used 3/8" Upson board too. It was thick enough for HO ties and spikes anyway.

==============

Be aware too that there were issues back in those days with Asbestos content in various board materials, but I'm 99.9% certain that any brand names or products still carried today will have those issues sorted out.

Asbestos Content in Fiberboard Building Sheathing & Insulating Board? Fiberboard Asbestos Test Results

 

[MikeGTW]

Don't know about new and improved they been making it since 1916
Read down thru the about homasote to the letter about the Byrd Expedition 1947

https://www.homasote.com/about

 

[Rico]

By improved I mean if they’ve fixed the moisture/swelling issues since the early stuff.
I can guarantee it wasn’t so water proof early on, I definitely remember homasote roadbed sponging up.
Much like particle board does.
Good to know it’s better now.

edit: This is reminding me of a club I was in using kittie litter for ballast. Wow, next morning after a work session the track was floating two inches above the layout!

 

[Iron Horseman]

Homasote is a brand name associated with the product generically known as cellulose-based fiber wall board. It is made from recycled paper that is compressed under high temperature and pressure.

Probably getting more and more rare as there aren't 2 zillion news papers thrown away every day anymore.

 

[747flier]

Ah Kitty litter, made from an expanding clay, made to absorb liquids and swell up. The Homosote I have on the existing bench work has been very moisture resistant and stable over maybe 30 some years? If I find some, great, if not I'll press ahead in other ways. Probably plywood and foam.

Maybe we can get a new product from recycled Tesla Batteries?

 

[Hutch]

Why are you opposed to foam? It's easy to cut with a hor wire or bandsaw like I do. No nails, glue everything, I use hot melt glue for everything but track and roadbed. Those are glued with latex caulk. I've seen tortoise switches glued to the bottom of foam as well. You could glue a square of wood to the foam first to screw them in for easy removal. I don't see any disadvantages.

 

[Mixed Freight]

Menard's carries Homasote. Unfortunately, Menard's is not a nation-wide company. Mostly based in the upper and central Midwest. They are slowly expanding. But if and when they ever become a nation-wide company, it could take a few decades or more at their current rate.

 

[Mixed Freight]

Why are you opposed to foam? It's easy to cut with a hot wire or bandsaw like I do. No nails, glue everything, I use hot melt glue for everything but track and roadbed. Those are glued with latex caulk. I've seen tortoise switches glued to the bottom of foam as well. You could glue a square of wood to the foam first to screw them in for easy removal. I don't see any disadvantages.

Well, Homasote has at least two attributes that foam does not - Homasote grips nails well, which is great for hand-laying track. Foam does not. Homasote also acts as sound insulation, which helps quiet down running trains. Foam does not.

And come to think of it, Homasote doesn't melt when you set a hot cup of coffee on it during layout construction.

 

[Hutch]

I believe the first to be true but I don't nail my track so that's no benefit for me. I may nail my track on the new spline section though just to try it. Sound insulation is pretty good using WS foam roadbed. I've heard ballasting nullifies that but I'll have to see it/hear it to believe it. On the coffee, I'll have to test it, I usually put my coffee on the nearest surface that is not what I'm working on, desk, bench, table saw or anywhere but on my layout.