Substitute for Homasote

[Marlin39]

I'm starting a new layout and was going to try going "old school". I have been using pink foam board, but nails, trees, etc don't hold very well.

I wanted to try going back to 1/4" plywood with Homasote on top. Unfortunately, Homasote appears to be unobtainium right now.

The option I've considered is topping the plywood with 1/4" cork sheet. Have any of you done this and how has it been holding pins/nails, etc compared to foam board?

Any other suggestions are welcome. I know just using cork roadbed would solve it, but It's just a 13' shelf switching layout.

 

[logandsawman]

I'm starting a new layout and was going to try going "old school". I have been using pink foam board, but nails, trees, etc don't hold very well.

I wanted to try going back to 1/4" plywood with Homasote on top. Unfortunately, Homasote appears to be unobtainium right now.

The option I've considered is topping the plywood with 1/4" cork sheet. Have any of you done this and how has it been holding pins/nails, etc compared to foam board?

Any other suggestions are welcome. I know just using cork roadbed would solve it, but It's just a 13' shelf switching layout.

I used a bunch of something called luan, which is stratified like plywood. I think it was 3/8". It worked great for making grades, however my little wood risers were spaced relatively close together and the base under it all was 5/8" particle board.

When I had an issue with a nail working its way out, I dipped it in Gorilla CA glue then inserted it through the holes in the ties. After a couple of years it is still holding well. The cork roadbed - if used - would probably adhere well to the luann.

Dave LASM

 

[migalyto]

The option I've considered is topping the plywood with 1/4" cork sheet. Have any of you done this and how has it been holding pins/nails, etc compared to foam board?

I used 1/4” cork cut from a roll for my yard. It worked out really well. It also matches the height of the cork road bed so making the transition from the sheet cork to the road bed was pretty simple.

 

[MikeGTW]

I'm starting a new layout and was going to try going "old school". I have been using pink foam board, but nails, trees, etc don't hold very well.

I wanted to try going back to 1/4" plywood with Homasote on top. Unfortunately, Homasote appears to be unobtainium right now.

The option I've considered is topping the plywood with 1/4" cork sheet. Have any of you done this and how has it been holding pins/nails, etc compared to foam board?

Any other suggestions are welcome. I know just using cork roadbed would solve it, but It's just a 13' shelf switching layout.

Don't know your location but a Menards close to me has 31 sheets in stock and they also have something they call Fiberboard sound board for about 1/3 the price If it's like the stuff I remember it would work for your use They show two different ones one with a asphalt coating it's a very thin coating says use for exterior use and one without

 

[santafewillie]

I Googled "Where to buy" and found it online at both Amazon and Grainger. Locally it's available at some lumberyards, notably 84 Lumber, but they will have to order it and it takes a few days.

 

[Marlin39]

I Googled "Where to buy" and found it online at both Amazon and Grainger. Locally it's available at some lumberyards, notably 84 Lumber, but they will have to order it and it takes a few days.

I knew about Amazon, but they are a 12'X12" two pack for $25 each. I ain't buying 11 packs at that price. A 4x8 sheet should be under $50.

I'm probably going to go the cork route.....especially for the price.

 

[Marlin39]

I ordered a 72x48x1/4 roll of cork for $70 delivered. That should be all I need.

 

[Don Z1029]

Not sure where you're located, but we have a local lumber dealer in Austin TX that stocks Homasote in 4x8 sheets.

 

[Marlin39]

Not sure where you're located, but we have a local lumber dealer in Austin TX that stocks Homasote in 4x8 sheets.

I guess you didn't see my post just above yours.

I ordered a 72x48x1/4 roll of cork for $70 delivered. That should be all I need.