N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Bikeracer on November 02, 2011, 10:06:42 PM

Title: Track underlay.
Post by: Bikeracer on November 02, 2011, 10:06:42 PM
I've got some yellow rubbery foam type material about 2mm thick,this was left over from fitting a laminate floor some years ago and was used as a sort of underlay.
I've horded this part roll all these years waitng for a suitable use for it and it seems a shame not to use it.

I'm guessing it could be similar to Plastazote.
Has anyone here used it ?

Allan
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: Kipper on November 03, 2011, 04:13:26 PM
Can you load up a photo of it?
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: Bikeracer on November 03, 2011, 06:00:09 PM
Quote from: Kipper on November 03, 2011, 04:13:26 PM
Can you load up a photo of it?

I don't really think a photo would help much,it's more a question of what it feels like.I might email the Plastazote people to see if I can get a small sample to compare it.


Allan
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: kirky on November 03, 2011, 10:26:26 PM
We've been using plastazote on our Northallerton layout. We've been laying some tonight.
Its very easy to handle and has stuck down well to give a lovely flat surface. We used copydex to stick it down which seems to be quite effective. PVA was pretty useless on it, it wouldn't dry.

I've got a picture somewhere...oh here:
(http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/uploads/1318606071/gallery_7509_270_69832.jpg)

and a close up here
(http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/uploads/1318606071/gallery_7509_270_84620.jpg)

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Kirky
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: Bikeracer on November 04, 2011, 08:03:52 AM
It's hard to compare from a photo and with what this roll of stuff I've got is like,when my baseboard is finished I'll probably try it out.
I've emailed Plastazote to see if a sample is available.

I think this is the same as what I have but the colour is different,I had to use it because we've got concrete floors.I see it's called polyfoam laminate underlay.
They'll send a sample for £0.36.

http://www.tradepriced.co.uk/laminate_underlay.html

Allan
Edit.......The Plastazote supplier is sending me a sample.
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: polo2k on November 04, 2011, 12:34:39 PM
My accounts team would screw if I put in an order for 36p lol!

I think I might know the stuff you've got there as I used it for my laminate. from memory the top surfaces are sealed and smooth, wheras on the pics ablve the surface is open cell (will help adhesion)
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: Bikeracer on November 07, 2011, 10:22:48 AM
I got a sample of Plastazote,the underlay is slightly thicker but still under 2mm.

As you say the underlay has a closed cell surface,I'll try some different glues on a piece and see what's successful.
Double sided tape springs to mind but might be expensive and a pain to use all over.

Allan
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: kirky on November 07, 2011, 05:11:54 PM
Hi Bikeracer

We tried several glues and settledon Copydex as it is easy to work, and it didn't stretch the material unlike some we tried. PVA wouldn't touch the plastazote.

Hope this helps
kirky
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: Pengi on November 07, 2011, 05:22:10 PM
I bought some thin green polystyrene type underlay from Focus. Can't remember the make of it. The only glue that was any good was Copydex
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: longbridge on November 07, 2011, 07:38:54 PM
I went to a shop that sell all things rubber and bought a sheet of rubber which has a layer of calico type material layered in it, cut it into strips placed it under the track and pinned it down together with the track, no glue used, super quiet as I just ballasted the outside of the track.
Title: Re: Track underlay.
Post by: kirky on November 07, 2011, 09:29:34 PM
Quote from: oldrailbug on November 07, 2011, 07:38:54 PM
I went to a shop that sell all things rubber and bought a sheet of rubber which has a layer of calico type material layered in it, cut it into strips placed it under the track and pinned it down together with the track, no glue used, super quiet as I just ballasted the outside of the track.

Hi ORB
That sounds interesting. Any chance of a picture?

Cheers
Kirky