Instead of using spikes or contact cement, Model Railroader contributor Chuck Hitchcock shows you how to use DAP adhesive caulk and topper tape (a material used to insulate pickup truck caps) to lay track.
Quick and easy Flextrack
By Angela Cotey | December 16, 2008
| Last updated on January 18, 2021
All-purpose adhesive caulk and topper tape are used to lay track.
The idea of using hardware store products is a great one. I mix acyrlic caulk with wood glue, acrylic craft paint and water to make a basic scenery batter to coat almost any base such as extruded foam. As far as the rubber strips, I too prefer cork and the lessons learned from purchasing cork sheets and trimming down strips into HO scale roadbed is very educational.
Caulk is the best idea since apple pie! Easy to use, quick to set, & easily removable with a putty knife. I have used it for six years.
I used this method for subroadbed, then used a roadbed over the topper tape before laying the flextrack. I used DAP kitchen and bath adhesive caulk to adhere all layers. It is working very well so far and is very quiet running over the plywood base. I got the idea from an article I read on your track laying special issue on reducing noise for DCC sound locomotives. I do not remember the exact details of the articles name and magazine.
Can you apply ballast to the tacky caulk?
I am just at that point, to lay track. I am definately going to try this method, as once before on a previous layout attempt, trying to use several different ways to attach track pretty much turned out to be a disaster. thanks for the info.
I am using DAP adhesive caulk also, it works excellently, however, I prefer cork or WS black roadbed.
The problem I had was the tape adhesive in cold weather released after about two years and the joints developed kinks,so I went back to cork and nails.
For HO track I recommend 1.5" width. I've used scrap booking glue stick rubbed on the tape for securing flex track and, so far, almost two years later I've seen no problems with it coming loose. I used Weldbond white glue to put down the tape as I wasn't real confident in the adhesive backing's ability to stay in place, especially on curves.
I haven't used it on main tracks. I have, however, used it extensively in staging yard tracks and on temporary trackage.
Heavy S scale locomotives squishing down the foam I agree will probably preclude its use on sceniced portions of a layout, but in staging it ought to be okay and useful for sound deadening. It might also be useful as a sound deadening layer between sub-roadbed and cork roadbed. Ironically, I haven't tried the DAP caulk yet.
Rick Shivik
HO D&H Champlain Division
planning to expand will give it a try
The products mentioned do not appear to be available in Australia. However, an adhesive backed tape for some roofing applications seems to work in a similar manner. I used this on a layout extension 3 years ago, and it seems as good now as when it was first done.. The tape that I used fits between purlins and polycarb "skylight" sheets to stop creaking during temperature expansion/contraction. Good article!
I got a sample of the truck liner foam from my local truck and van store here in Ontario to try out. I was modelling in S scale at that time and found that the weight of the S Helper engines crushed the foam as the train passed over. My tests ended there on the spot.
This is very helpful as I look at the boxes of trains from a recent move and figure out where in the new house for small layout. Any one try this technique with S-gauge track?
I used regular dap painters caulk as an adhesive on my layout,clear ofcourse,worked great!dries clear takes paint,stain and all. The topper tape you mentioned sounds like a good idea! Moving my layout and enlarging it.Will give it a try,thanks for the tip!
this tape is sometimes refferred to as armaflex tape used in the HVAC, to insulate copper lines. the surface has to be super clean or it won't stick, another option would be something called cork tape, sticky on both sides, color is black
I started using DAP 3.0 to lay my flextrack and I found that it is a great way to lay track. I also use 1.5" square and round steel bar stock cut about 1.5" long as weights placed about 6" apart on the track to hold the track in place until the dap sets up. As the article says, if need be, the track can be removed with a putty knife. I am going to try the topper tape also. thanx for the tip.
CCG
Clear paintable latex caulk from almost any manufacturer will work. I'm usung it to apply cork to foam board as well as track to cork. Drying times vary between manufacturers.
I use srtaight pins to hold track alignment while the caulk sets up.
To Bill Kirchen: DAP adhesive chaulk is carried at our local Ace Hardware. Check with yours. If for some reason they don't have check their .com.
Very informative. 8^)
A little rummaging around on the internet provided this resource for bulk quantity closed cell foam in multiple weights and thicknesses:
http://www.foambymail.com/Volara.html
Lot of information on various foam products, the sound deadening foam looks particularly interesting for use on lighting valances to help quiet the train room/layout area.
I am sure that it will be helpful for many. My layout has been down since the 80's and uses homabed roadbed, meaning that for me, any enhancements to trackwork will need to be the same. But, it looks promising for someone just starting out.
I have read the article and tried to find the DAP adhesive and was not successful. Whats up with that. Any suggestions as to where it can be found.
I'm getting ready to start on a new layout since I just moved from Georgia to Florida. I will be using this tape on my double track main lines. Thanks for the information.
What width do you all recommend? I found it in 2 inch, 1 1/4 and 1 1/2. I am leaning toward the 1 1/2?
A quick check on Ebay finds 30' rolls of this stuff in various widths for as little as $6. Something to consider once I start my next layout.
Have use the Dap on my lauot over foam and it is great and fast!
Arizona. I used the topper tape to build my 4'x6' McGraw Valley RR and it turned out just great. I laid the tape on blue-foam insulation and then sprayed the topper tape with 'Gravel Gray' Floquil Diorama paint. I glued the flex track down using Dap Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk. The Dap dries clear and does not effect the paint color. Then I brushed Woodland Scenics 'Gray Blend' ballast agaist the square sides of the tape and glued it using Elmer's white glue. This eliminated gluing ballast between the tracks. It looks great and I didn't have to worry about gumming up the turnouts.