Videos & Photos Videos Layouts Family Train Layouts Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

By Angela Cotey | November 19, 2013

| Last updated on February 11, 2021


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After building a 40 x 60-inch lightweight base for our family-friendly layout, David demonstrates how to fill the interior of the frame with foam insulation board used to support the train set tracks and scenery. Would you like to learn more about how to get started in the great hobby of model railroading? Sign up for the Model Railroader Basic Training Email Series.

9 thoughts on “Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

  1. Interesting that this article comes up now, but several people are in groups in Facebook that do read Model Railroader Magazine. This will exactly give them technique and which materials to either start or restart building their model railroad layout.
    Thank you for giving out information on this.

    Jerry

  2. good idea David use The MR Library Collection to hold down the DAP 230 and I think I know where you got that idea The Great Cody Grivno.

  3. It's all well and good to use the Foamular if you can get it in a 4 x 8 sheet. It's NOT available in California at all, although they did have it in Oregon. HD does sell it in 2 x 2 squares here. That's more expensive to cover the area, but at least it works.

  4. Instead of using a vinyl backed grass mat can a paper-backed mat be used and can the grass be removed in a similar fashion to glue the track down?

  5. Yes Mike, I had originally intended to use the tongue on the foam to fit the pieces back together on the layout. And was all set to do exactly that until I'd discovered that in getting the foam back to the shop from the store, I'd made a critical error. I had to cut the 4 x 8 sheet in the parking lot at Home Depot to get it into my Mini Cooper – and without thinking it through, the groove went with it! Oops. Well, live and learn.

    Have a great holiday!

    David

  6. Cutting the tips off of the glue tubes can be easier if you use the cutter on the tool usually found in the handle. Easier than using a knife.

  7. This would be a great video series to turn into a DVD and include with a special issue magazine. Much like what the WGH program did several years ago.

  8. You have already cut the foam at least once so why remove the tongue at all? Instead, insert the tongue into the groove already available, measure, and make only the long straight cut needed to size the foam. If too large a gap is produced by using the tongue into the groove you can use a strip of packing tape to cover the gap; this also produces a side effect which might be desirable – the foam becomes one piece when taped together.

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