Lightweight modular layout

[BigEd]

I wanted to do a quick. easy and lightweight layout to take to shows. I managed to get hold of blue foam (extruded foam from the USA) sized 127cm x 67cm x 40mm thickness. I wrapped them in wood and contructed a set of legs and soon I'll start with the track laying. In fact, probably this weekend already. I am using Kato Unitrack, so it should happen fairly quickly.

See pics of the progress so far.

[BigEd]

More

[BigEd]

And more

[BigEd]

And more

[capeklr]

I like this idea, I've read articles and seen a youtube vid or two about using extruded foam for layout construction.
This certainly has lots of possibilities.
Did you import this extruded foam yourself?

[BigEd]

Did you import this extruded foam yourself?

Nope, a friend has local contacts however I can't get more till early next yeer. Mike have some at R95 each, but I can get them at half price.

Let me know and I'll add you to the list.

[capeklr]

I might have something already, Isoboard ceiling boards, 600mm wide and up to 8 meters long.
30 or 50mm thick.
I have some off cuts if you want to compare.
I am strongly considering to use this for the scenery when I build my layout.
I am currently busy planning my layout.
Will start a thread soon with my design.

[Mrs Moo]

I have used Isoboard for the baseboard of my new layout and ordinary polystyrene for the scenery. I find the Isoboard is strong and rigid enough for a baseboard but a bit difficult to shape into land forms.

I think a lot depends on whether or not your layout will be portable and transported around a lot or will stay at home.

I think a lot of baseboards are over engineered and too heavy, as long as you aren't going to fling your layout into the back of a lorry a lightweight baseboard works very well.

[BigEd]

Yes Ronnie, most baseboards are over engineered but in the case of Ntrak modules I think its best to do it that way. Modules we built early 1999 are still in service today - severely abused because they belong to the club so no one really care about them.

I have cut up a blue sheet and made bases for another sheet. This will be a little Thomas layout for my baby son (5 year old). Will take a picture tonight.

[BigEd]

Oh yeah, Isoboard is the local name for these extruded foam sheets.

[BigEd]

Ronnie, I believe to shape isoboard you can use proper tools like files and rasps. I bought an old bread knife at the flea market and use that.

[renegade]

the isoboard is very nice and rigid.   i use a regular table fork to scrape away material. Use same method for normal polystyrene. Just make sure you have a vacuum cleaner handy. It makex a hell of a mess...

Cheers  francois

[wesley]

Looks good Ed.

Id be interested in getting a sheet or 3 of that blue foam. Would work well for my dioramas.

Please put me on the list if possible.

[BigEd]

No problem, but I'll only be able to get from next year around Feb.

[BigEd]

Looks good Ed.

Id be interested in getting a sheet or 3 of that blue foam. Would work well for my dioramas.

Please put me on the list if possible.

I can get them for R50 a single sheet or R40 if you buy 10 sheets. I'm going to put up an "order" thread under the classifieds. Put you order up there.

If you need them very urgently, you can buy them from Mike's in Plumstead at R95 each! I personally would wait a little while.