~ Module Roadbed ~
After the benchwork for the three modules were built and painted, I turned my focus onto the Cridge Street module.
Fifteen years ago, DCC and on-board sound wasn't even heard of, but today it is the standard. I have committed to converting my equipment to DCC with sound, and because of this, it is important to build soundproofing into the roadbed of the module to dampen unwanted noise. A layer of sound deadening material was added where the track would be positioned. Cork roadbed was then glued to the top of the sound proofing material.
Fifteen years ago, DCC and on-board sound wasn't even heard of, but today it is the standard. I have committed to converting my equipment to DCC with sound, and because of this, it is important to build soundproofing into the roadbed of the module to dampen unwanted noise. A layer of sound deadening material was added where the track would be positioned. Cork roadbed was then glued to the top of the sound proofing material.
This asphalt based material is the same product that can be applied to cars to reduce noise and vibration and is available at the local hardware sore.
Sound deadening material was applied directly to the MDF base
Cork was glued on top of the sound deadening material to form the sub-roadbed for the track.
After the cork roadbed had cured to the sound deadening material, lightweight caulk was used to contour the area between the road base (the dark gray strip) and the edge of the cork. I tried to make weight conscious decisions throughout the build since this module is designed to be transported.
Lightweight caulk was used to form the subterrain
After the caulk had solidified, scale templates of the PECO Code 83 #8 turnouts were laid out so that holes for the Tortoise switch machines could be drilled through. A slot was made through the cork, sound deadening material, and MDF base in order to allow the Tortoise wire to reach the switch points.
Scale templates for PECO code 83 #8 turnouts were used to position the track. I used a 2" spacing between centers for the double track mainline
After the turnouts were positioned, slots were drilled to accommodate for the Tortoise spring rod.
At this point, the sub-base for the module is complete. The road will be poured on the (gray) MDF strips, the track will be fastened to the cork, and the scenery contour is set with the caulk.
The road, track, and scenery base has been made, now onto laying the track
Next step, trackwork.