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How to Tack My Model Train Track to Plywood

While you can tack model railroad track directly to a sheet of plywood, it is better to add a layer of foam insulation and cork roadbed first. This will produce a smoother ride, reduce noise and result in fewer derailments. This article explains how to lay the under layers as well as tack the track into place properly.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Marker
Straightedge
Foam insulation board
Paring knife
White glue
1-inch flat head nails
Model railroad track
Cork roadbed
Rail nails or tacks
Needle-nosed pliers
Tack hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and record the available layout space.
- 2
  Use a straightedge and markers to mark enough insulation foam board to cover the train table. If you are using a sheet of four-by-eight plywood, you can get foam board in the same size.
- 3
  Cut the board if necessary with a paring knife against a straightedge.
- 4
  Apply several strips of white glue on the plywood and position the foam over the board, securing it by hammering a few flat head nails through the foam and into the plywood.
- 5
  Lay out your track as you plan to have it when complete and mark the edges with marker. You can press a few rail nails in to hold it in place while marking.
- 6
  Remove the track and set it aside in an orderly manner.
- 7
  Lay down cork roadbed strips over the pattern you marked on the board and glue into place one section at a time with white glue, adding a few rail nails to hold it in place as you go.
- 8
  Place the tracks back into place over the cork roadbed and apply a little white glue to the bottom of the rail ties here and there.
- 9
  Hold a tack in the tip of a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers over a hole in the track ties.
- 10
  Gently tap the nail in with a tack hammer so the nail breaks the surface of the cork roadbed before increasing the power of the stroke.

Model Railroads