Home >> Hobbies >> Model Railroads

How to Do an N Scale Model Train Layout with Foam Core

When you have finished building an N Scale model train layout, use foam core board to create sideboards to hide layers of construction and define the outer edges of the landscape. Foam core contains a center of extruded foam with a heavy paper face on both sides. Its smooth edges create a polished look to the outer boundaries of the layout. Black is the preferred color because it does not attract attention and absorbs light to hide places where the board joins.

Things You'll Need

Large sheets of paper or newspaper
Tacks or pins
Masking tape
Markers
Scissors
Foam core boards
Hobby knife withsize blades
Double-sided tape
White glue

Instructions

- 1
  Tack up sheets of paper around the outer edges of the layout starting with the right angles of the paper meeting at the corners of the layout. Apply a few tacks in the interior of the paper to keep it in place.
- 2
  Tape edges where sheets of paper meet to create a single long sheet of paper on all outer edges.
- 3
  Mark a line where the paper extends above the topographical features of the model landscape to define the top edges.
- 4
  Cut away the sections beyond the marker line with scissors to create a template.
- 5
  Mark the sheets of paper to indicate the outer face of the template and each of the corners.
- 6
  Slide sheets of foam core under the template, matching the right angles of each corner.
- 7
  Trace the edges of the template on the foam core board with a marker of the same color as the board.
- 8
  Cut along the template line on the foam board with a sharpblade seated in a hobby knife. Work slowly and carefully to achieve a smooth edge.
- 9
  Apply strips of double-sided tape to the foam board backing. Apply in sections to the edges of the layout.
- 10
  Test fit all sheets, trimming with a hobby knife as necessary.
- 11
  Apply the sheets to the layout permanently with white glue and pins or tacks.

Model Railroads