Homasote is too expensive

Quietbrace, Celotex Soundstop, or Find ceiling tiles on blowout.

All 3 will actually muzzle sound better than Homosote at lower cost.

I also use several inches of House insulation (Sheet version) so I can cut rivers and gulches in deep.

Now, there was a thread long ago where a member used actual sound measuring equipment to evaluate the noise of a train on various track types and with various train cars. And his methods of making them quieter.

email me if you want my summary from memory, it's interesting.

Quite often you can buy damaged ceiling tile at pennies on the dollar.  Just check around.

That reminds me, Same goes for the sheet insulation, it's got overlap edges similar to one side of tongue and groove.

When those get broken, you can get them at a good discount.

Russell did you ever use like 1' styfm installation?

I just saw a 1/2" 4x8 sound board for $11.30 at Lowe's. I'll be checking it further in March when I return from a trip to GA/FL.

home depot also has some sound board called Blue Ridge Sound Choice Sound Deadening Board for $10.95 for a 4'x8' sheet.  I assume its similar to the Lowes material.  You will have to check at your local HD or Lowes to see what they have.  It varies depending on location.

Roy;

I'm using 2 layers of 1.5".

The thinner stiff is not stocked up here in NH.

The Thicker (up to 3") is much more cost due to demand.

The going price for Homasote in my market (40 miles NW of Albany, NY) is between $20 and $25 per 4x8 sheet. To me that seems quite fair as it was $19.00 a sheet 24+ years ago when i built my railroad. Also considering the price of engines, cars and turnouts it is a mere drop in the bucket. It's been around for over 50 years and does a good job. Or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

jackson

I'm a big fan and long time user of Homasote. For me there are just too many things I like about it to use something else. I've experimented a bit with other things but I'll stick with the Homasote. There are alternatives out there for sure, choose what meets your own needs and budget. Typically layouts are up quite some time so you want to be sure of your choice. Not something you can do over later if not happy. 

Some real lumberyards carry 1/4" Homasote in 5x9 sheets at half the price of the 4x8 1/2" sheets from Home Depot or Lowes. They will even cut it up for you if 5x9 is too large for youlr vehicle.

I just edited this post to correct my error. It's 1/4" Homasote that can be obtained from lumberyards. There is no such thing as 1/8".

How does the alternative's to Homeasote hold nails or screws? When laying flexible Gargraves I put it under a lot of pressure to shape the corners perfect and a small nail or brad holds very well. I do preform my corners but the metal rails do like to spring back.

I only use it under track not the entire surface. I can see the alternatives working with factory made curve sections

Clem