I built my 10' x 4.3' layout using OSB with a 1" piece of blue foam on top. Did not fasten the track to the board. The trains ran very quietly; just wheel noise on the tracks.
Well, I just finished ballasting the main lines, and - wow - what an increase in noise. It's almost as noisy as running on uninsulated plywood! I did not use any roadbed product under the track - it sits directly on the blue foam, and the ballast/glue holds the track to the surface. As before, it's mainly just wheel noise on the rails, but much louder now.
Anyone encounter this and just chalk it up to the enjoyment of running, or did you / could you do something to lessen the volume?
Thanks!