using carpet to cover layout ??

I used indoor/outdoor carpet on my layout and have not really found any downside. I'm very happy with it.

Here is the progress to date on my Postwar style layout on Indoor/Outdoor carpet.  Just about ready to start wiring.

Looks great!

thanks, guys for your responses -   please note    -  i was not being critical

i just wanted to know if there were any serious concerns

again , thanks - rdeal

My standard gauge layout is on a very short nap, dense, dark green, rubber backed indoor-outdoor carpet from Lowes, laid on 1/2" plywood over 2x4s on 16" centers. It is quiet, and provides a nice background for the trains and accessories.

After ten years I have no complaints regarding the use of this carpet.

Advantage = Quiet!

Dis-advantage = ???

I don't think there is anything at all wrong with using carpet for your layout top. I think Larry3railtrains layout above looks very nice with carpet.

trying not to push the envelop - but - my plans are to create a permanent christmas layout - three mth timplate O gauge trains - continues running - very few switches - tinplate and snow village accessories - probably gargarves track - 

wishing for a carpet with more body - a short nap berber - light cream would really make the red engines "snap" - so would the bright colors of the small bit of tinplate in my cabinet and the snow village colors would also stand out

your thinking?

rdeal

You may wish to consider grey as apposed to light cream. I have used carpeting similar in the photo below and was quite pleased with the results. It's neutral and will not compete with your trains and accessories. Also, it can mimic ballast, paving, sidewalks, or whatever hardscape. Another plus is that it readily absorbs dust and minor mishaps.

And it's cheap, sourced it at the Depot.

Wouldn't more nap ie fiber be prone to collecting on moving engine part?

Regular indoor outdoor carpet will last a long time.

Electrical.- Depending on the situation, static electricity messing with new electronics comes to mind. That could be controlled with a can of "static guard" from the laundry isle of your local supermarket or static strips on edges.

 Sparks and flammability! A can of flame retardant too?) 

Cleaning- Fibers in your gears, and bearings will show up no matter what weave. Id keep a closer eye on that. Plastic in/out carpet grass blades, slowly turn to flakes, and green/brown plastic dust prone to static cling, and quickly foul greasy/oily surfaces.  

But you can really vacuum. With brushes on the nozzle! Lets see you do that with delicate ground cover.

Cream? Sure go ahead, you can dye it dark brown, or black next week 

You might be able to pull it off, not me. One derail grease streak, I'd go nuts 

If you use padding, its soooo quiet.  

Don't laugh too hard but Artic white bathroom mates bought at Walmart they look good and are easy to clean.

.

I could remember who had the "living room of snow", but did think "he knows how to deal with it better than most"

will never look "hi-rail", but works with my tinplate layout. Here's a few shots of some MPC ere locos on it that I was testing prior to selling. Still looks pretty good to me.

You could also find the most realistic looking artificial grass mats to make it more lush and green.

Andrew