Using foam for second level

I have a second level partially of foam.  I used 1" thick white foam (blue is hard to find in Cali for some reason) and it works well.  For ME, I would NOT use 1/2" as the locs I run are heavy....

Have you tried going to homedepot.com to find other foam and then entered your zip to find a store that stocks it?  I recently tried 4 stores closest to me and none of them stocked it. I went online and found the next closest store had it. I mistakenly figured if one carried it they all did.

I think 1/2" might be too thin.  I use 1", but it's on a 1' grid with RealTrax.

 

RT,  The home depot here in Simi Valley, CA has the Pink Foam in the big sheets.

Try and find 2 inch pink or blue, or the new purple. I built a second level and it sturdy enough to support trains , buildings, and scenery with the right supports. 

 

Bob

I would use thicker foam, but here in the Tampa area, the best I could find is 1/2" sheets at Lowes. Home Depot has nothing. They really don't insulate down here, so there is not much call for it.

Even the 2" pink foam could break if you were to put your weight on it while leaning across it. In other words, don't steady yourself my placing a hand on the foam while you strain to reach across the foam.

I've constructed two layouts with 2" extruded green styrene (foam); specially ordered from Lowe's. You need to be very specific about what you want. The unsupported distances were up to about 30". Quite strong but I did not walk on it. I'm sure 1" would work fine with more/closer support (as little as 1" X 1' sticks; 1 X 2 better).

 

My present layout (one year old) is OSB (7/16) covered with generic homasote from Lowe's with tubular track to allow the sound to penetrate the homasote.

 

Wally

I would build it with plywood and use firring strips or 2x2 for.  The foam I also agree is too flimsy.  I can get 2" pink but Im in PA.  maybe the warmer areas dont carry it because you dont need it!  I use the white stuff for my mountains.  its 10 bucks a large sheet and its 2".  cuts with the hot knife easy.

glue a piece of luan to one side of the foam available. Place supports 12-16 inches Apart. 

it will be plenty strong enough.  Foam when supported like this is much stronger.  do you can do both sides if you want overkill.