I haven’t really spent a lot of time discussing the particulars of the construction of the yard modules. Basically, I commented that I’d designed it, and then that I’d half built it, and then it was pretty much built. So, here’s a little “back story” to help to explain a problem that I’ve encountered.

Some years ago, I happened across a web article about someone who was working with foamcore to build the “benchw0rk” and sub-roadbed for a portable layout. I thought that sounded like a good idea, and store it away in the back of my mind for future use. In laying out the yard module, and in keeping with MADModules specs, I used cork roadbed under the track — mostly. I realized that the cork and a sheet of regular foamcore are the same thickness. So, rather than use lots and lots of cork strips in the body of  the yard, I thought I would just lay out a big sheet of foamcore, like this:

Corinna Yard under construction, showing foamcore "roadbed" before scenicing.

Looks like a great idea, right? Well, not so much.

As I mentioned the other day, the moisture from a re-scenicing session has caused the top layer of the foamcore to warp, leaving a visible “edge” all the way around. You can see a bit of that in the next picture.

Corinna Station placed into platform

With this in mind, what then, is foamcore good for in model railroading? At this point, I’m inclined to think that the uses of the product are fairly limited. The sky-blue colored product is probably fine for backgrounds, and other colors might work for fascias. But I don’t think I’d recommend using any of the paper-backed foamcores for much else in model railroading, as there’s just too much wet stuff involved in building a layout.

There are other “versions” of foamcore — Gator Board has thin styrene sheeting in place of the paper, and there is a version that has thin wood veneer applied. Those products might find more uses. But, I’d still be wary of the glue used to adhere the finish sheet to the foam. If it’s water-based, there might be problems.