Hi
What is the Forum's collective wisdom on Sundeala?
My layout-under-construction is based on a ring of bolted-together baseboards consisting of 4x2ft x 9mm (9mm?, I think) Sundeala sheets screwed-and-glued onto a frame of 2"x1" untreated pine. More to experiment than anything else, I also have a short section of the same construction but using MDF. All has been sealed using heavy-duty thinned grey primer.
I have found:
1) The Sundeala fibreboard is a far easier material to work with than MDF. It accepts track pins easily, and cutting holes for point motors etc is simple (you can hack through it with a knife). It is also light, and quiet in operation. And its dust is ( I believe) non-toxic.
2) The MDF is hard, heavy and relatively noisy but it provides a firmer, less 'bumpy' surface for the trackwork. Pinning is a pain but I have found you CAN get even the thin Peco track pins in if you have a good, small-headed hammer (mine is an antique from my grandfather, haven't found anything better in today's toolshops), guide the pin in with point-nosed pliers and hit ACCURATELY.
3) Unexpectedly, I find the MDF seems to be less stable with regard to heat and humidity changes than the Sundeala.
4) I originally planned to underlay all my track with 3mm cork tile, but have only done this on the elevated section. I am not sold on the idea of underlay.
What has been others' experiences with these materials?
What is the Forum's collective wisdom on Sundeala?
My layout-under-construction is based on a ring of bolted-together baseboards consisting of 4x2ft x 9mm (9mm?, I think) Sundeala sheets screwed-and-glued onto a frame of 2"x1" untreated pine. More to experiment than anything else, I also have a short section of the same construction but using MDF. All has been sealed using heavy-duty thinned grey primer.
I have found:
1) The Sundeala fibreboard is a far easier material to work with than MDF. It accepts track pins easily, and cutting holes for point motors etc is simple (you can hack through it with a knife). It is also light, and quiet in operation. And its dust is ( I believe) non-toxic.
2) The MDF is hard, heavy and relatively noisy but it provides a firmer, less 'bumpy' surface for the trackwork. Pinning is a pain but I have found you CAN get even the thin Peco track pins in if you have a good, small-headed hammer (mine is an antique from my grandfather, haven't found anything better in today's toolshops), guide the pin in with point-nosed pliers and hit ACCURATELY.
3) Unexpectedly, I find the MDF seems to be less stable with regard to heat and humidity changes than the Sundeala.
4) I originally planned to underlay all my track with 3mm cork tile, but have only done this on the elevated section. I am not sold on the idea of underlay.
What has been others' experiences with these materials?