Hi chaps,

Well I thought it was about time to update my blog. I've been working like a busy little bee over the past couple of weekends, preparing and building baseboards for Horrabridge. As I mentioned before I've used Iain Rice's Mini L girder method of construction, which is an adaption of the typical model used across the pond. (Apologies for the cluttered nature of the loft!)

This method doesn't get mentioned much, if at all, in the British model press and frankly I don't know why. It produces quick, sturdy baseboards, which aren't that heavy, are cost effective and require the minimum number of tools. You are still able to create odd shapes, and can rise the scenery or track bed up without issue.

To produce these boards I used a saw, 4 G clamps, 2 sash clamps, a drill, a set square, wood glue and some screws. I don't even bother with getting the workmate out anymore.

First of all you take two lengths of 2 inch by 1 inch, clamp together and cut to the required length. This way you ensure both pieces of timber are the same length. (Time so far, about 5 minutes).

Next spread wood glue along the lengths, clamp together forming the L girder, then screw. Remove the clamps. Repeat for the other side (so far about 15 minutes tops.)

Then glue and screw the internal braces into place (this is the tricky part and if you have some long sash clamps it really helps as you can keep your board nice and square.

(You can see the Tavistock Fiddleyard in the background, to the left)

And hey presto your done! One board. Build time about 25-30 minutes. You can then widen your boards by laying pieces on top and rise the track bed, but adding uprights. Simple. Really don't know why anyone would bother doing any other method for a home layout. Much stronger than having just one length and forming a ladder framework.

In the last photo you are looking at the bridge scene and the entrance to the station. The centre board is 5ft by 18 inches and two boards to the right of the photo are 4ft by 2ft each and will have lengths screwed on top to widen the frame, as this will only be supporting scenery, and will create a nice curved back scene. All the boards are removable and (just) fit through the loft hatch and in between the rafters. I've also constructed part of the Tavistock fiddle yard, although I stupidly forgot to photograph these, so they can wait till next time.

Leveling has been performed very simply, but screwing a length of 2' by 1' in between the roof joist and laying the baseboards on top. No legs, although there would be room under the boards to build in legs if the layout went to an exhibition, or moved to a different site.

I have the final version of Iain's plan ready to upload, however I have left the USB stick at work, so that will have to wait till tomorrow.

Hope this is of interest and my dream is starting to really take shape, only taken 3 years!!

Regards,

Nick

( Any advice, comments are always welcome.)