Kingsbridge Branch N

I have not got a removable back scene but if you can't get the 15" in the crate then I would suggest that removable is the way to go. If you are doing this then it might be worth considering a slightly taller back scene.

I am going down the removable backscene route to keep the option available to be able to fly back the layout sometime to the UK.

 

For this, I have used two sheets of grey artists card laminated together with PVA and screwed in the baseboard. Sure, there are drawbacks using card, mainly that the edges can be a bit vulnerable and I cannot curve the corners but I don't have access to a workshop/garage here but I think it can be made to work. If you can do it in hardboard/thin plywood then it will be more durable.

 

As Kris says though, if you are going for removable, you may want to consider something slightly higher to allow a better proportion of height to depth, as from your photos of your layout it has good depth available and I think you could increase it 50% higher.

Agreed on height, more is better but the other 2 boards require fixed backscenes as they curve. The maximum height for my crate is 46inches so space for all three is going to be tight. This is the maximum size that will fit my van! I have worked out that I can get 2 of these crates in there allowing me room for 6-8 boards if needed, whilst still leving space for the ot her bits and pieces to run the layout. I am amazed Pete that you have built so beautifully without workshop space!

I think that 18" is the biggest I can get on the other 2 boards so I am going to try this next. Tomorrow I might try doing some more work on it. I'm going to work on the SDR on Tuesday as a volunteer so I'll blog that too.

I am amazed Pete that you have built so beautifully without workshop space!

 

Thanks - I do everything on our glass dining room table...mind you, despite protection, it's a bit scratched now...lucky I can blame that on the kids

 

You may find in your trials that the extra 3" height makes all the difference to the backscene - we all have certain constraints to work to and sometimes we have to compromise on some things to suit - better that, than to having to hire another van to transport your layout around.

I have a load of scrap hardboard to test the back scene height with. I can get everything in with 2 fixed 18" and one removable 18" backscene. Glass tables are not usually associated with railway construction!

As a thought, how deep are your boards? Could you clip the back scenes under the boards for transport?

Not a bad idea Kris. If I am clever with space I only need 1 to be removable. boards are 2 ft by 3ft'6 and station main board is 2ft 6 by 4ft!