ess1uk Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 (edited) after some advice on the best way to build a base for a layout that is 1200mm by 1800mm (Hornby trackmat) so that i don't have to keep building and taking trainset up off the floor. needs to be as light as possible so easy to pick up and move for cleaning/storage and quick deploymentno need for legs as it will sit on the floor againthanks in advance for help after the train set is sorted i will be trying a yard based layout using the skills gained from that. Edited November 19, 2014 by ess1uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon s Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 If it is going to sit on the floor again, lightweight insulation board would probably be ideal. From memory it about 2" thick and you could add a thin frame around the outside to protect the edges. This thread could be a reasonable starting point. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/34132-styrofoam ...and some more in this blog... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/568/entry-5183-matford-new/ 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 However lightly constructed 6ft x 4ft is one helluva lump to move around without damage to the room, the layout and especially yourself. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share Posted May 15, 2011 as it's only really a play thing for my 6 year old until we get round to a real layout, the only thing that will be fixed is the track so there should not be too much damage to anything hopefully loving the idea of the foam as i have zero woodwork skills thanks for the help Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted May 15, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 15, 2011 If you want to make something of that size easily movable I would put a couple of small wheels on one end so the one person can just roll it about rather than having to carry it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share Posted May 15, 2011 that's not a bad idea a couple of castors on one side/end and flip it up to roll away that's the reason i'm here as i'd never thought of that! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sheep Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Dad's layout used to just be on a piece of chipboard without any bracing layout was a single loop, two inside sidings and a tunnel made out of a tissue box and paper mashe survived for many years being stored on end and moved about by dad. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1969 Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 i would suggest buying a baseboard frame of ebay there is a seller that manufactures boards to all dimensions including one specifically for the Hornby track mat although i might suggest buying 2 3x4 baeboards and bolting securely together as this allows you should you wish in the future to have an 8x3 baseboard to expand from. link to seller is here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ModelRailwaySolutions?_rdc=1 simon 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share Posted May 19, 2011 seems a bit expensive and doesn't have a top which is the bit i'd need most thanks anyway, has given me an idea of construction and now i have to convince my carpenter to build me one!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddys-blues Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 seems a bit expensive and doesn't have a top which is the bit i'd need most thanks anyway, has given me an idea of construction and now i have to convince my carpenter to build me one!! Hi I bought some 6x2' boards from this ebay supplier, but I rang him direct and spoke to Steve, he sent sent me 3 x board frames, 3 x board tops and delivery at a fantastic price as I dealt with him directly, and we cut ebay out of the loop, and he was so trustworthy, that he sent me the stuff, and asked me to send him a cheque in return !!! It may seem expensive at first glance, but once you get some prices for timber, and fixings, and then your time it all adds up, just going off Steve's 6x4' board price of £75.99 + P+P, and top, ring him and it will definitely be cheaper, it goes together quickly and sturdily and square, and if you equate your time into £££'s / hour labour you may find its worth it. I have no ties with this company, I am just a very satisfied customer. Best regards Craig. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted May 28, 2011 Author Share Posted May 28, 2011 think i'm just going for a piece of chip board for now and see how i get on if i need to brace it later then it's no hardship thanks to you all Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted May 28, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 28, 2011 Go for a bit of ply (9 or 12mm) rather than chip board. It's lighter, which will make it easier to move about. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted May 29, 2011 Author Share Posted May 29, 2011 9mm ply it is then thanks off to Jewson later! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted July 3, 2011 Author Share Posted July 3, 2011 all i can find at the moment is 6mm or 18mm ply is 6 too thin?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
corax67 Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 6mm isn't too thin for what you intend - you will need to watch out for the protruding points of track pins though as they will stick out through 6mm ply. Good thing about 6mm ply is you can re-use it when you change the track to a more permanent layout by simply gluing & screwing 2x1 or 3x1 battens underneath as a frame. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted July 4, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 4, 2011 I would be a little wary of 6mm without bracing simply because of the potential of it becoming damaged when you move it about. 6mm is significantly more flexible than 9mm so as you move it about it will bend and flex. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted July 7, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 7, 2011 If you use some small section stripwood ( 25mm square or 18x32 sort of sizes) fixed to the underside of the 6mm board it will improve rigidity and allow allow somewhere fore wiring which you may want to do in time. I would fixed the would round the edges and then two diagonal crossing in the middle ( you need to cut halfway through each but it doesn't need to be prescision) this will protect the edges and the diagonals prevent twisting. It also seems lighter than the same size board in 9mm. Don 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold chris p bacon Posted March 19, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 19, 2012 all i can find at the moment is 6mm or 18mm ply is 6 too thin?? Yes it's too thin, to be honest any ply/chipboard without bracing is going to flex too much, even if you only lift it and lean it against a wall as soon as you pick up one edge the board will curve/flex and track can "pop" off. For ease try the insulation board approach that Gordon s suggested or make some braced boards, it really is easy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted March 22, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 22, 2012 Nowt wrong with 6mm but it does need bracing see these examples Thes show the underside. Don 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted September 30, 2012 Author Share Posted September 30, 2012 I'm going to use 9mm ply and make the boards as modules so the layout can be moved, not for exhibitions, but in case of house move. Thanks for all the advice. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted December 20, 2012 Author Share Posted December 20, 2012 My woodwork sucks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted December 21, 2012 Author Share Posted December 21, 2012 Care to expand slightly? You never know what helpful advice may be forth-coming Lack of tools and limited talent. My brother in law is a carpenter so hope he can sort out my failings. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sheep Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 Lack of tools and limited talent. My brother in law is a carpenter so hope he can sort out my failings. well, it is christmas 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm81 Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 Lack of tools and limited talent. My brother in law is a carpenter so hope he can sort out my failings. Cured by purchases and practice, you'll get to see how badly I've done when crafting my baseboard when I get the pics uploaded to my layout topic later today. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shed Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Now you have your track plan sorted has the wood work been planned and ordered? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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