Baseboard design for "interesting" terrain

[Derekstuart]

I'm after a bit of guidance from anyone with more experience than me on this matter (in effect- anyone). I know this bound to have been discussed elsewhere and I have found countless discussions, but not found anything regarding this specific issue so apologies if I'm asking to re-invent the wheel.

 

I am looking to build a total of 8 by 2ft (split into 2) as a bit of a test layout before building my magnus opus. However, what was supposed to be simple has become more complex.

 

The terrain is roughly 1:140 for the running line, which curves on an approximate 30 chain curve for part of it. The surrounding terrain is on (as an estimate) around 1:90 which means the line is in a shallow cutting at one end and the start of an embankment at the other. To add to that the land also has a slight slope to one side at around 1:200).

 

This "simple" layout was really to test whether my track making skills are good enough before starting on my larger planned layout which also has some odd challenges to overcome. I am trying to build the track to as close to prototype practice as possible (which is going to include correct cant for speed, cant gradients, negative cant on one turnout and properly levelled sidings).

 

 

Now my question is what is the best way of constructing this? I had planned originally to go with time honoured 2*1 timber and use "packers" to lift the track bed (9mm ply) above the frame- one end more than the other of course- and use a very thin ply to form/bend the surrounding terrain. But also it has been suggested to build frames out of ply, cut to appropriate shapes for each contour line.

 

Any opinions on either of these (or other) ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Vistisen]

I'm after a bit of guidance from anyone with more experience than me on this matter (in effect- anyone). I know this bound to have been discussed elsewhere and I have found countless discussions, but not found anything regarding this specific issue so apologies if I'm asking to re-invent the wheel.

 

I am looking to build a total of 8 by 2ft (split into 2) as a bit of a test layout before building my magnus opus. However, what was supposed to be simple has become more complex.

 

The terrain is roughly 1:140 for the running line, which curves on an approximate 30 chain curve for part of it. The surrounding terrain is on (as an estimate) around 1:90 which means the line is in a shallow cutting at one end and the start of an embankment at the other. To add to that the land also has a slight slope to one side at around 1:200).

 

This "simple" layout was really to test whether my track making skills are good enough before starting on my larger planned layout which also has some odd challenges to overcome. I am trying to build the track to as close to prototype practice as possible (which is going to include correct cant for speed, cant gradients, negative cant on one turnout and properly levelled sidings).

 

 

Now my question is what is the best way of constructing this? I had planned originally to go with time honoured 2*1 timber and use "packers" to lift the track bed (9mm ply) above the frame- one end more than the other of course- and use a very thin ply to form/bend the surrounding terrain. But also it has been suggested to build frames out of ply, cut to appropriate shapes for each contour line.

 

Any opinions on either of these (or other) ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have been thinking about doing exactly the same thing. To keep the weight down I have considered a 'foam sandwich'. where I cur XPS foam into strips about 4 to 5 inches wide and glue these between strips of 4mm Plywood which stick up above the foam. with the contour carved along the top edge. Possibly with a lengthway strip of 4mmPly along the edges also sticking up above the foam and carved on the top edge.

[Derekstuart]

Hello Vistiaen,

 

Firstly I have sent you a PM on another matter, with a grovelling apology.

 

So if I've understood you correctly, you will still be relying on the ply strips for the strength?

[MarcD]

We used baseboards from Grainge and Hodder with 25mm foam insulation on top, then the track on top of that. Very light and fully modular. We started with 2 4ftx18inch and 2 3ftx18inch boards. with the layout on the 4ft boards and the fiddle yards on the 3ft. Having run the railway at a few shows and we realised that we needed slightly longer trains so we have got some more 4ft boards for the fiddle yards and we are now converting the 3ft boards that did have the fiddle yards on are now being used to extend the layout by 6ft. Next year who knows I might get another 2 boards.

 

So a test layout can evolve into your opus. Doing it this way gets the wife of your back as you can get something running quickly and it means you don't have to dispose of anything. 

 

Marc 

[Derekstuart]

Thanks for that Marc. I've had a look over their site.

 

Is it all 9mm ply construction that they've supplied you with?

 

This particular layout will only ever be a 8*2 as it is a boring run into the Country on either side. My Magnus Opus is something that I have been researching for over two years now, so not something the small layout could evolve into, but thanks for the suggestion- I am sure there are other people who will do just as you describe.

[MarcD]

Yes all 9mm ply. They even come with lazer cut dowls. with the leg system you need to provide your own uprights. Construction is simple glue and pin.

 

 

a few photos of its development.

 

Marc