keithp Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 Hello Thought I would have a go at a box file layout, but have a question for you. What is the best way to cut these box files? I have got three from WH Smiths and am not sure if it is thin wood or cardboard, so wondered if you use a saw(?) or stanley knife? Could anyone advise please. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Keith Addenbrooke Posted September 21, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 21, 2021 34 minutes ago, keithp said: Hello Thought I would have a go at a box file layout, but have a question for you. What is the best way to cut these box files? I have got three from WH Smiths and am not sure if it is thin wood or cardboard, so wondered if you use a saw(?) or stanley knife? Could anyone advise please. Keith Hi Keith, are you able to take a photo and upload it - there are several different types of boxfiles. As you say, some are cardboard, some have hardboard or maybe thin MDF strengtheners, and I've got a couple with plastic bases (used for files, not layouts). Someone may recognise the ones you have. Just a thought, Keith (another). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithp Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share Posted September 21, 2021 (edited) Here are the photos from Smiths. A piece of the covering has come off from one edge and it looks like thin wood - but not sure. I was going to try sawing that corner - but just wondered what other people have used. Edited September 21, 2021 by keithp Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Sweet pea Posted September 21, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 21, 2021 (edited) Hi first of all welcome to the forum. Keith I have had the same ones from smiths and was able to use my Stanley knife without any issues. Edited September 21, 2021 by Kevin Johnson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithp Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share Posted September 21, 2021 Ok Cheers. Thanks. By the way, did you glue two together or use bolts? Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Sweet pea Posted September 21, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 21, 2021 41 minutes ago, keithp said: Ok Cheers. Thanks. By the way, did you glue two together or use bolts? Keith Keith I only used one boxfile for my layout. When you come to lay your track I would recommend glueing some 3mm ply to the inside of the boxfile. This will stop any warping when you add ballast. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bandit Posted September 21, 2021 Share Posted September 21, 2021 Keith, I am using a similar box file at the moment. I used both a knife and saw to ‘deconstruct’ mine. Be aware that the more you cut off, the less rigid it becomes of course. I am getting towards the end of the construction stage and fixed my track to ply a little smaller in dimensions than the file. This avoided the bottom going soggy - cos we all know there is nothing worse than a soggy bottom! A smaller ply base allows a back scene to slide into the back and sides. Building onto a ply base allows you to do lots of construction/electrics/scenic work and then you can place the base into the box file. If you want to see my first box file google M & J Brewery Sidings and hopefully the pictures will be there. Enjoy building your micro layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithp Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share Posted September 21, 2021 Thanks for that. Your layout is very good - much better than my main small layout! I am going to have three box files to give some shunting options - and hopefully be bale to keep the layout indoors instead of the garage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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