steve1 Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I've started a boxfile layout and I wondering about sealing the internal 'floor' (base) to avoid problems with potential damage when laying ballast. Anyone have any advice? Cheers steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted September 24, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 24, 2011 I raised the floor of Laterite & Co by 3mm (1.5 mm spacer to give room for the point control & 1.5mm for the track bed) which I simply painted using an emulsion tester pot. Will you be laying the track directly on the boxfile base ? By raising it up even a small amout you have the choice to have an undulating ground. Stu Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve1 Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 Stu, I've laid the track on foam but the rest of the base is still 'open'. steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 I'm laying track on a light framed 3mm mdf base (somewhere to hide wires and point cranks). As I tend to ballast on Copydex or other sticky stuff and do not flood with water diluted/PVA water soaking through will not present a problem (do not look behind my back where the fingers are neatly crossed). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Nevard Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 After fixing the track, spray paint before ballasting, that will protect/waterproof enough. I've found this fine with track laid into direct onto foam board which could delaminate in similar fashion with dribbled PVA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve1 Posted October 24, 2011 Author Share Posted October 24, 2011 What I did in the end was spray the base in matte medium and subsequently (brush) paint suitably dull colours on the non-track areas. I've since put down the base ground cover using the 'traditional method' and all appears fine. Thanks again to everyone who contributed. steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullie Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 I usually lay track on a thinnish ply base, because it ensures I have a chance of getting flat, reasonably well laid track. Whenever I've tried anything else it's not been as successful but then that is probably due to my limitations! I used to join box files using flat back hinges but now prefer to put some wood along the bottom and join using baseboard dowels and luggage catches from Station-Road Baseboards. As my layout is set up on a ribbed bookcase, the kind that is open framed and covered in cloth it gives the reliable join I need. I know perhaps this is cheating but needs must................... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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