seaneyg Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 Hi, I am building an expansion to my layout, and I need the baseboards to be portable, and I dont know which way is the best way to build the baseboards. An help please? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffalo Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 Welcome aboard. This is quite a frequent topic, so the search mechanism is your friend (see top right of any page, but make sure you select 'Google Site Search'). Personally, I prefer 50mm extruded polystyrene foam with a 4mm ply facing. An alternative lightweight construction method is 4mm or 6mm ply sandwich beams with softwood spacers, though that needs a bit more woodworking skill. Try these topics for a start: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/57647-baseboard-construction-techniques/ http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/46161-knauf-pink-polyfoam-space-board-insulation-boards/ though there are many others. Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 Oh dear! How long is a piece of string? In order to be able to offer advice we need a lot more information - scale? size? Height from the floor? how is it to be joined to your current layout? Have a good think - give us an idea of what you are trying (hoping?) to do and, if possible, a trackplan - and then ask again - but a hunt through the forum using the search facility at the top of the page may answer the questions for you! There is at least one other current question about building baseboards - click on view new content and it will find it If you need ideas for trackplans, there are plenty in the previous version of the forum http://www.rmweb.co....wforum.php?f=66 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted September 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 30, 2012 The key to good baseboards is some form of diagonal bracing to resist twisting. Here are my examples using 6mm ply and 33x18mm softwood. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaneyg Posted September 30, 2012 Author Share Posted September 30, 2012 thanks, shortliner: the total length will be about 9ft x 2ft, so I was thinking of having 3 boards of 3ft x 2ft, about 4ft of the floor, OO gauge and not sure how I was going to join it to my main layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hartleymartin Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Would it be too much to build it as 2x 4'6"x2'0" baseboards? Less joints, less complications. Have you also considered the possibility of have all three modules permanently joined by hinges so that it folds up like a "Z" ? I am considering a similar system of 4 modules folding in a "W" pattern that I can easily store in my dormitory wardrobe. Each board will be 3'0" long and about 20" deep. It will be a fairly minimalist O gauge shunting layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Sheep Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 I have two 4ft x 1 ft boards for my N gauge, they're a bit awkward to handle on my own, planning on shorter boards next time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Minimise weight, lightweight materials but with plenty of strength, open frame over table top. Remember the final weight will be heavier that the board itself (addition of plaster, ballast). Always build for the longest size you can handle bearing in mind transport limitations and any movements between rooms/up/down stairs. This reduces the number of unsightly gaps between boards and the board designing the trackwork (not the other way round) placing points over joins or support frames can make life difficult. Always remember that the structures (bridges/buildings/signals..) add depth and a high degree of fragility to a layout. If you do not design in a box/frame to protect this detail then it is very vulnerable to damage during transport. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted October 18, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 18, 2012 Would it be too much to build it as 2x 4'6"x2'0" baseboards? Less joints, less complications. That is not an unmanageable size. My main board is currently 6x1 but is 2ft high as well forming a box. That is a pain to move on my own but with care it can be done. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted October 18, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 18, 2012 One factor affecting the size of baseboards is where you are likely to move them out of a loft downstairs and out to the garage may have more restrictions than just moving them within a train room. Of course if you want to exhibit them then will they fit in the car becomes important. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grovenor Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 This might give you some ideas, http://www.classicbaseboards.co.uk/, although I have not tried them myself, I build my own but would not recommend my methods, rather rough and ready. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold lakeview770 Posted October 19, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 19, 2012 On my last layout I used 3/4 inch birch ply, although the 3/4 inch is a lot heavier I need it for the area I live in. But one way round the weight problem was what my friend called aircraft technology, we cut circular holes in alot of the bracing and some of the frame and it worked a treat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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