First 4' x 6' baseboard

[Montfort]

Hello Happy Railway Modeller !
I have in my mind a plan for a very large (for me !) layout (dimensions: 4' x 6'). It's not for Hornby trackmat. I drew my own trackplan. But I never built a baseboard like that. I don't need legs because I have a lot of wooden trestles. I want to use 15mm chipwood because it's much cheaper than plywood. All your advices will be extremely appreciated. Thanks.

[luckymucklebackit]

Hi Montford a few thoughts/questions
- Are you thinking about a 6ft by 4ft solid baseboard?
- is this going to be a permanent or portable layout?

If the answer to both is yes then I will tell you that it is a heavy and unwieldy piece of timber which will still need a frame to prevent it flexing. If it is permanent, then you will need access from every side of the layout, as if it is up against a wall then you will not reach the back.

My first layout was a 6ft by 4ft portable with a 18" x 3ft operating hole in the centre, still heavy but manageable and every part of the layout could be reached from the operating well

Jim

[Montfort]

Thanks luckymucklebackit. It's something between a permanent and a portable layout, if you see what I mean...
This is my very first idea for my baseboard (1.15 m x 1.80 m). I'm planning to use four sheets of 12mm chipboard. There is a hole in the middle. I'll screw all these sheets on 27x27mm or 27x34mm timbers.

[luckymucklebackit]

Yep - that looks OK

Jim

[Montfort]

Thanks. Now I must talk to SWMBO about my little big project. Whatever she says it will be an order for me.

[End2end]

Thanks. Now I must talk to SWMBO about my little big project. Whatever she says it will be an order for me.

Just let her know...well at least it isn't as big as End2end's layout at 11 foot by 8 foot.
Hopefully she'll see the funny side and agree to yours.
Thanks
End2end

[Montfort]

Good advice. Thanks.

[Montfort]

I can't find the End2end layout topic. Do you have any link

[End2end]

Rule one: never tell your mrs that your mate has a bigger one

All my thread links are in blue under any of my posts but heres page 1 of my building thread - viewtopic.php?f=22&t=48176
And direct to the proposed track layout - viewtopic.php?f=22&t=48176&start=390#p626163
Thanks
End2end

[Montfort]

Thanks E2E. I found this track plan somewhere on the web. Now I want a layout like this one.

[End2end]

Personally I've always had a problem with layouts like that. As the sidings are opposite you always have to reverse into one set of them.
Thanks
End2end

[Montfort]

As I'll never have enough money to build all these sidings I'll never have this kind of problem.
I found the topic about this big layout: My 6x4 layout, Sumware

[Chops]

I rather prefer the first track plan. The extensive fiddle yards might seem interesting, but they may prove to be sticking points for small wheel base shunters, and exactly to what industry would they be shunting to? That, and if the baseboard is flush against a wall, any reach beyond 2.5 feet will be most hazardous. Lastly, I used chip board on a first layout many moons ago. It sags and warps a lot, even between trestles. I found it to be more of a drape than a slab. Question: are there any lumber salvage yards near where you live? A 4x6 plywood doesn't have to be pretty, just strong. If space allows, a used hollow door set side to side upon trestles can provide an inexpensive, and pre-braced baseboard. I greatly enjoy small layouts, and hope you will post your advances.

[Montfort]

Thanks Chops. As I wrote before I'll never have enough money (The President took it all ) to build all these sidings. Right now, I'm waiting for The SWMBO answer...

[Chops]

Any developments? Your American Cousin eagerly awaits!