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Table of Contents
What kind of baseboards do model trains use?
What wood should I use for a model railway baseboard? We recommend using plywood (9mm – 12mm) on top of a frame of planed square edge timber. This combination provides a relatively sturdy and lightweight baseboard.
How thick should a model railway baseboard be?
The thickness of the top I and most other railway modellers recommended 9mm or 12mm. Anything less than this will be insufficient and will be prone to drooping or even twisting and may not support screws used to secure under board mountings.
What type of plywood is used for model railways?
Ply-wood (sheets of wood veneer) is strong, flexible and cheap. Use a thickness of 9mm or 12mm. Less than this and it won’t be strong enough to support the layout, any thicker and it’ll difficult to cut through for wires etc. These are my preferred sheets.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Thinking about building your first real model railway? Arguably one of the biggest tasks you will face is creating the footer for your layout. Once you’ve decided on the size and shape, the next question on most hobbyists’ to-do lists is which wood is best for the baseboard. Check out these answers from gurus around the web.
There are stages that hobbyists go through with their model railway.
Getting your first train set and building your first simple layout often on the floor or table is exciting; They then build a layout on a table dedicated to their new hobby before doing everything they can to create a permanent layout.
If you’re in the first two stages, either the floor work or the table life is pretty easy.
All you need is a free corner of the floor or an old table.
But if you’re thinking of switching to a dedicated baseboard and solid top (instead of an open frame construction or a modular baseboard, which are my preferred option now), this post is for you.
> If you’re still debating which type to build, my guide to the pros and cons of different baseboards will help you out.
You want something that’s tough enough to support not just the track but the electrics, buildings, maybe hills and mountains, while still being soft and flexible enough to stick track pins in and drill small holes for wiring, but sturdy enough not to warp.
Questions, questions, questions.
But what about answers?
Here’s what people on the modelrailwayforum.co.uk, newrailwaymodellers.co.uk and RMweb forums have come up with in response to the question of what is the best wood for a model railway skirting board.
Legs
You will need good old-fashioned wood for the legs and frame of your railroad skirting board.
The general consensus is that 44 x 44mm Plain Squared Edged (PSE) is best for the legs, cut to the length you need for your height and the frame that will support the surface layer.
I used to use thinner wood only to crack or splinter later. This wood has the strength you need without the weight of other materials.
frame
The frame as well as the legs are best made of squared timber (PSE). This has the strength to stiffen the top surface while being lightweight. I prefer 44mm x 34mm PSE for this.
Top / Floor Plan
The de facto standard for the best wood for the top of your model train baseboard is plywood (available at home improvement stores). This is strong enough to secure your tracks, buildings and scenery, but easy to manipulate, allowing track pins, for example, to be easily pushed in.
Plywood (sheets of wood veneer) is strong, flexible, and cheap. Use 9mm or 12mm thickness. Less than that and it won’t be strong enough to support the layout, thicker and difficult to cut through for wires etc. These are my favorite leaves.
. Less than that and it won’t be strong enough to support the layout, thicker and difficult to cut through for wires etc. Sundeala, essentially recycled paper, is also a popular choice, although plywood has now replaced it as the panel of choice
While tempting, MDF is not recommended on the forums (as covered at length in a topic post on newrailwaymodellers.co.uk). Pens can be difficult to drive in, generates dust and is susceptible to moisture/wet. It’s also no good if you accidentally spill something – not that anyone would ever put a cup of tea on their layout, or…
One piece of advice from the forums is that both Sundeala and MDF can sag, so make sure you don’t have large areas of the board with no support frame underneath. (see modelleisenbahnforum.co.uk).
For both lumber and surface panels, B&Q and other lumber and hardware stores can supply PSE and plywood; Some model train shops will be able to supply cover plates cut to standard sizes, but your local branch of one of the national DIY chains can also help.
Extra: This post focuses on wooden model train baseboards like I’ve used in the past, but it’s also possible to use styrofoam as a base.
For more advice on building baseboards, I recommend Designing and Building Model Railway Baseboards (or here for American readers). Helpful illustrations, instructions and plans for making different types of boards keep this on my shelf and I still refer to it before starting any new layout.
One final, personal note: I spend a lot of time testing, photographing, writing, and often destroying my own layouts researching techniques for these articles, and I don’t charge a penny for it. If this article is useful or helpful to you, please add a comment to say so, it encourages me to continue. Thanks and happy modeling, Andy.
>One final, personal note: I spend a lot of time testing, photographing, writing, and researching techniques for these articles, and pay all of MRE’s ongoing expenses out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful, you can support me by donating to my fundraising page. Thanks and happy modeling, Andy.
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Note to Affiliates: Some links on this page will take you to carefully selected companies, including Hornby Rapid Online, Amazon, eBay, Scale Model Scenery and Element Games, from which you can purchase the products mentioned. These links are created as part of their affiliate programs, which means I get a small commission on the orders you place, although the price doesn’t change for you. See Disclaimer for more details.
What is the best model railway company?
- Athearn (HO, N scale)
- Atlas (O, HO and N scale)
- Arnold (N gauge, owned by Hornby)
- Bachmann (HO, N and G scale)
- Lionel (O scale trains).
- Walthers (N and HO scale)
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Model trains have been around for decades and in that time the top brands and manufacturers have changed a lot over the years. Here are top brands for model trains in 2022.
Top Brands for Model Trains in the UK
There really is no competition in the UK. Hornby is the undisputed brand for model trains.
They sell OO gauge – the UK’s most popular model railways – under their own name and N gauge through one of the many other international brands they now own. Hornby model train brands include: Lima, Rivarossi, Arnold and Jouef.
Just behind Hornby is Bachmann Europe, who sell 00 gauge models under the Bachmann name and N gauge trains under the Graham Farish brand.
Top Model Train Brands in the United States
In the United States, the situation is not so clear. There are several manufacturers. Top brands include:
Athearn (scale HO, N)
Atlas (scale O, HO and N)
Arnold (N gauge, owned by Hornby)
Bachmann (scale HO, N and G)
Lionel (O-scale trains).
Walthers (N and HO scale)
If you’re looking for the ideal starter set to get you started in the fascinating world of model trains, check out my guide to the best model train sets.
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I spend a lot of time testing, photographing, writing and researching techniques for these articles and pay all of MRE’s ongoing expenses out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful, you can support me by donating to my fundraising page. Thanks and happy modeling, Andy.
What is the best height for a model railway?
For someone around this height to be able to bend over the layout and taking into account practicality and comfort, the optimum height for a model railway baseboard is 85cm to 132cm (2.7ft to 4.3ft or 33.4 to and 52 inches).
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
While working on the design of one of my installations, I happened to think about the right height for maximum comfort.
I want my system to be usable while seated, but also comfortable to work with during construction and operation. This includes working underneath while accessing the underboard electronics.
For most of the time when working underneath I would prefer to use an auto creeper.
That makes it much more comfortable to lie on my back while I fiddle with the wiring and means the height can be around table height. This brings the baseboard height into the range of about 60 cm to 100 cm.
But after construction, it is more important to be able to work and reach all areas of the track comfortably. Get this wrong and you’ll be set for long back pain.
So what’s the answer, well it depends on how tall you are.
The average height (according to the World Health Organization) is 176.5 cm (5.7 ft) for a man.
In order for someone of that height to be able to bend over the layout, and with practicality and comfort in mind, the optimal height for a model train toe board is 85 cm to 132 cm (2.7 ft to 4.3 ft or 33.4 to 52 in ). I’m a few inches under 6 feet and find the ideal height for my baseboards to be around 100 cm (3.2 feet), which is well within that range.
Of course, smaller or larger than average individuals will want a different size, and you may have different needs. So use this as a base and work your way up or down.
Footnote: There are some who suggest that a baseboard should be at eye level to provide the best viewing angle. I would find this to be a back ache and it doesn’t provide a way to lean over it to salvage errant trains, clean tracks or move things, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
If you find this interesting, you might also like the companion article: The Best Wood for a Model Railroad Baseboard.
>One final, personal note: I spend a lot of time testing, photographing, writing, and researching techniques for these articles, and pay all of MRE’s ongoing expenses out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful, you can support me by donating to my fundraising page. Thanks and happy modeling, Andy.
What is a good height for a model train layout?
On height, you do not want our layout base to go over 3.5 to 4 above the floor. If it gets too high, kids and short adults can see the first layer. But when it comes to each additional layer, you need it to be about 2 feet above the lower layer. The third layer would be about 8 feet above the floor.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Keep your benchwork width and height at around 3 feet and 3.5 feet.
A key part of designing your model train is decision making and the best of faith. When planning your model railway, you have to make several decisions. Do you want to free the railroad or copy a prototype? Which devices (locomotives and wagons) do you want to operate? You may want to add your own rules, e.g. B. the desired height of the layout. How wide the aisles should be if you have aisles. You should ensure that all areas of the railway are easily accessible. So you don’t have to break your back, bend down, or stand on a ladder or scaffolding to reach the more distant parts of your route and scenery.
Broad
Most single tier layouts with backgrounds are typically 3 to 3.5 wide. If you’re building a layout that you can access from both sides, don’t make it deeper than 6 feet so you can reach the center from either side. If you are creating a two or more layered layout, make each section about 2 to 2.5 feet long so the structure doesn’t get too deep and you can reach each part.
Height
In terms of height, you don’t want our layout base to be 3.5-4 off the ground. If it gets too high, children and small adults can see the first layer. But when it comes to each additional layer, it needs to be about 2 feet above the bottom layer. The third layer would be about 8 feet off the ground. Most people won’t be able to see anything. So most people make a cake layer design. Each layer should be placed 2-3 feet back and only 1 foot up to give you three to four layers in vision.
If you are contracting a layout wider than 4 feet wide, you should place a spot where you can step without damaging the structure. Place additional support under the websites.
Remember that the width and height of the bench is your choice. Don’t let anyone talk you out of what you want for your design.
Folding birch ply layout
See some more details on the topic model railway folding baseboard here:
Model Railway Baseboard for sale – eBay
Buy Model Railway Baseboard and get the best deals at the lowest prices on … N Gauge Model Railway Baseboard Plywood Top with Metal Folding Legs 4ft x 2ft.
Source: www.ebay.co.uk
Date Published: 11/24/2022
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Model railway baseboard, fold down design project part 1
Jan 22, 2022 – A short introduction veo showing you my baseboard as it stands, the finished item will be a fully functioning DCC layout which folds flat …
Source: www.pinterest.com
Date Published: 2/28/2021
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At Classic Baseboards we make collapsible, portable and highly storable baseboards for Hornby and similar model railway collectors. From O gauge to N gauge, contemporary or collectible, our skirting boards are designed to rest on your table or on trestles (which we can supply at cost). They fold down to an average width of 178mm when closed and are ideal for family visits, local railway shows and groups, or for storing behind the sofa, in the garage or in the guest room. Easy to use, easy to store
Our most popular skirting boards are the easy to use, fold in half version that is made to measure. They pack away neatly and the splints connect via the fold so you can be up and running quickly. We also take on complex projects, from double-decker panels with ascending ramps to large-scale test track panels for railway associations. Railway is understood here!
Just like you, we are members of various model railroad and related groups. We understand your needs!
HRCA (Hornby Railway Collectors’ Association)
TCS (Train Collectors Society)
MERG (Model Electronic Railway Group)
What our customers say: “Reliable and personal service paired with excellent execution. I was impressed by the attention to detail and delighted with the results.” John & Linda, South Wales
A Rocket Railways Guide to Model Railway Baseboards
A Rocket Railways guide to model railroad skirting boards
Each month I provide an accessible introduction to the basic aspects of building and maintaining your model railroad. What better place to start than the baseboard? It forms the crucial basis for the layout – the canvas on which you can paint your masterpiece!
This article provides a brief overview of the options available to you when building a skirting board.
What is a baseboard?
Basically, a skirting board is a flat piece of wood on a frame. A permanent structure on which to build your railroad, it protects your tracks from damage and provides a smoother running surface for your trains compared to other surfaces, especially carpets.
Maybe you’re thinking about creating a new layout or realize it’s time to reclaim the dining table. Whether you want to build a detailed model or you just need a base for your train, a good baseplate is always a worthwhile investment. By integrating track and cabling, you can get more out of your layout.
Although ready-made options are available, they are often expensive. Buying a custom made baseboard is likely to take up a large chunk of your budget. Doing it yourself will save you money that you can spend on other things. You don’t have to be a woodworker. Most lumber dealers offer cutting services, so you don’t necessarily need access to your own saw.
Start with a plan
First, consider the resources and space available. A model railway should be stored in a dry room without major temperature fluctuations. You will also need a power supply and a good light source.
A room in a house is of course the ideal setting, but not all of us have the luxury of available space. While garages and sheds offer spaces where you’re unlikely to be disturbed (if that’s what you prefer!), you need to consider how best to protect your models from humidity and temperature fluctuations. Alternatively, an attic could be the ideal solution provided you have easy access.
Maybe you’re thinking about creating a new layout or realize it’s time to reclaim the dining table.
After you have decided on a location for your plant, you can start planning the layout. While it’s great to have high ambitions and big plans, I don’t need to remind you of the importance of practicality. Plan with the space you have available and you are less likely to be disappointed.
Don’t forget that you need to be able to reach all parts of the layout without stretching. Larger layouts usually have a center cutout that allows access. Also, it’s best to leave space under the layout so you can take care of the wiring.
When sketching track plans, don’t forget to think about the landscape and scenery. The best model layouts have more than just railroad tracks. In particular, be sure to leave a generous margin between the outermost line and the edge of the skirting board. This minimizes the risk of trains being knocked over by a mischievous Moggie or a playful pup!
If your layout needs to be stowed away when not in use, you also need to consider portability. Layouts designed for exhibitions often consist of a series of modular panels, which means they can be transported. Mobile layouts need to be light and small enough to be easily transported.
construction
Most modelers recommend a plywood surface on a planed squared timber (PSE) frame. This combination offers a relatively strong and light construction that offers support without being too heavy. A simple set of tools – consisting of an angle and spirit level, drill, screwdriver and hammer – is sufficient. You will also need screws and ideally PVA wood glue.
A 1″ x 2″ PSE frame provides strong but relatively light support for the baseplate. Try to construct a trellis with about 12 to 15 inches of spacing between the timbers. After all, this is YOUR skirting board, and the sturdier it is, the more confident you can be that it won’t collapse on you!
Plywood is the most popular choice for baseboards. While not always the cheapest option, plywood is relatively moisture resistant and easy to cut, unlike particleboard and MDF. A thickness between 9mm and 12mm is advisable to avoid sagging and warping. Larger layouts will need to use multiple pieces of plywood bonded together. It is advisable to use pieces of the same size. In terms of accessibility and comfort, a layout should be raised between 4ft and 5ft off the ground. This ensures a good working platform and reduces the risk of injury or equipment damage. In addition, it is a level where your craftsmanship can easily be admired. For legs and braces, you can use either PSE wood or free-standing trestles.
Photo by Phil Parker reproduced under CC 2.0 license
Don’t worry too much about any imperfections in the baseboard’s basic appearance. Superficial blemishes are likely to disappear once you start adding landscapes. Focus on creating a durable and rigid foundation – it doesn’t have to be beautiful in itself!
Other options
Experienced model builders sometimes choose to build their layouts using a wooden frame. This method allows the modeler to construct layouts with realistic landscapes, including hills and valleys. Although the finished item is often very impressive, this method requires skill and patience.
If you plan on building a portable layout, you will most likely need to make a set of modular baseboards so that they can be carried and transported. Each module also requires additional screws and fasteners to ensure perfect track alignment as well as a way to connect wiring.
If you’re still nervous about building your own, ready-made and bespoke options are available.
summary
Planning pays off in the long run – don’t rush things. Take the time to read thoroughly and consider your options before making any purchases.
The construction of the baseboard is not as difficult as it might seem. While the prospect may seem daunting to anyone unfamiliar with woodwork, you certainly don’t need to be an experienced carpenter. All you need is a solid surface backed by a sturdy frame.
Rocket Railways now stock OO Gauge Starter Sets. These packs contain everything you need to start building your own layout, including track, controller, locomotive, wagons and accessories. If you’re looking for an easy starting point for a new OO Gauge, the Rocket Railways Starter Set has everything you need… except the baseplate! Now available!
frequently asked Questions
Which wood should I use for a model railway skirting board?
We recommend using plywood (9mm – 12mm) on a planed square timber frame. This combination results in a relatively stable and light base plate.
How high should a model railway skirting board be?
To allow for easy access to work and a comfortable viewing platform, the baseboard should be raised about 4ft to 5ft off the ground.
How big does my base have to be?
It all depends on the space you have available. Be realistic in your planning and remember that a simple design often yields the best results.
What tools do I need to construct a railroad skirting board?
You will need a square and spirit level, a drill, screwdrivers, a hammer, screws and PVA wood glue.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
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What thickness of plywood is best for a model train baseboard?
As I’ve discussed here, plywood is the best material for a model train skirting board, but what thickness should you use?
The thickness of the blanket is recommended by me and most other railway model makers to be 9mm or 12mm.
Anything less than this will not do and is prone to sagging or even twisting and may not support screws used to attach under the board.
Likewise, anything thicker will make cutting through for electrical cords cumbersome and likely too thick for underboard point motor connections to pass through.
Alternatively, you can make your skirting board top out of expanded foam, which is becoming increasingly popular and has a number of benefits, as explained here.
Take a trip to B&Q or another hardware store to get the wood and come back here and let others know how you’re getting on.
>One final, personal note: I spend a lot of time testing, photographing, writing, and researching techniques for these articles, and pay all of MRE’s ongoing expenses out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful, you can support me by donating to my fundraising page. Thanks and happy modeling, Andy.
26 stock pin Reddit
Note to Affiliates: Some links on this page will take you to carefully selected companies, including Hornby Rapid Online, Amazon, eBay, Scale Model Scenery and Element Games, from which you can purchase the products mentioned. These links are created as part of their affiliate programs, which means I get a small commission on the orders you place, although the price doesn’t change for you. See Disclaimer for more details.
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