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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.
What is the best base board for a model railway?
Top / Layout Base
The de facto standard for the best wood to use for the top of your model railway baseboard is Plywood (available from home DIY stores). This is strong enough to secure your track, buildings and scenery but easy to work with, allowing track pins to be easily pushed in for example.
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 is a Hornby track mat?
Hornby TrakMats
All Hornby train sets come with a TrakMat – a scenic underlay sheet which you can use as a base for your layout at any stage in its development . A TrakMat also tells you where to put the track, buildings and other accessories to complete the full TrakMat layout.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Wherever you use your TrakMat, it must have a firm base to be placed. The easiest way to do this is to construct a skirting board. There are many ways to construct a skirting board but the most popular and common construction is to use an insulation board top such as Sundeala with a support frame of softwood battens (minimum 50mm x 25mm) running along and across the underside of the board at intervals of 600 mm or less.
This type of baseboard can be constructed to almost any size and shape, although for a TrakMat layout the baseboard must be at least 1800mm x 1200mm (6ft x 4ft).
What is the best plywood for a model railway?
The best wood for a model railway baseboard is either a softwood or hardwood plywood sheet. These wood can be cut to size and are lightweight and sturdy enough to support model railways and their surrounding landscaping. Pine plywood is an affordable and accessible baseboard option.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Hobbyists hoping to create the most alluring and intricate landscapes and railway systems tend to build their own train tables. The baseboard is a crucial part of this build, but choosing the best wood for the model train can be a challenge. After all, you’re after something that’s both lightweight and durable.
The best wood for a model train baseboard is either a softwood or hardwood plywood board. These timbers can be cut to size and are light and strong enough to support model railroading and the landscaping that surrounds them. Pine plywood is an affordable and accessible baseboard option.
If you are considering building your own train table, you should make sure you choose the best type of wood for your build. Luckily, some tried-and-true options are bound to be on-budget and long-lasting.
Why do model railways need baseboards?
Any model train enthusiast can tell you that the baseplate is the foundation of everything. Your trains, scenery, and models rely on a structurally sound baseplate to avoid sagging, sinking, and breaking.
Skirting boards for model railways are also made from lightweight materials. Otherwise, it can be almost impossible to move the model train around your house.
Softer baseboard material is also easier to pierce with staples and nails. If you’re building a beautiful landscape for your model train to run through, you’ll want to choose a skirting material that’s easy to work with.
Hardwoods are heavy, making them a better choice for stabilization. However, plywood is lighter and softer, making it a better choice for portability and workability. As such, it’s almost always best to construct your baseboard out of plywood.
However, there are several types of plywood that you can choose from. In order to choose a suitable material for your baseboard, you need to compare the qualities, properties and prices of these different types of plywood.
What are the best types of wood for a model railroad skirting board?
Lightweight plywood is the best construction material for model railroad skirting boards. However, there are several types of wood that are used to make plywood.
Therefore, you will likely have to choose between the following three types:
Jaw
maple
birch
While you could choose bonded plywood, this type of wood is more likely to split under pressure than softwood options. Still, some types of softwood plywood are more flexible, affordable, and spotty than others.
In addition, hardwood plywood panels could provide additional stability for heavier constructions and builds with multiple lines and trains. The right option depends on your desired outcome, budget and preferences.
pine plywood
If affordability is one of your top priorities, consider pine plywood. Because it is one of the most budget-friendly types of wood. Additionally, because it grows quickly and spreads easily over much of the northern hemisphere, pine is found almost everywhere.
You can use quality ½ inch (1.27 cm) pine plywood for detailed landscaping work and multiple railroad tracks. Slimmer options are better suited to collapsible tables and hand-painted finishes. Overall, this type of wood is compatible with almost all pull table projects and constructions.
You might want to choose those nifty pine plywood boards if you’re working with a rectangular frame. They can be quickly cut to size and are supportive enough to form a strong base for single tier tables.
advantages
An excellent option for baseboards, frames and legs of train tables
One of the cheapest softwood plywoods
Available at most wood supply stores
Sturdy enough to carry multiple lines and heavy decorations
Disadvantages
Cheaper cuts may have warps, holes, or significant tears
Thin sheets of plywood can warp under heavier rigs
maple plywood
Maple wood tends to have a nice, delicate grain that stains easily. If you want to build a rustic railroad table with lots of natural charm, consider maple plywood.
This is hardwood, making it one of the more durable wood species and a solid option for larger setups. However, you can expect to spend a little more for this cream-colored wood than alternatives like pine.
advantages
One of the most natural types of plywood
Stains and sand easily
It has a natural light color that is easy to paint
Withstands heavier builds and multiple model trains
Disadvantages
It can be more expensive than pine plywood
It may be too heavy for smaller train tables and superstructures
birch plywood
Next to pine, birch is probably the most inexpensive and accessible type of plywood for model railroad baseboard construction. They are durable enough to carry multiple train lines and many decors.
However, birch can be difficult to stain. Additionally, if you don’t sand your birch plywood, it can be difficult to bond materials together. As such, this option may require a little more prep than maple or high-quality pine.
Do you want to build a large, stable base plate for a multi-train table? If so, you should consider investing in these birch plywood panels. You can form seamless connections by gluing them to a sturdy frame and connecting their corners.
advantages
One of the most popular hardwood plywood options
Often cheaper than oak or walnut wood
An excellent choice for heavy landscapes and decorations
Disadvantages
It does not discolor easily
Cannot absorb adhesives as quickly as other types of wood
How do I choose the right model train base plate material?
Now that you are familiar with different types of plywood, it’s time to review the four steps to choosing the best baseplate material for model trains:
Measure your space
Creating a design draft
Browse wood species
Purchasing ample supplies
If this is your first carpentry project, you may be feeling insecure or a little overwhelmed. However, choosing the right type of wood for your model train skirting board is as easy as following the steps above.
I’ll go through these steps quickly to make sure you feel more comfortable and confident about your baseboard build. As you can imagine, the first thing you need to do is figure out how big your baseboard needs to be.
1. Measure your space
Before you start building your model train baseboard, you need to determine how big you want your model train to be. After all, the skirting board is the basis for your model cities, landscapes and railway lines. Therefore, its size can determine the look and depth of your overall build.
The best way to measure your space is using a metal tape measure. These quickly extend and retract, giving you quick readings. You need to know how high your table will be, as well as how wide and deep it will be.
Most model train baseboards are square or nearly square, although you can build any shape to suit your home or playroom. The ideal height for most model railway structures is about one meter.
Shorter boards can put too much strain on your lower back, especially if you work long hours. However, tall structures can also be difficult to work with, so it’s important to ensure you place your baseboard at a comfortable height for both standing and sitting.
2. Create a design draft
Before deciding on a wood species, it’s a good idea to sketch out a basic design for your baseboard. Do you already know what your future model railroad skirting board should look like? Be sure to consider the top of the baseboard as well as its support structure.
For example, the standard model train consists of a top (baseboard), legs, and structural support beams. If you are using a thick baseboard – more than 12mm (1.2cm) – it is important to ensure that the legs and supports of your structure can support the weight of this wooden panel.
If this is your first time designing and building a baseboard for a model train, you might want to take a little more time to research standard building techniques and designs. Finally, your first baseboard build can be a little overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with basic carpentry.
A helpful book such as B. Designing and Building Model Railway Baseboards by Ron Pybus could be a great resource to inspire you and enlighten you on the basics of baseboard building.
After you understand the step-by-step process for building a sturdy model railroad baseboard, you’ll probably feel more confident about choosing the right type of wood.
3. Browse wood types
After you’ve decided on your baseboard design, you’ll want to choose your wood. Do you know what type of plywood best suits your design, budget and preferences? Keep in mind that pine and birch are usually affordable and accessible, although walnut and oak plywood can be a bit sturdier.
The only way to find out which type of wood is best for your build is to browse and compare the many types of plywood. But there is at least one guide value that you should consider when buying: The ideal model railway base plate is between 9 mm (0.9 cm) and 12 mm (1.2 cm) thick.
4. Buy lots of supplies
It’s always better to have a little extra material than to run out halfway through a project. Even if you’re confident in your measurements, it’s a good idea to buy some extra plywood. You never know how important an extra inch or two can be when mounting your baseboard to a frame.
Plus, allowing yourself a little material leeway is a great way to avoid last-minute purchases. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to return to a hardware store in the middle of building, only to find that one thing you need is suddenly sold out!
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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 sections 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.
How much space do I need for a model railway?
You can build a believable mainline scene in as little as 6ft x 4ft and there is a ready supply of locomotives, carriages, wagons and accessories available. Also suitable for those on a space budget is ‘OO9’ narrow gauge – 4mm:1ft scale models running on 9mm gauge track.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
Layouts can be designed in all shapes and sizes, from simple endless loops to figure eight and multiple loop combinations, as well as continuous station and courtyard schemes in straight, “L” or “U” shape configurations. There are also a number of places around the home to consider and whether it is a permanent fixture or a project that needs to be stored when not in use. You’ll also need to choose what scale you want to model at, and in this handy guide we offer our best advice on all of the starting points.
1. Choose a room
First you need to decide where you will build your new layout. Typical locations are a guest room, garage, attic, garden shed, or study, but choosing which location to use depends on how much you have to spend and what spaces are available.
Folding birch ply layout
See some more details on the topic folding model railway baseboard here:
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: 10/19/2022
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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 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 to build 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 Wood For A Model Railway Baseboard, updated for 2022
10 stock pin Reddit
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 their first train set and building their 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 find cracks or cracks 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 from 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.
10 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.
The Best Thickness For Plywood Model Railway Baseboards
26 stock pin Reddit
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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