N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 04:32:14 PM

Title: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 04:32:14 PM
Hi all

Wont bore you with the sob story but had to sell my only partly laid Preformed Noch Baden-Baden layout.

Looking to get hold of a simple bare board now but not up to making it myself.

Have made various enquiries and came close to buying a 4x3 ft board from DJMS Model Solutions for about #65 inc delivery which I thought was reasonable value but ongoing financial issues have precluded this.

Does anyone have a no-longer needed board? Or able to make me one for less? Would be happy to do some sort of swap or part exchange for some of my N Gauge German locos and/or Fleischmann Piccolo track inc the items listed for sale in Classifieds on this board.

Hope I am not out of order as a newbie asking this.

Martin
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 05:09:11 PM
Quote from: Only Me on December 29, 2013, 04:39:24 PM
Welcome to our Forum; beg away my man :)


LOL ok


Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

:D
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: REGP on December 29, 2013, 05:12:15 PM
Hi Martin

Welcome to the Forum.

You never know but giving a location, may encourage someone local to get in touch.

Ray
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: REGP on December 29, 2013, 05:12:15 PM
Hi Martin

Welcome to the Forum.

You never know but giving a location, may encourage someone local to get in touch.

Ray


Oh thanks Ray. Rustington, West Sussex. On the coast between Pompey and Brighton, South of Horsham.
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Lawrence on December 29, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Would happily help if you were not so far away Martin, I would hope that one of our fantastic membership in your locale might be able to help out though.
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 06:57:38 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on December 29, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Would happily help if you were not so far away Martin, I would hope that one of our fantastic membership in your locale might be able to help out though.

Thanks Lawrence

Might be worth mentioning that i dont mind paying for shipping to me. Happy to arrange myself to if viable. Will check a couple of couriers.
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 07:01:25 PM
Quote from: Bristolmar on December 29, 2013, 06:57:38 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on December 29, 2013, 06:50:12 PM
Would happily help if you were not so far away Martin, I would hope that one of our fantastic membership in your locale might be able to help out though.

Thanks Lawrence

Might be worth mentioning that i dont mind paying for shipping to me. Happy to arrange myself to if viable. Will check a couple of couriers.

On a quick look appears it shouldnt cost more than say £30
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: alibuchan on December 30, 2013, 11:33:43 AM
Unless you can get someone local to help, it is going to cost you about the £60 quid mark to have it built and sent.

When I went to my timber chap, I got all of the wood cut to size and ready to go for about £23.50 (if I remember correctly). That was for 2x 4foot by 1foot boards (2"x1/2" for sides and ends, and 6mm ply for top and back scene + glue and pins). It shocked me how much timber was!

So judging by that probably £30 quid materials and £30 delivery.

It's completely up to you but it may well be easier to go to DJMS as you will be able to go back to them if there is an issue with it.

Alistair
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: PostModN66 on December 30, 2013, 11:46:02 AM
Hi Martin,

Everyone has their hobby horse, and this is mine!   Have you thought about using a plywood door as your baseboard?

I can't find one that is three feet wide, the widest I can find in 33", from Wickes.   They are easy to trim to the length you want - cut the surface with a Stanley knife, saw through the edge pieces and make up a strip of thin plywood to make good the cut edge.  It is about 20-30 mins work.  No bracing required.

As it is not as wide as you want, possibly you could adjust the length to make the same area?

The door I found on the Wickes website is called "Lisburn Ply veneer door,1981 x838mm",  £22.99

Hope this is helpful,

Cheers  Jon  :)



Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 30, 2013, 11:51:43 AM
Quote from: PostModN66 on December 30, 2013, 11:46:02 AM
Hi Martin,

Everyone has their hobby horse, and this is mine!   Have you thought about using a plywood door as your baseboard?

I can't find one that is three feet wide, the widest I can find in 33", from Wickes.   They are easy to trim to the length you want - cut the surface with a Stanley knife, saw through the edge pieces and make up a strip of thin plywood to make good the cut edge.  It is about 20-30 mins work.  No bracing required.

As it is not as wide as you want, possibly you could adjust the length to make the same area?

The door I found on the Wickes website is called "Lisburn Ply veneer door,1981 x838mm",  £22.99

Hope this is helpful,

Cheers  Jon  :)


Jon, VERY thank you. Theres a Wickes store a mile up the road.

Excuse my ignorance. Sounds like a good "DIY" version. If a "properly" constructed one with a frame covered with ply was 10 on a scale of 10 as regards suitability, useability, etc this would be.................6? 7?

Will check it out now

Martin
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Greybeema on December 30, 2013, 11:57:46 AM
Have you considered using insulation board.

I live in Dublin, so not a lot of use to you but here is a link to Wickes http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/161255/?source=123_75 (http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/161255/?source=123_75)  and at £40 it's twice the area you need.

I think this is the stuff but others on this forum can say better.  I have looked at this kind of base board - its pretty much ready to go - its rigid, light weight but could do with a thin outside frame to protect it.  Drawback is that everything (point motors, wiring etc.) has to be surface mounted but I am sure there is a way around that.  Also items need to be glued rather than screwed unless you glue wood and then screw into that...



Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: PostModN66 on December 30, 2013, 12:04:16 PM
Hi Martin,

This is a source of contention on the forum!    I would say compared to traditional baseboards 12/10 (not joking here, I really do believe they are much better in most respects, but see the "cons" below).  I have built, or been part of the build of four layouts based on doors or parts thererof, including Lofthole and Deansmoor as per links below)  I wouldn't use any other method.

The plus side is (better than traditional baseboards in the following respects)

Perfectly flat
Very stiff
Perfectly warp resistant
Very light
Quick and easy to make

The minus side is (not as good as traditional baseboards in the following respects)

Poking wires though is slightly more tricky (you need a darning needle or similar)
Installing point motors needs some thought (tricky to use Peco or Seep motors in the "normal" fashion, you need to either mount them on top or use torque rods - or just use wire-in-tube, or Kato track with built in motors)
Some say (though I would disagree) that they are not as easy to use for making mountainous scenes.

The point motor mounting doesn't trouble me as I think the usual method of clipping to the points is a bit "pants" anyway!

If you want to check out opinions of others do a search on baseboards..........not everyone agrees with me though many do.

Cheers

Jon   :)
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 30, 2013, 12:05:11 PM
Quote from: Greybeema on December 30, 2013, 11:57:46 AM
Have you considered using insulation board.

I live in Dublin, so not a lot of use to you but here is a link to Wickes http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/161255/?source=123_75 (http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/161255/?source=123_75)  and at £40 it's twice the area you need.

I think this is the stuff but others on this forum can say better.  I have looked at this kind of base board - its pretty much ready to go - its rigid, light weight but could do with a thin outside frame to protect it.  Drawback is that everything (point motors, wiring etc.) has to be surface mounted but I am sure there is a way around that.  Also items need to be glued rather than screwed unless you glue wood and then screw into that...


Thank you also for this suggestion.

Just been on Wickes site looking at the door option which I like. TBH altho thats a bit narrow (not critically) I can live with the extra length so at the price its a great option. Only trouble is local stores dont have it. Will have a quick butchers over at B&Q failing which Wickes deliver for a tenner (wonder if they do chicken too ;)

Appreciate the input.

Martin
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: REGP on December 30, 2013, 12:12:24 PM
If. You are going down to Wicks check out for their Space Board.
These area single sheets of insulation foam board approx 40 x 20 inches and 2/3 inches thick. These can be cut with a knife and glued together using No Nails, so easier to transport than the bigger boards.
Track can be glued down (Copydex), point motors have to be surfaced mounted and you need to pierce holes in the board to thread wiring through.

Ray

Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Pengi on December 30, 2013, 03:01:38 PM
Quote from: REGP on December 30, 2013, 12:12:24 PM
If. You are going down to Wicks check out for their Space Board.
These area single sheets of insulation foam board approx 40 x 20 inches and 2/3 inches thick. These can be cut with a knife and glued together using No Nails, so easier to transport than the bigger boards.
Track can be glued down (Copydex), point motors have to be surfaced mounted and you need to pierce holes in the board to thread wiring through.

Ray

I have used Spaceboard as a baseboard (6 glued together). I was surprised to see it at my local B&Q - even though the web-site has said it was a discontinued product a year ago
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 30, 2013, 03:52:52 PM
Location: SouthWestTrainsland......................................anywhere near Brizzle?

:D
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Pengi on December 30, 2013, 04:43:31 PM
SouthWestTrainsland are stations 'owned' by SWT - Brizzle is FGW land  :laugh:
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 30, 2013, 04:51:00 PM
Quote from: Pengi on December 30, 2013, 04:43:31 PM
SouthWestTrainsland are stations 'owned' by SWT - Brizzle is FGW land  :laugh:


I know I shouldnt rise but............................FGW?
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: EtchedPixels on December 30, 2013, 05:16:40 PM
Quote from: Bristolmar on December 30, 2013, 04:51:00 PM
I know I shouldnt rise but............................FGW?

Farce Great Western, as opposed to Stand While Travelling 8)
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Pengi on December 30, 2013, 05:24:32 PM
. . . right at this moment, SWT = Soggy Waterlogged Trackbed as i can't travel north without using bus (or driving) 

. . . although, strictly speaking, SWT doesn't own the track
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on December 31, 2013, 03:52:24 PM
Well looks like back to Plan A but thanks to all for input.

The veneer door from B&Q delivered at toltal #28 looked the solution. But add 2 Sundeala boards delivered at #29..........

So Ill have to wait til I can afford the DJMS option (which tbh is good value just I am strapped for cash).

Now if some nice person were to buy one of the items I have on here for sale I could....sob, sob...........................finally................sob..................satrt to recreate a childhood dream....................sniff


:'(


;)
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: PostModN66 on January 02, 2014, 09:29:53 AM
Hi Martin,

Just bear in mind that if you go for a custom baseboard it is likely that it will have a plywood top, so the same extra expense is likely to be incurred if you want to use Sundeala to make it feasible to pin your track down.   :(

Cheers  Jon  :)
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: EtchedPixels on January 02, 2014, 02:50:18 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on January 02, 2014, 09:29:53 AM
Hi Martin,

Just bear in mind that if you go for a custom baseboard it is likely that it will have a plywood top, so the same extra expense is likely to be incurred if you want to use Sundeala to make it feasible to pin your track down.   :(

Pin push or small drill or double sided tape or a few other things. Last small layout I've been building I'm using double sided car trim foam and becoming a fan of it very fast.
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 02, 2014, 04:15:40 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on January 02, 2014, 09:29:53 AM
Hi Martin,

Just bear in mind that if you go for a custom baseboard it is likely that it will have a plywood top, so the same extra expense is likely to be incurred if you want to use Sundeala to make it feasible to pin your track down.   :(

Cheers  Jon  :)

Oh

Bu**er     :(
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 02, 2014, 04:18:37 PM
Quote from: Only Me on January 02, 2014, 09:56:40 AM
I pinned down my track easily using 6mm ply and a pin push :)


Errrrrrrrrrrr...............what's a pin push? I am pretty sure I have a box of the fleischmann track pinning screws in the garage was planning on using those.
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: PostModN66 on January 02, 2014, 04:56:05 PM
I'm not sure either - had a look on e-bay but all I came up with was "push pins"!

But if you have screws made for the job, then they would probably be better onto ply (either a door or your custom made board) than onto Sundeala, so either way problem solved!

Cheers  Jon   :)
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 02, 2014, 05:18:25 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on January 02, 2014, 04:56:05 PM
I'm not sure either - had a look on e-bay but all I came up with was "push pins"!

But if you have screws made for the job, then they would probably be better onto ply (either a door or your custom made board) than onto Sundeala, so either way problem solved!

Cheers  Jon   :)


Now THAT is good news.

Thanks Jon thats made my day!
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 02, 2014, 08:18:43 PM
Neati
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 08, 2014, 12:25:38 PM
Right

About to go the ply flush door route. Found one on ebay 2000 x 827 £20 plus delivery £8.

AND they are happy to cut it down to 5ft for me before shipping.

This...................


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271348993859 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271348993859)


:thankyousign: :NGaugersRule:
Title: Re: Can anyone help me get hold of a layout board 4ft x 3ft please?
Post by: Bristolmar on January 24, 2014, 02:21:31 PM
OK

FINALLY sorted myself a baseboard      :claphappy:

By sheer chance bumped into local builder contact and we got talking about BoysToys which led to model railways and my need for a cheap board.

He is building me a 5ft by 3ft board, braced, mdf top for £40. Should be with me in a week. Cant wait!!!

Many thanks to all for help and advice so far. Can I ask tho, what should be my first step before any landscaping ? I read somehwere paint the top grey as thats the best base color?

Martin