N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: bluedepot on November 13, 2021, 03:55:00 PM

Title: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on November 13, 2021, 03:55:00 PM
hi everyone

what method would you suggest for fixing the backscene onto the baseboard?

it can be a semi permanent fix as its a home layout.

last time i used battons pinned to the mdf backscene and screwed into the board from the underside. i may just use no more nails this time to glue the battons on.

i have no idea about woodwork so any better or easier suggestions?

the backscene is in 4 sections and the central sections are roughly down the middle of the baseboard.

any suggestions very welcome!

cheers


tim
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: Malc on November 13, 2021, 04:50:30 PM
I just screwed through the thin ply I use for mounting the backscene, straight into the edge of the MDF base board.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on November 13, 2021, 06:38:57 PM
hi

nope it a roundy roundy layout and the backscene has to go across the middle roughly so the fiddle yard is behind it


cheers


tim
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: ntpntpntp on November 13, 2021, 07:01:18 PM
So the backscene is not on the back edge, but further in with the fiddleyard behind it.  Does it need to be removable (you mentioned "semi permanent")?

I'd probably glue support battens to the rear of the backscene board at or near each end, drill and fit wooden dowels to the bottom of the battens which slot into matching holes in the baseboard. You can then lift out the backscene board if necessary, as long as you haven't glued any scenery to it :)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: port perran on November 13, 2021, 07:09:44 PM
Why not fix a piece of baton to your baseboard across the middle so that the fiddle yard is on one side with the scenic layout on the other.
Then simply fit the backboard to the baton with screws.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: Newportnobby on November 13, 2021, 09:24:11 PM
Quote from: ntpntpntp on November 13, 2021, 07:01:18 PM
I'd probably glue support battens to the rear of the backscene board at or near each end, drill and fit wooden dowels to the bottom of the battens which slot into matching holes in the baseboard. You can then lift out the backscene board if necessary, as long as you haven't glued any scenery to it :)

Sounds like the best solution to me
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: AndyRA on November 13, 2021, 10:43:36 PM
I have used flatpack furniture brackets so that the backscene boards can be removed if necessary. They just slot into place without the need for using the bolts.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/116/5731-131121224140.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=116191)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/116/5731-131121224229.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=116192)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: maridunian on November 13, 2021, 11:38:12 PM
I haven't attached mine to the baseboard, but hang it behind. Having it even a few inches further back from the edge of the board helps ensure it's out of focus and shadows of the scenery are less likely to fall across it too.

Mike
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: ntpntpntp on November 14, 2021, 10:46:14 AM
Quote from: AndyRA on November 13, 2021, 10:43:36 PM
I have used flatpack furniture brackets so that the backscene boards can be removed if necessary. They just slot into place without the need for using the bolts.

Yes they're useful items, I've used those in the past too, same idea as the wooden dowels I suggested.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on November 15, 2021, 06:56:06 PM
hi everyone

thanks for the suggestions!

got a few ideas now so wont have to mess about under the board trying to screw in battons or anything too strenuous like last time!

i am hoping to go to homebase or b & q later in the week to buy some mdf and will see what brackets or dowels they have as well and maybe some no more nails glue and other supplies too.

i wont be able to match andy for his great br blue rolling stock collection but if the boards stay up alright I'll be happy.

cheers


tim
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: emjaybee on November 15, 2021, 07:46:47 PM
Just my personal opinion, but I'd avoid 'No more nails' like the plague.

Yes, it works well, and it's permanent. But that is it's achilles heel. You'll have to destroy anything it's attached with to remove it, and, yes, sooner or later something will occur to warrant removal. To cap it all, once you've half destroyed everything to remove bits, the dried nmn is impossible to remove to refix anything.

Dowels, battens, screws, nails, presstuds, velcro, blutac, thumbtacks, gaffer tape, toothpaste, marmalade, zip ties, anything, just not THAT!
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: RBTKraisee on November 17, 2021, 08:44:14 PM
Quote from: AndyRA on November 13, 2021, 10:43:36 PM
I have used flatpack furniture brackets so that the backscene boards can be removed if necessary. They just slot into place without the need for using the bolts.

My google-fu is failing, I can't find anything that looks like those.   Do they have another name?

Ross.

FURTHER: Are they "Modesty Blocks"? https://www.manutan.co.uk/en/key/modesty-blocks-2-part-white-pack-of-50?quote-form (https://www.manutan.co.uk/en/key/modesty-blocks-2-part-white-pack-of-50?quote-form)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on November 17, 2021, 09:44:56 PM
hi

knock down connectors or knock down modesty blocks

im going to try this method that andy used. hopefully will be sturdy enough as the blocks i got are not v big.

cheers


tim



Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: ntpntpntp on November 17, 2021, 10:11:51 PM
Yeah modesty blocks seems to be the name, though I admit I didn't know that and I've had a bag of 'em stored away in the garage for decades :)   I used them when I built my control panel for a previous layout back in the 80s.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: Newportnobby on November 17, 2021, 10:18:10 PM
Quote from: RBTKraisee on November 17, 2021, 08:44:14 PM
Quote from: AndyRA on November 13, 2021, 10:43:36 PM
I have used flatpack furniture brackets so that the backscene boards can be removed if necessary. They just slot into place without the need for using the bolts.


FURTHER: Are they "Modesty Blocks"? https://www.manutan.co.uk/en/key/modesty-blocks-2-part-white-pack-of-50?quote-form (https://www.manutan.co.uk/en/key/modesty-blocks-2-part-white-pack-of-50?quote-form)

I think they're just single blocks, Ross. Use 1 atop another to create the depth required.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/white-assembly-joint-x-10-pack/25399?tc=FA7&ds_kid=92700048793290424&ds_rl=1249413&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3Zjbs7Wg9AIVwo1oCR0-xgnREAQYASABEgI11PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (https://www.screwfix.com/p/white-assembly-joint-x-10-pack/25399?tc=FA7&ds_kid=92700048793290424&ds_rl=1249413&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3Zjbs7Wg9AIVwo1oCR0-xgnREAQYASABEgI11PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: RBTKraisee on November 19, 2021, 12:17:52 AM
Thanks guys!

Ross.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on December 28, 2021, 07:21:11 PM
quick update... i employed andy's method...

i used knock down connectors / modesty blocks

i just need to sort out the backscene join in the centre so it is flush and then done for now

thanks andy and others for your suggestions and advice on this

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/117/114-281221191418-1177712395.jpeg)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/117/114-281221191437-1177721125.jpeg)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/117/114-281221191224-11775961.jpeg)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/117/114-281221191356-117770293.jpeg)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: ntpntpntp on December 28, 2021, 08:41:08 PM
@bluedepot (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=114) Some people use the simple clip-on paper binder strips to tidy up the top of the backscene and across the joints between each piece.

This kind of thing

https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/product/binding-supplies/plastic-slide-bars/a4-square-back-slide-binders (https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/product/binding-supplies/plastic-slide-bars/a4-square-back-slide-binders)

(https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/slide-bind-image.jpg)
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: Newportnobby on December 28, 2021, 10:02:18 PM
Quote from: ntpntpntp on December 28, 2021, 08:41:08 PM
@bluedepot (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=114) Some people use the simple clip-on paper binder strips to tidy up the top of the backscene and across the joints between each piece.

This kind of thing

https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/product/binding-supplies/plastic-slide-bars/a4-square-back-slide-binders (https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/product/binding-supplies/plastic-slide-bars/a4-square-back-slide-binders)

(https://ombindingsupplies.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/slide-bind-image.jpg)

I use those. They also do them in clear plastic. They're great for protecting the tops of backscenes which can easily be damaged and also for the tops of facia boards front of layout.
Title: Re: fixing backscene onto the baseboard
Post by: bluedepot on December 28, 2021, 10:04:27 PM
cheers ntp and nobby i will buy some like that good idea


tim