All,

As the name of this thread suggests, I am looking for replies from fellow Aussies.

I am thinking about building a small fold up layout and am interested to know what others see as being the best material to use as a base board. I was thinking plywood, but are there any better suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Hi JonathonC,

I don't think you can go past ply, but it's very much a matter of personal choice. It'll be interesting to see what the rest of the Aussie contingent think.

But i wouldn't go with anything else, even for a small portable layout. 

Thanks Bealman,

I was thinking ply as the first choice. But curious if others have used MDF or masonite. Or anything else?

I have chosen ply for my last few layouts.  I've seen people use (and tried some of) chipboard, MDF, canite (for you Brits, a nasty, crumbly local relative of sundeala), but for weight, ease of use, etc., unless you want to climb on top of the layout, I'd pick ply again. 

Yep, give that canite a miss. It's horrible.

JohnathanC

In respect of your intention to build a small fold-up layout:

I would respectfully suggest that you check my thread ''For those who might not have any space', as it is possible some of your questions could be answered there. I used MDF BTW, for the construction...

Hope it proves useful

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will most likely go with ply, but I will check out your thread Komota.

I use foamular. it comes in different thicknesses, so you can carve, cut and generally chop it around. it is surprisingly strong and will very happily support a small layout with no cross-bracing at all. I put mine on a frame of 25x25mm (1"x1") and have put removable legs in the corner. I made the backboard and side boards out of 3 ply, and the frame and boards completely protect the layout from damage. It is also very light. Cheers, Bill.

Quote from: ozzie Bill. on July 22, 2014, 11:28:46 PM
I use foamular. it comes in different thicknesses, so you can carve, cut and generally chop it around. it is surprisingly strong and will very happily support a small layout with no cross-bracing at all. I put mine on a frame of 25x25mm (1"x1") and have put removable legs in the corner. I made the backboard and side boards out of 3 ply, and the frame and boards completely protect the layout from damage. It is also very light. Cheers, Bill.

Thanks. Never heard of that. Where do you buy yours from?

I've never heard of product either, but it sounds very promising! I like the 'lightweight' bit especially.

Basically it is an extruded polystyrene insulation board. It is NOT the standard 'white' stuff that is used for packing, but a very specific product used in building insulation. http://www.foamular.com.au/  this is their site, they even have a little section under applications titled model making foam and even a few pix and refs to model trains.
The only downside is that it is a bit dearer. However, you can lay your track straight onto it, carve, slash, fill and all sorts of wonderful things, so personally reckon the advantages far outweigh the cost. BTW, I have no affiliation, just a big rap for the stuff. Cheers, Bill.

This looks extremely promising, especially for portable layouts. I've had a good look at the link (thanks Bill) - is it similar to that foam board which has a sort of card covering that I have seen used on several American layouts in the press?

George

It looks like the same material they put on roofs here in Spain to insulated the roof from the hot sun, it's about 4" thick.  I had to have my roof repaired a couple of years ago and that's how I discovered they use it.  Had a couple of sheets left over, one was cut up and used to make some of the hills on Claywell, the other I use as the base for my test track oval.   

Hi mate
I have always done my layouts on ply also
However I'm helping a mate build one and he has used foam insulation board. I'm Newcastle you buy it from insulation industries and it is hard as but easy to carve out cuttings etc. put to a light frame this might be just the thing
Bart

I think you have discovered a new material for railway modellers!

Anyone else on the forum with experience using this medium?