subject: Model Railroading - Baseboard [print this page] Model Railroading - Baseboard Model Railroading - Baseboard
The model railroad baseboard is an essential part of a train display, as it is the board on which the tracks are attached and the scenery is built. The size and shape of a baseboard is generally a personal preference, depending on space limitations, possible portability and the desired overall layout of the display.
Materials
Whether you purchase a pre-made baseboard or build one yourself, you may first want to research the materials used and go with the board that best fits your budget and your display's needs. Model railroad baseboards are typically made from the following materials:
Particle, or chip board: an inexpensive board made from wood shavings and chips that are pressed together and then sealed with a synthetic resin. It is recommended to apply sealant over the entire surface of particle board to prevent warping.
Plywood: a board made by layering and pressing thin sheets of wood together. It is lighter than particle board and a very popular board used in model train baseboards. When cutting or shaving plywood, make sure to wear protective face gear to guard against harmful dust.
Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF: a board made of broken down hardwood and softwood. It is similar to plywood and denser than particle board. Because the fibers can create lots of dust, be certain to wear protective face gear also when sawing or shaving MDF.
Extruded foam board: a soft board that can be shaped using a strong knife. Mountains and other terrain attributes can also be constructed using foam board.
Size
The size of the train's baseboard depends on how much space you have for your display. A typical beginner's baseboard is a 4'x8' piece of plywood with a thickness between 3/8" and 1/2". However, you can cut the boards to match the desired layout. If you want your display to run around the perimeter of a room's walls, then you will have a relatively narrow baseboard. On the other hand, you would need a larger baseboard if your display fills an entire garage.
Attaching to a Benchboard
The baseboard is what you attach your tracks and terrain on, but the benchboard is the supporting structure underneath everything. For some displays, the benchboard may be a customized structure that resembles a table with legs and supporting trestles underneath. For beginners or hobbyists with portable displays, a benchboard may be nothing more than an actual kitchen or end table.
Whatever you choose for your benchboard, make sure that you can easily access any part of your display within reasonable reach. Building train tracks on a baseboard that is twenty feet long and wide without any walkways around it will greatly deter you from being able to correct a derailment, to change a light bulb or to reattach a loose tree. Make a baseboard and benchboard that not only fits into your desired space but also makes sense.
