Ashburton -

[3 LINK]

This large 7mm exhibition layout was constructed very sucsesfully using this method, I will probably be using it myself in  future 

I am very tempted to use this method of baseboard construction, the only problem that I am concerned about is how to securely fix point motors  :scratch:. Mind you saying that , after seeing the use of servo's at Telford I am tempted to maybe try their method.  .

All the best,  Martyn. 

 

[Ressaldar]

Just picking up on this thread, I was a member of the Wirral OGG when they started a new latout using Styrofoam there are photos of it's early construction here

http://migoforum.co.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic ... 3&start=15

Due to the school caretaker suffering illness, progress has not been as expected but I understand that there are only a few wiring looms to be completed and then continuous running will commence. As can be seen in the link, Roger Murray (of colourlight signal fame) is very interested in the project and he is due to bring a book out in the future regarding baseboard construction methods.

regards

Mike

 

[28ten]

Thanks for the link Mike. So there is no need for a ply upper deck?
I really like this idea because I can use larger boards, and as you suggest buildings and scenic elements will sit on the top, which makes 4 ft wide boards possible.

 

[Steve Cook]

Interesting link Mike, I liked the 'hanging from the ceiling' layout one of the contributers was doing 

Regarding a 'top deck' Cynric - I don't think it is a requirement with 4 x 2 boards, but I suspect that once you get to 6' long, the extra stiffness imparted by having another glued face will be worth it. I had suggested that method to Simon because we were talking about two 6 x 2 boards for a trainset base which would have overhung the support (a dining room table). Some of it depends on how big a board you are going to go for, and what method of support you will be using when its erected.

Mind you, the stock isn't exactly going to be light either 

Steve

 

[Ressaldar]

Thanks for the link Mike. So there is no need for a ply upper deck?
I really like this idea because I can use larger boards, and as you suggest buildings and scenic elements will sit on the top, which makes 4 ft wide boards possible.

The Styrofoam comes in 2500 x 600 sheets and that used  by Wirral is 75 thick. The down side is that there are five sheets to a pack! Stockists are the likes of Sheffield Insulation and Warren Insulation, both of whom are 'national' operators. Experience has shown that all surfaces need to be 'primed' with PVA prior to the ply sides being glued on - with solvent free 'No Nails' Cutting is by a fine cut hand rip-saw. Triangular 'blocking pieces' about 100mm long were glued into the angles underneath the board. 

Cork was stuck to the upper surface and the track pinned on to that. There is no need for a ply topping.

If you Google 'Styrofoam' you should get a reference to Dow Chemicals - the manufacturer, and then get into the various size/thickness options. If butt jointing two boards, there may be a neccesity to have asome form of support across the width.

regards

Mike

 

[Jordan]

Just picking up on this thread, I was a member of the Wirral OGG when they started a new latout using Styrofoam there are photos of it's early construction here

http://migoforum.co.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic ... 3&start=15

Thanks for that link, Mike - very informative! I'm considering using styrofoam exactly like this method next year. :scratch:
B&Q do sheets of Knauf Space Board (pink) in 1200x500mm sheets, 50mm thick. The Website says ?4.98 a sheet but at my local B&Q it said ?3.48 on the racking, and that's what I got it for. Possibly not quite as high quality as the blue stuff but possibly more readily available?

 

[Ressaldar]

B&Q do sheets of Knauf Space Board (pink) in 1200x500mm sheets, 50mm thick. The Website says ?4.98 a sheet but at my local B&Q it said ?3.48 on the racking, and that's what I got it for. Possibly not quite as high quality as the blue stuff but possibly more readily available?

Hi Jordan,

yes there is quite a difference in quality, the main one I think is that the Knauf board tends to crumble. The Styrofoam type that is needed is 'Floormate' which having concrete poured on it (not to mention the concrete ganger walking all over it)in it's normal use, obviously has to withstand a fair bit of abuse.

In the long run, I think that it would be better to go for the quality. I suppose that it also depends on how often your baseboards will be 'manhandles' after completion.

All the best with it which ever option you go for.

seasons greetings

Mike

 

[Graham Powell]

Very interesting thread this one. Just taken a look at the MIGO site. I do like their test track. I think Gordon Gravett used foam on his Pempoul layout. Something to keep an eye on though I pretty sure I won't be making any more layouts. Well, maybe a small one possibly. I'm a one man band and have to do the lot so big projects are quite daunting.
regards
Graham Powell :wave:

 

[Simon Dunkley]

IIRC, Gordon has a light plywood framing around the edges, forming a U-channel on its side, to protect the sheet against knocks.

I have been through my memory, and recalled a copy of "Small Railroads You Can Build" from Kalmbach. I have the second edition, which incorporates Michael Tylick's Pioneer Valley RR. This used a plywood frame open-top structure to support multiple foam layers. Can't imagine that a couple of images will upset them, but I can always remove them if there is an issue.

 

[Simon Dunkley]

I think that a couple of images is well within a reasonable interpretation of copyright laws (based on a conversation with a late friend who was a patent clerk and knew more than most lawyers abotu this sort of thing) but posting more in a public forum might be pushing it a bit.

 

[Jordan]

I have been through my memory, and recalled a copy of "Small Railroads You Can Build" from Kalmbach. I have the second edition, which incorporates Michael Tylick's Pioneer Valley RR. This used a plywood frame open-top structure to support multiple foam layers. ...

The multiple layers of foam were more to do with creating some canals than for strength IIRC ?
This is from about 1994, too - they've had this sort of foam available far longer, more readily & much cheaper across the Pond than we have here in UK...

 

[28ten]

Whilst I have nothing concrete to show work is in progress for the goods shed  and I am hoping that the roof will lift off to reveal something like this
[attachimg=1]

Time will tell 

 

[Ressaldar]

nice drawing Cynric, it would be a shame not to build the entire model in timber - could you persuade C&L to include it in their laser cut range? You seem to have done most of the design work for them already.

regards

Mike

 

[28ten]

nice drawing Cynric, it would be a shame not to build the entire model in timber - could you persuade C&L to include it in their laser cut range? You seem to have done most of the design work for them already.

regards

Mike

It will be in timber, I bought my own laser cutter a couple of weeks ago  8) - watch this space as they say 

 

[Ressaldar]

my bump on the head has obviously made me a mind reader. Best of luck with the new toy - when do you start taking orders?

regards

Mike

 

[Dan Randall]

Looking good Cynric.    What software did you use and can the laser cutter actually work from that drawing?


Regards

Dan

 

[28ten]

my bump on the head has obviously made me a mind reader. Best of luck with the new toy - when do you start taking orders?

regards

Mike

I am still in the set up and learning stage but hopefully by Easter

 

[28ten]

Looking good Cynric.    What software did you use and can the laser cutter actually work from that drawing?


Regards

Dan

Solidworks. yes it will project to a dxf
here is a quick and dirty example
[attachimg=1]
I can break the whole thing into individual components to lay it out on a sheet for cutting. I will be doing the overall roof for the station and yes I can reduce it to 7mm 

 

[Dan Randall]

Excellent - thanks Cynric. 


Regards

Dan

 

[28ten]

A little more work tonight sees everything mated and im pretty happy that it will look the part, so the next stage is to work out the lamination for the inner walls and some pockets to hold the windows