Model Trains & Railways Blog

This weekend has finally presented me with the opportunity to get some work done on my proposed main layout. We have a large double garage that houses just one car. The other half has been given over to Junk storage and my model railway.

Despite having rather a lot of space in which to house my layout I am struggling to decide what size this layout is going to be. Whatever it is, it needs at least one ’roundy roundy loop’ so that I and my 4 year old can watch stuff trundle by - plus I like the clickity clack the wagons and coaches make.

Baseboard Framework

Having already erected an 8 foot 3 by 2 foot board along the back wall I added one more 8 by 2 foot board to make it an ‘L’ shape. I also constructed the next 8 by 2 foot board but ran out of time to baton it to wall and attach it to the rest of the frame work.

So next visit to B&Q will require more timber and I may actually get some plywood for the tops too. The only problem is how to transport this home. Every time I use the cutting service B&Q offer the cut the wrong sizes and render it almost useless, ethier that or it comes out crooked.

Now I have built a few baseboards now and I feel that I am starting to actually get half decent at this carpentry lark, not an expert chippy by any means but my work is becoming neater.

For the frame work I bought packs of 6 Planed Smooth Timber (L)2100 x (W)44 x (T)18mm from B&Q. I put it altogether using 4mm wood crews and butt joints. If your just starting out on our first baseboard, then I could highly recommend you get the follow tools before you start.

• One handed clamps - three should do you.
• Mitre block - I use this one
• Square Set
• Tenon Saw to use with your mitre block

Obviously this list is far from complete but the above items were late additions to my tool box and have made my life and my wood work 100% better.

Here are a couple of pictures of the progress, you can’t really tell much as there is alot of rubble about the place, however it gives an idea of where I am headed.

Baseboard Frames

More Framework

See also: Baseboard framework completed

My Layout Baseboard