This page describes the layout base, mainly in the form of diagrams.
The layout is based on the my belief that planning my model railway is very restrictive if I want to change my mind with regards to track placement etc, and layout planning should be avoided wherever possible. To this end my design involves the following:
| The baseboard is designed to be dismantled and reassembled, without too much trouble - no module is longer than 1500mm so they can be handled by one person, get though doorways etc. |
| There will be a fixed baseboard platform, and hills and mountains are built on top. The lowest point in the scenery is the baseboard top. If necessary, the track will be elevated above the baseboard top to achieve this (and avoid the need to cut the baseboard top). (Point motors cannot be the under-baseboard type for this reason). |
| The length and width can be changed by using other modules and, if necessary, trestles. |
| Large scenic objects would have to be detachable from the layout, if the layout was ever moved. |
| Track would have to be detachable from the layout, to enable the layout to be split. The only exceptions to this would be where flexitrack was used and there was a track break purposely inserted over the module join. |
Click on the diagrams to get a larger image.
The plan is for a modular construction to be sat upon some trestles. A space of 1400mm x 3900mm (or 4' and a bit by 12') is available, accessible from one side only. The size of my modules are based on this fact. In an unconstrained situation, I would perhaps have settled on other sizes.
The baseboard needs to be able to accommodate an oval, and to make the most use of the space. Because access is only from one side, I've built an access hole into the design (the white bit in the middle).
The initial plan is to use a space of 1400mm x 2400mm (or 4' and a bit by 8') as this is large enough for me at first, especially when there is no scenery about to cover the space.
The initial plan is shown below. There are four 'A' and two 'C' modules.
The types of curve that can use this board are shown below. This helps to give some perspective to the baseboard arrangement.
Above: This is a representation of radius 358mm to radius 604.4mm curves on this board.
Later, I might extend the board by 1.5m in length - this is shown below.
Above: This is a final assembly diagram, (bottom up view) of the final arrangement. There are four 'A' modules and two 'C' from the original design. The extension is the two 'A1' and one 'C' in the middle. Additional boards can be installed in the middle but I think it would become too crowded.
Now all the diagrams refer to this extended arrangement.
Above: This is a section view, showing how the frameworks are bolted or screwed together
Above: This is a parts view of the extended version. All the part names correspond to the next diagrams.
Above: This is a diagram of how the components are assembled into modules.
Above: This is a parts list for the framework. Note there are enough parts for 2 C modules - I would perhaps build 3 'C' modules - instead of 2 'B' and 2 'C' given the final
Above: This is a photo of a trestle that I am currently employing four of to hold the entire framework up with.
HOME > THALWIL > BASEBOARD PLANS
updated 28/08/06 to show new arrangement of baseboard