[SkyFire]

Been wondering how to build a frame for the 3 x 4 foot wide by 3 foot boards to go on that my layout uses.

It needs to be able to be dismantled when the room is needed for guests.

[berth44]

I think with a small layout like that Anthony, I personally would not have the boards 'dimantled' I'd just make sure nothing was glued in place and remove all stock and place the 'layout' up against a wall ..alternatively, will it not 'slide' under your bed??
I personally have never had to 'split' boards, too much bother with rejoining electrics etc etc,anybody who does the club circuit should be able to put you right.
If I ""had"" to, I'd first find the 'spot' where it's going to be hidden from view, ie, in a cupboard, wherever, then cut the board to suit, one cut, either length ways or along it's width, probably hinged (like one of them catering tables)and for the contact between boards, I'd go the easy way and use 'spade connectors' for my electricts, nothing 'ectronically fancy' for this boy, simple minded me knows no better!!......Dave

[berth44]

Finally,it's taken me 22 years in this house I have more than a 'yard length' to test my locos!!
I've utilised 3 doors that were 'lying around' in my garage into an 'L' shape and using brand new PECO yard lengths and one right hand curved point (for a siding)I can now race my locos at full throttle on at leasts a full 16 foot length!!!!
Doors are not my preferred idea of 'a baseboard', but they are flat and strong, so, in reality they are only meant to be a 'temporary' measure...or at least "I think so???".... Hmmm"...
Anyhoo, for this moment in time it's great to see the likes of my 'NRM DELTIC' at full throttle!!,
but meantime I will still be 'tyding up' the garage, and it's my thought to have a 'full' oval, so'I'll be looking at getting some more baseboards built ..properly this time as I don't have any more doors left!, meantime, I'll be doing some learning and experimenting re joining rails and doing junctions,remember it's been
almost 38 years since I put two pieces of track together, and with all my track being 'PECO' long lengths there's a lot of bending and cutting to do..."oh the fun"..........Dave.

[SkyFire]

Yay good to hear that progress is happening at long last, on your long lost railway.

Had more thoughts with mine, that if I get some 9 foot lengths of 3" by 2" wood, I can make a frame high enough that the bed will sit under it and as the bed is on wheels it can be rolled out when it's needed.

[berth44]

That my friend is a jolly good idea that could work, your layout definately has to be off the floor,I've got mine 'chest high',I feel comfortable with that height (bar stool height!!)
To be honest,it was also a 'height of convenience' as I was able to bolt the door (s) directly into the framework of the garage!...Dave

[SkyFire]

Think that would be roughly the height mine would come to anbd the bed will easily roll in and out from under it as well.

[berth44]

I think it's a good height Anthony, plenty room for your bed my friend, and, it's way out of the reach of 'smallish' people!!
You've just got to watch where you place your uprights I suppose, with these doors I've only got a suport on each corner,and on the wall side, I've worked out the height and put in a couple of 'horizontal' supports bolted to the uprights that support the wall,it can all come apart quite easily...go for it Anthony!.................Dave

[SkyFire]

It will have to wait until after the next holiday, for now I need all the money I have to pay for the holiday. - LoL

[berth44]

Got my boards yesterday,I managed to 'borro' my daughters friend who just happened to have a 'ute'. So,I've now got 10 boards,each one is 1860 X 680 mm, a wee bit longer and wider than your average door!

I think it is either chipboard or MDF, all that I'm sure of, it's very heavy, and it'll get 'heavier!('I need to add framing).
Anyhoo, I'm thinking that I should replace the doors,(X3)even though I like the solid feel that they have,but it's little things like drilling holes and installing point motors etc, may as well do it right folkes.......Dave

[SkyFire]

MDF is fairly lightweight, I think. Sounds like it could be the same stuff as I have for my boards, which is chipboard.

Poor ute bringing all that home in it. ;D

[berth44]

I would imagine the 10 boards 'wood' be very heaveeee.......it was a big ute Anthony!!!

Dave

[SkyFire]

Want any help with building the baseboards.

[berth44]

Thanks,but I should be right Anthony,it wont be 'like tomorrow'it'll be a wee while until I get some money to buy wood for the frames, I'll give you a holler if I need help,but I'm a big boy you know!!......Dave

[bluedot0]

Well.....you won't be "board" now......yuk yuk yuk.....Phil

[berth44]

Too bloody right Phil, 'board??'.....not this boy!! There should be enough to go right round my wee train bit in the garage now......."naeborrerinnat"................Dave.