Which Baseboard Materials To Use?

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January 20, 2015

Another beginner (Brad) asks readers for help:

“I’m planning my frist layout in HO, and I am confused with what to use for my baseboard and leg supports etc. I am lucky to have a spare room I can use so I will expand it in coming years or decades. I would appreciate hearing your readers views on what materials I should build with. Many thanks.”

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8 Responses to Which Baseboard Materials To Use?

John Michels says:

January 21, 2015 at 12:26 am

The best way is to use 1″x4″ pine to build your table support. Your top should be 1/2 inch foam insulation in the 4’x8′ sheets. Then use the woodland secinic sub-terrian system

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Ray Breiding says:

January 21, 2015 at 12:27 am

i use MDF and then paint it the color of soil. Item add the roads, grass, gravel, etc. over the paint. I use a rough knap paint roller to give it texture. I use 1×2 to frame it and then use saw horses. Adjust night by adding 2×4 to top of sawhorse.

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Denny Hohn says:

January 21, 2015 at 1:16 am

I have a HO layout. I make my framework out of 2X4’s and 2″ pink styroform board for my top. light weigth and easy to work with.

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James says:

January 21, 2015 at 1:43 am

Brad,

Welcome to this wonderful hobby we call model railroading! The first layout always seems to be the hardest to build, but have no fear as you’ll soon learn many techniques that will make the process easier.

Currently, there are many options to consider when constructing a layout for baseboard materials. Benchwork can be lumber, or metal in construction; although lumber is preferred due to its ease of use and low cost. Generally, the train layout will be constructed with legs bolted to a large lumber frame. This frame is covered in light plywood for stability and to provide a clean and level surface for the models. Think of this benchwork as a table, with legs, frame, and a top.

Other materials such as foam, plastic, aluminum, steel, and even composite lumber has been used to build layouts. However, for baseboard material, plywood seems to be the most popular choice for many reasons. Homasote is another option that many hobbyists use which doesn’t fit in any of the other categories I listed. It is liked due to its soft nature and sound deadening capabilities.
Lastly, a great thing about this hobby is room for innovation. If you have an idea you think will work, go ahead and try it. Each layout built is different from every other layout because the situations are unique. You might want to try a shelf layout if the room is small, perhaps you prefer floor to ceiling scenery, or even multiple levels. All these factor into what materials will work for you.

Happy railroading!

–James

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Martin says:

January 21, 2015 at 2:51 am

I would suggest plywood. I made the mistake of using a MDF panel and I have lots of problems due to thermal expansion. In winter , because the air is colder (typically 70F) and dryer, my table shrinks and the rails buckle at certain location. Using a material with fibers will decrease that effect.

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Dave Murphy says:

January 21, 2015 at 11:53 pm

I have used exterior ply (£13.00 a sheet 8×4 ) covered with underlay used in laminate flooring.
The ply gives rigidity and the laminate allows for easy insertion of track pins.
The underlay also gives some sound deadening comapred to just ply or MDF ( too heavy anyway).
I find this combination gives a durable relativly light weight economical base.

The legs I used surplus 2″x2″ pine sawn and the actual base frame is 2″x1″ pine sawn.

good luck.

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Keith says:

January 23, 2015 at 1:26 am

Hey Brad,

Not sure if you can get it where you are, but here in the UK many of us use Sundeala Fibre Board (similar stuff to a fibre pin board material). It’s fixed with 2″x1″ wooden batons and legs (same way as Dave Murphy was saying). Sundeala is lightweight, is easily drilled for point motors & signal wire etc. and it keeps the running noise of locos down too… PLUS it takes track pins easily and firmly over and over!

Ply and wood is fine too, but it can be heavy, pain to drill and noisy!

Hope this helps

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andy says:

January 28, 2015 at 7:24 pm

Hey Brad
the baseboard i used was simple 3/8 plywood 8/4 sheet with using 2/3 for legs to support it with1/2
/2in braces makes for a great layout and can be used with modulare additions aprox2feet/4feet for further extension giving you room for access and different scenery along the way good luck and enjoy
andy

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