New build

[AndyH]

Oh, I was hoping to lay track on the boards to a) cover the warped board up b) easier to cut for motors for when I do try to install them c) easier to sculpture like rivers and embankments etc? Saw it on the other forum.

Would this not be a good idea? If not sorry but why not? Thought be flatter than my current board.

[yelrow]

If you are unhappy with your warped board, correct that rather than try to fudge it. If you must have it in your baseboard, keep all track away from it.

[Brian]

Hi
There is nothing wrong with using wall insulation boarding such as Kingspan or Celotex, but you've mentioned the reason for using old track is a lack of finances. These insulation sheets are very expensive! Typically a 25mm thick 2400 x 1200mm (8ft x 4ft) sheet of Kingspan is around £27.00 the thicker 50mm is £39.00 (Wickes UK prices). Then you will need to collect or have it delivered - Smaller sized pieces are available but cost more!
You also need to ensure all foil is well away from any electrical items.

[Walkingthedog]

He’s already got the insulation board Brian. Wants to put it on top of the warped baseboard.

[yelrow]

and they are only offcuts.

[Brian]

He’s already got the insulation board Brian. Wants to put it on top of the warped baseboard.

If the ones shown in the photo are all that's available? then he is woefully short! Far more would be needed for the area shown.

and they are only offcuts.

Exactly

[Bandit Mick]

Hope your not getting bombarded by lots of advice and hope this doesn’t repeat a previous post, but - when laying track you can temporarily fixit by using drawing pins across the sleepers - this way any changes are easier to make without damage occurring. Hope this helps.

[Bandit Mick]

Ted re: wire in tube. Lots of similar materials can be used but I get my wires and corresponding tubes from a model aircraft suppliers - the sort used in radio controlled aircraft. Cos I like to make life difficult and to avoid wires/rods near wiring I cut/ file a groove at baseboard level then sit the tube with its pre-cut wire/rod into the groove. With a bit of jiggery pokery, I manage to locate the 90 turned up end of the wire into the point tie. At times, a little swearing helps things along.

[AndyH]

He’s already got the insulation board Brian. Wants to put it on top of the warped baseboard.

If the ones shown in the photo are all that's available? then he is woefully short! Far more would be needed for the area shown.

and they are only offcuts.

Exactly

Yes, already got the "off cuts". I was wondering if I cut them into say 10cm wide strip's so I'd get 4 strips per 100mm thick board to go under the track, there may be enough and would create a "valley" in the center ? I could raise the "valley" with the 50mm board giving a 50mm height difference if needed?

However, on closer inspection appears they're not as smooth as I thought.

What about 2 lots of 25mm thick packing polystyrene laid on top of each other ?

I just think using something like this would give a smooth flat top, easier to work with and sculpture including cut outs for rivers and whatnot.

[Brian]

Do not use Polystyrene! It melts wiring insulation and is far too soft for anything reliable. Any solvents used later on will melt it too!

All this scrimping trying to save a few £ is going to cost far more long term.
A piece of 9mm or better 12mm plywood purchased each week/month as you can afford it and then build up with a timber under framing will produce a firm baseboard and is IMO really the only way forward!. Failure to do so will only lead to long term issues with running!
Remember, the baseboard is the foundations of the model railway, exactly like the concrete is the foundations of your home. A poor foundation results in later problems!
Do it right first time and all will be good thereafter.