Model Railway Forum

Hi all just building a baseboard, scaled back Keith Robinson scrap wood creation using an old table and some 1x1
Anyway got about 2*2ft square either side left to fill.
Can either use chipboard shelving stuff with the white laminated film or MDF as I have round the back.
I know neither are ideal but which is less of the two evils?

Thanks Andy

I think you are asking for trouble.

Out of the two, i'd suggest the mdf.... mainly cos the shelving is still useful as that!

mdf will be fine as long as it is properly supported from the underside and is protected from moisture.

it's not unusual to use repurposed or recycled materials for railway building... it does save money. my own layout is built using 18mm ply that was left by the previous tenant.

Stese wrote: ↑Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:11 am Out of the two, i'd suggest the mdf.... mainly cos the shelving is still useful as that!

mdf will be fine as long as it is properly supported from the underside and is protected from moisture.

it's not unusual to use repurposed or recycled materials for railway building... it does save money. my own layout is built using 18mm ply that was left by the previous tenant.

Ta, yeah the MDF boards I'm using is left overs off an old built in wardrobe that I partly dismantled and rebuilt part.

The front is some pine sheets off an old kitchen cabinet carcass that I broke down. Just sanding the boards down and hopefully a relative has some better 2*2 timber as the batons. The MDF sit along walls

The only issue I can see other than dust of cutting/drilling MDF (which be done off site) is getting to.the underside of the pine sheets at the front as be sitting on a 5*3 table.

i tend to agree with Sligo. Make up and mend, usually leads to trouble, If you can use ply, plus 2x1 frame, you are sure of a flat surface, and trouble free running. My layout sits on a Table tennis table, but with 2x1 frame, fully supporting ply top. This has left a gap for wires to points etc. By all means, use an old table, kitchen cupboards, underneath.

Using different thicknesses of tops for baseboards can be problematic when it comes to alignment at baseboard joins. It is often easier to deal with differing thicknesses of underframe. MDF and chipboard including melamine coated types do absorb moisture and swell, however indoors in a fairly stable environment that should not be a problem but in lofts, garages and sheds it could cause problems. The most stable material is plywood its construction keeps it very stable in comparison to other sheet materials coupled with using the same material throughout for baseboard tops means that even if any swelling takes place it will be even throughout.

Richard

Well in the end I used the MDF boards sanded down used at the back and sides, same thickness as the pine at the front. As a first board, I'm quite happy and pleased with how it turned out especially as cost me nothing, compared to the £100 odd I originally planned
Just sealed it all with watered down pva ready for painting

Good luck.