Model Railway Forum

Just starting my planning. My original idea was a 4x2 baseboard for a simple N gauge oval. But I think I’d want a double oval with some sidings in the centre.

I’ve read that ideally you’d want the radius of the curves to be 11” to look right. So that suggests I need to use either 2nd & 3rd radius curves or 3rd & 4th radius. The latter needs a base at least 27” width. In which case I need a slightly larger baseboard than 4x2.

Am I right in thinking the larger radius would work and look better?

If you can use 3rd or 4th Radius, makes for better running of longer locos or rolling stock.

brian1951 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 29, 2020 10:01 pm If you can use 3rd or 4th Radius, makes for better running of longer locos or rolling stock.

Thanks. A slightly larger board it is then.

Next question....

If I go to a 30"x60" board that ought to be just about big enough to fit a double loop of 3rd & 4th radius. I don't have anywhere I can leave a layout permanently so it needs to be portable. Ply is quite heavy. When I built model aircraft I got into using a lot of foam and was surprised how rigid it can be.

I use celotex insulation panels in my beehives. It is a dense foam, very rigid, comes in various thicknesses, is fire resistant, can be scuplted/shaped/carved/sanded and would weigh far less than a ply board. It is easy to drill the holes for wiring. I would need to glue the track down rather than pin it. It also has good sound deadening properties.

Has anyone tried using it as a baseboard?