Model Railway Forum

Hi all

I am looking for opinions on platforms for 00 gauge. I have a collection of new/used Hornby "clip together" platform sections that are OK but look awful so I want to replace them. I have watched various YouTube videos featuring 18mm MDF being cut and sanded (with all its inherent problems) and also 2 x 9mm plasterboard sections glued together then edged (which didn't look to bad).

May I ask what have others done over the years?

Thanks.

Mike

I have tried the Metcalfe card kits in the past but I settled on 18mm mdf faced with bits from the Peco kit.

20181202_145232 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

Hi Steve, sorry for the delay in replying, thanks for the info.

Mike

I used Metcalfe platforms but have since got rid of my station.

I used Ratio SR Concrete Platform walling, with a balsa wood frame, and plasticard on top. Remember, if you are going to have platform canopies, theoretically, the edge of the canopy roof should be directly above the platform edge - you usually remember this when you have it all finished .

I build a balsa frame then cover the top with sanded balsa to represent a tarmac (asphalt) top. I do the upright siding in brick paper on a balsa backing. However as my layout has only one small passenger platform while the other two are in goods sheds this might be too much effort for someone with a need for larger and more platforms. I have also used scrap fibre board of the appropriate thickness for the basic structure. I don't like the plastic aftermarket sets.

I have used Metcalfe kits to good effect and also 3mm ply top onto a softwood strip underframe (totally overengineered). The important bit is to get the platform height exactly right relative to the rail top.

Curved platforms whilst more aesthetic are a pest because the overwide gap required for traffic clearance looks bad.

Rob

Thanks all.

Mike