Design and Planning

When railway modellers refer to a baseboard, they are talking about the large flat board on which their railway tracks are permanently attached to.The purpose of a baseboard is to provide a solid and permanent foundation on which a model railway...

When deciding what height to build your baseboard, there is no ultimate correct answer, only considerations that you should be thinking about whilst planning the build.The height that your baseboard should be will invariably be a mixture of...

A conventional baseboard for a model railway consists of some legs supporting a wooden framework finished off with a nice flat top surface on which we can build our layout.An open-top baseboard is similar in the respect that it has legs...

A dropped baseboard is where modellers construct a small section of their board at a lower level than the rest. The most common reason for doing this is to include a valley in their layout. Using this method for constructing a valley means that...

The word coach has been around since the 15th century and derives from a town in Hungary called Kocs (pronounced coach in English). this is where a particular type of horse-drawn carriage with the luxury of steel-sprung suspension was first...

Dreaming up track plans for a layout is somewhat an art in itself. A common mistake is to sketch a layout on a scrap piece of paper that realistically, has no chance of fitting into the space available (we're all guilty of that at one time or...

It is impossible to visit a model railway show and not be impressed, inspired or even a little envious at some of the portrayals of actual locations. But with so many examples to choose from, you may well be wondering what type of location would...

Biplanes and monoplanes are two different designs of aircraft, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. While monoplanes are more commonly used in modern aviation, biplanes still have their own unique benefits.Let's explore the...

For many in the hobby, a model railway is more than just a collection of trains, track and scenery. It's a living, breathing world with its own rich narrative waiting to be told. With some creativity and careful planning, your layout can become an...

It is generally recommended to incorporate expansion gaps or expansion joints into your model railway layout, especially if it is a sizeable or permanent setup. These gaps allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the baseboard material...

A track plan is essentially the blueprint or schematic that guides you in constructing your miniature railway system. It serves as the foundation for your entire model railway layout, determining the arrangement of the various track sections,...

To paint your model railway baseboard, follow these steps to ensure a professional finish that complements your planned scenery: Materials Needed:Primer or sealant Paint (green, brown, grey, or other colours as needed) Paintbrushes or...