I checked for Shatterboard Plywood but only could get 2440 mm by 1220 mm by 21mm thick but my layout is 3650mm by 120mm so would have to put two together to make the length for R695.74 ($93.14) for the 2 sheets)
Then thought about trying Pine Ceiling board which comes in 3650mm by 120mm so wouldnt have to have to join any sheets and its R300 ($40.16).
Which is the best in every aspect (longitivity, durability, no bending, weather resistant and etc.)
thanks for help
Although 21 mm is quite thick, all boards will bend or sag if they are not supported by some kind of frame. From the dimensions you have stated, I gather, that your layout is a long and narrow shelf (120 mm or is it cm?). If that is the case, you will need to mount and support it somehow on the wall. You could use shelf brackets for the support of a 21 mm board and cover the board with 50 mm foamboard.
If you have to join boards, you can use either wooden dowels or pattern maker´s dowels.
Btw, check your Yellow Pages for a carpenter, who could cut a board to the size you need - this will save money!
sorry forgot a 0 its 1.2 metres wide
the places i'm buying from will actually cut it to my specs for free so wont need one :)
any suggestions for a frame to put the board on and design was thinking of putting 3 crossbeams (1 in middle and 2 on sides)
so which should i settle for ceiling board or plywood?
could you please give me link to picture of foamboard not sure if we got it here
You can try looking at particle board. Here in the US you can get the 4 feet x 8 feet (2440 x 1220 mm) sheet of stuff for under $5 at Home Depot. It is flexy since you have to build a table for it, it is usually very supported.
Thanks we probably call it differently here but sounds like a good idea and what type of table would you build for it? not sure if its asking too much but could you draw it?
oh ok just googled particle board looks like its our chipboard here :) used that on old layout but pieces broke off edges how should i prepare the base this time if i use chipboard? in heavy rain season garage gets wet but it will be off floor so guess it should be fine.
Meren,
it seems to me, that you are very new to model railroading. In order to avoid costly mistakes, may I suggest that you obtain one or two of those excellent beginner series books, like our host Kalmbach offers them. There you will find how to build a benchwork for your layout, how to lay track and how to wire it. There are lots of pictures in those books, also showing you how to do it.
The info you need certainly fills a book and it would be asking a little too much, if you expect someone to write this book in here.
Meren oh ok just googled particle board looks like its our chipboard here :) used that on old layout but pieces broke off edges how should i prepare the base this time if i use chipboard? in heavy rain season garage gets wet but it will be off floor so guess it should be fine.
Particle board, chip board. Pretty much the same.
In wet locations, either can cause problems. High humidity gets into the board and causes swelling and chipping (great big chips sometimes). The board doesn't have to get wet, it will suck the moisture from the surrounding air.
Your past experience indicates that you had edge chipping, another problem area. The best way to deal with that is to ensure that all the edges have support below them. Small dimensional lumber such as 1x2" or 1x3" should give plenty of support. Painting or otherwise sealing the chip board will help keep moisture absorption to a minimum while offering some pretection from edge crumbling.
A very popular layout construction material is foam board, the kind used for insulation in building construction. In your area, it may be known by another name. It comes in various thicknesses from 1/2" to 3" or thicker and is usually available in 2'x8' or 4'x8' sheets. Cuts easily with sharp knives or hot wire foam cutters. The 2" and thicker material doesn't need as much support as the thinner material. A simple box frame with cross pieces 2' apart is usually sufficient.
Hope this information helps. I'd avoid the chip board unless you can control the humidity in the layout room.
Thanks for info not sure if garage gets humid but house does a lot in summer/autumn so maybe i'll go for something which works in humidity
Dont think we get foam board here only beaded polystyrene would that work as substitute for it or would it break up easily?
You could use beaded polystyrene as others have done. There are some issues with it.
Any shaping you do will generate large quantities of "beads". Very messy. The surface of the styrofoam may be rough and irregular. Okay if that's the look you want, otherwise difficult to smooth out. Using a hot wire foam cutter produces noxious fumes that may also be toxic. Beaded poly is not as strong as extruded poly and will need more support underneath.
You could use the beaded poly as a base to build your scenery on top. Stack pieces up in the general shape you want, then use plaster-soaked paper towels to cover the poly. The plaster towels can bridge gaps or steps in the foam base.
Extruded poly is a very popular insulation material. You might find a source from an insulating contractor.
Good luck with your layout.
I cannot recommend the use of particle/chip board, especially, when you live in a humid climate. Chip board warps and sags easily and the slightest move will foul up your track work. OSB seems to be free of this. Still the best solution is plywood, IMHO. If you have built a solid framework to support it, a 1/2" sheet of plywood will do as a baseboard.
A word to Styrofoam - the beaded, expanded stuff. It is light weight, but not very strong. It is really cheap, but also very messy to work with. You will find the beads years after in your workshop.
A layout is quite an investment and you will want to have a solid foundation for it.
Thanks for the reply going to stick with plywood then and make solid framework as suggested with it.
Does plywood work for legs and support or should i go for something like pine?
Was also wondering if layout can be put on wheels or if it would be too heavy since it would be nice to have it movable?
Whoa, Meren, in some regions it is in the middle of the night - fortunately not where I am.
Of course you can put your layout on coasters, but make sure to get ones that will be able to carry a significant amount of weight. A layout of the size you are planning to build easily weighs 100 kg, that puts the load up to 25 kg for each coaster. Make also sure to get coaster with a stop, so your layout only moves, when you want it to move.
Btw, whereabouts in the world are you - I am in Germany,
can you tell us a little about your model railroading activities? Are you modeling South-African prototype?
I'm trying to model south africa area using USA models which look similar to our buildings going to try make vineyard also for cape feeling here, since i can get ready made ones from the model shop in my town and in cape town also which i visit once or twice a year.
I have a lot of SA trains from diesel to electric to goods, rest are europe but i'm sure they will fit in with the layout since we got some europe engines in SA if i remember right.
I think ive been doing model trains since i was 12 years old or younger then stopped in 2003 when my dad died so stored my train set in garage then it got wet and rotted so tried to salvage as much tracks as i could. Then i had gap of 6 years then suddenly got interested in trains again.
Then i decided to buy few models to build for fun and at same time i joined Model Train support group. I go there every saturday to check if my engines work and get info about layouts and stuff. Then eventually i decided to make a new layout since my other one was demolished (was unimaginative also) so thats how i got to this point.
If I remember correctly, most of SAR network is on 1067 mm gauge (Kapspoor), but I assume you are using regular HO gauge track?
Is there any equipment of local manufacture available?
Sorry, that I am so curious, but South-African Railways have always fascinated me, especially those Class 25 Condenser steamer built by Henschel in Germany.
Ye i'm using it on HO gauge track we actually have lot of narrow gauge track here in south africa
Yes theres local supplier but none with lima version have to go for second hand versions or hornby. We have steam rides in a town 10 km from me where i go to the model railroad group
Oh i use code 100