This part of the Revised Manual covers baseboard and trackwork foundation design (sub part 1), and scenery (sub part 2).
It is intended that this section moves on from the original manual part 7 - Layout Design, and sub parts: –
These are very much worth reading as they are full of advice and help which is still as relevant today as it was when they were issued in 2002, so the Guidance Manual will not repeat what was originally written, but will point to items of consideration when designing the layout. In no specific topic is there a definite and only solution, and it is up to the individual to make decisions, but this part is intended to raise awareness of things that need considering.
Some fundamental requirements for consideration, irrespective of the aim and environment of the layout are:-
1. Long term Rigidity and stability of the layout foundations and surface.
This is probably the most important factor of any layout, and solutions vary depending on whether the layout is permanent, portable, Indoors or outdoors (or any combination), If this is not achieved, there will always likely to be problems with the layout. A fundamental problem when using any type of wood product for the baseboards is expansion and twist due to dampness in the atmosphere, this problem can be much reduced by use of specific types of wood products for baseboard construction.
2. Layout Accessibility
This should be considered to ensure all areas of the layout (Whether permanent or portable) can be comfortably reached, from both underneath and above. Consider layout height, for viewing, operating, construction, maintenance etc. If a layout is to be on different levels, consider height between levels for hand and possibly head access.
3. Permanent or portable layout.
This will have a large bearing on baseboard design. For a permanent layout weight is perhaps not so critical except to ‘manhandle’ the boards into position initially. Baseboards can be tailor made for each location and permanently aligned and bolted together to form a rigid baseboard assembly. Trackwork, wiring and systems can be laid across baseboard joints, although this is not really advisable - ‘just in case’! For portable layouts, where weight, baseboard size and alignment are critical, this is where perhaps the biggest developments have taken place particularly to minimise weight, and you are advised to read articles and look at other layouts for various solutions. If the layout is for exhibition use, maximum baseboard and stacking size, and layout protection are also important for transport requirements.
4. Garden railway requirements.
Many of these are personal requirements, such as landscaping, garden contour, access around the garden etc. Trackbed foundations are still critical though to ensure reliable long-term stability. Many different methods have been used, including concrete or stone foundations and embankments, elevated trackbeds made from wood, plastic or metal, with wood, plastic, metal or concrete posts. There are many Gazette articles covering this subject, and a search ( here ) will access them.
5. Anticipated lifetime of layout.
For the layout with an anticipated long lifetime whether permanent or portable, baseboards should be built strong enough to withstand long term use, to minimise particularly, baseboard sagging/twisting, wear and tear at baseboard joints/baseboard legs, electrical connections etc.
6. Weight carried by baseboards.
In addition to the baseboard weight, there is the weight of scenery, locos and rolling stock which can be considerable, even the occasional person laying on the boards for access! All this has to be carried by the boards, and through the legs into the floor.
7. Open top or solid top baseboards.
This is mainly to accommodate scenery, with open top baseboard construction, only the trackbed and specific surfaces are represented so that scenery can be produced below the rail trackbed. Solid top baseboards are as named, baseboards with a full top surface so that all scenery or infrastructure is built above the rail trackbed.
When you have decided on the criteria of your proposed layout, there is much help on the detail of design for the baseboards or foundations.