I have now got around to building the ten baseboards required for the continuous circuit version of Die Keinnamebahn using 4 prototype corner versions of the scenic baseboards generously donated by Tim Horn (timhorn.co.uk). Tim has redesigned the basic scenic boards to have 6mm moisture resistant MDF tops and, for the corner boards, the normal 3mm sides have been reinforced with 6mm MDF plates. Spit pin 1.5” hinges hold the boards together with brass pattern makers’ dowels used for location and DCC power transfer between the boards. This layout will fit onto one of my 6ft long 700mm wide folding exhibition tables and allow me to play with develop my model railway in the house.

One tip I can give is that when painting MDF use a dedicated MDF primer/undercoat such as Blackfriars MDF Primer/ Undercoat because bare MDF sucks up the solvent in normal primers and does not not provide a good surface for the top coats. I made that mistake at first and had to redo some of the boards using Blackfriars and then repainting them. I chose a green spray paint for the side panels and Dulux Once Intense Truffle emulsion for the top decks. Once all the connecting hinges are fitted then the underside power buses will be installed and track laying can commence.

I was lucky whilst trawling through my cellar today to find a folding plastic paste table bought 20 years ago that can withstand getting wet if used outdoors. I therefore now have an assembly table that I can use by my workshop.