GridNorth

I have 12mm Ply screwed to the top of two desks in an L shape. Should I fix my track direct to the ply or glue some 5mm or 10mm XPS foam to the ply to use that as the base? The latter would seem to have the advantage of being able to create some relief to the layout. Al

I bought 12mm ply from B&Q, 1500mm x 600 cut to size. I've screwed it directly to a couple of cheap desks to create an L shape. A little OTT perhaps but one desk already had 12mm ply in place for another project of mine so I needed it to match up. With regard to ballast I've opted for Gaugemaster GM200 Grey Ballasted Underlay. It's very realistic and far less off a faff to put down. I will be using pins to secure the track. Al

Poor connections makes more sense than the other reasons put forward. I've not actually seen the clips so I will take your word for that. Cheers. Al

I'm new to model railways so please forgive my ignorance. I have been told that Hornby Point Clips should not be used to power the whole track as the clips can get hot and melt the plastic, especially with large layouts, an argument that sounds a little dubious to me. Surely the current drawn is a consequence of the number of locomotives and any other devices concurrently running and has nothing to do with the legth of the track. Al

Just joined the forum and thinking about starting my own model railway. I've done some research and decided that I will start with the Hornby Great Western starter kit that is controlled by a PC. Being a retired IT person that seems logical. I have also decided on a Hornby layout based on all the add on track packages as this seems like a very easy and convenient way to get started and build up. The layout is suitable for 6 X 4. The issue that I am agonising over is how to make a baseboard. I have seen a really easy method that uses insulating board re-inforced with ply round the edges that creat a gap underneath as well as addding strength and 2 x 1 strips down the centre. Done correctly this would sit neatly and securely on a foldable table. I really, really do not want to get into any woodworking if I can avoid it so this appeals but would it be strong enough to support the weight as described above? Opinion seems to be split on this matter. Al