Advice and opinions for a baseboard sought

Discussion in 'Baseboards' started by York Paul, Mar 31, 2021.

  1. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,816
    Likes Received:
    6,870
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2017
    Hello chaps,

    I have been asked by a client who has an adult son with learning disabilities to construct a bedroom layout in OO Gauge for him as part of his relax therapy, this is additional to our current house renovation on the property which is currently empty. Now the client has asked for a single continuous loop to run all round the room... ok so far but the client has asked for the layout to be positioned on the wall at head height to avoid obstructions such as door and window opening, in a nutshell I can deal with this without issue and the clients son is quite tall so a near 2 meter elevated height doesn't present problems, however here is the trick, the client has requested the baseboard to carry the continuous single loop using a perspex material. At this point I can foresee problems on many fronts not least the cost but the practicalities of installation and support, so my question is can members here offer any advice and opinion on how a perspex baseboard may work and what would be the best support system to use... the idea is for the son to look upwards to see the layout and to keep things simple so he just sees a train going round and round without stopping or changing direction, that level of control would potentially be outside his motor abilities and his enjoyment will be to just watch the train moving.

    All advice gratefully received and thanks in advance.
     
  2. Dr Tony

    Dr Tony Full Member

    Messages:
    588
    Likes Received:
    668
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    You could probably make that work well enough with lots of thin metal support brackets from the wall.
    This is the sort of thing that I am thinking, there should be something similar over in your part of the world.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexi-storage-300mm-white-s-track-single-shelving-bracket_p2580154
    Obviously ballasting the track would be out for maximum visibility.
    The main other thing I can think of would be mirrors on the ceiling and maybe even the wall around it.

    Cheers
    Tony
     
  3. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    I like the mirror idea maybe at 45 degrees, that way it can have scenery.

    If perspex is a must then as Dr T suggests, B7Q have something similar.

    Or how about a 2fa, a folded figure of eight, the lower level is on a perspex shelf, with the upper layer having scenery, and the mirrors to make it visable. A couple of passing loops to allow trains to stop and pass each other, fairly simple automation, or a little more advanced to give trains heading in both directions stopping at the station.

    The perspex shelf - it will cut with a jigsaw - better with a band saw, and maybe a table saw. On the front edge use strips of 8 to 10mm thick about 50mm high, and machine a slot the thickness of the shelf down the middle with a router. Once glued will give a rigid structure.

    Paul
     
  4. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    3,896
    Likes Received:
    3,622
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2018
    I think the biggest question to ask first is how often do you need a support without the Perspex flex?

    im guessing no more than 18 inches unless your going for a 3/4 inch thick material?
    I’d also be worried re cost! How large is the room?

    I’d be tempted to do it like the Cadbury’s shops used to do it for their LGB trains that they used to have, and hang it on a threaded bar from the roof (with supports) then it’s adjustable by nut... with a bar running between the two vertical bars to support the track bed.
     
  5. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,816
    Likes Received:
    6,870
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2017
    Thanks to Dundee Paul, Dr Tony and Mr S for your great responses... I've chatted with the client regarding these suggestions and she is mulling over the options so I'll know more after the Easter hols when I get back to the job. Cheers folks and thanks again.:tophat::thumbup::cheers:
     
    Andy_Sollis and jakesdad13 like this.

Share This Page