When it comes to model railway layouts, aesthetics play a crucial role in creating a realistic and visually appealing...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What are my options for hiding or camouflaging a side-mounted points motor on a layout ?Read more -
How do I integrate the backscene into my layout?Read moreCreating a seamless and immersive scene that blends the backscene with the foreground scenery is a crucial aspect of...
-
How can I run two engines in opposite directions?Read moreIf you are new to modelling or considering your first layout, you may be wondering if it is possible to run...
-
What coarseness of ballast should I use for my N gauge layout?Read moreThe best coarseness of ballast for N Gauge would be the fine or very fine ballast. This gives a better scale...
-
What are the tips for cleaning and preparing white metal parts for assembly ?Read moreWhite metal is a popular material used in scale modelling, particularly for model railway enthusiasts. It is a type...
What is the smallest baseboard size for OO/HO gauge?
Based on the principle of a layout configured as a loop the smallest practical baseboard size for an OO/HO will be 31 inches by 31 inches (about 80cm x 80cm). This value is based on a track of 'First' radius (371 mm/ 14.6") which is the smallest conventional option for a loop. A baseboard that is 31" square will ensure that a first radius loop will fit within the edges of the board without any overhang of the track.
Other schools of thought, including manufacturers, may recommend that the smallest practical loop would be based on a 'second' radius track segments (438 mm/ 17.2"). The reason for this is based on the principle that locomotives and rolling stock are not ideally configured to continually take the tightest curves and as such the chance of derailments are higher on the tightest turns, especially at higher speeds.
Those looking to experiment with 'flexible track' may find that option offers the opportunity to create a bespoke layout that might be tighter than first radius although the principle still remains that the tighter the turn the greater the chance of derailment and subsequent damage to the locomotive and rolling stock.
Posted in: Best practices
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
No.2 Radius Standard Curve, 438mm (17¼in)...
Price: £ 28.75No.2 Radius Standard Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius - pack of 8
No.2 Radius Double Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius...
Price: £ 18.40No.2 Radius Double Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius - pack of 4
No.1 Radius Double Curve, 371mm (14⅝in) radius...
Price: £ 17.40No.1 Radius Double Curve, 371mm (14⅝in) radius - pack of 4
Related posts
-
Do I need a respirator?If you are using an aerosol spray paint you should always use one. Always read the manufacturer’s... - How to remove super glue (cyanoacrylate)?Cyanoacrylate is best known as super glue. The best way to remove it is with acetone or an acetone-based product...
- What is the best wood for baseboards?The most common wood for baseboards is probably chipboard as this is relatively inexpensive. Plywood is another...
- How do I stick parts together for a test fit?There are several trains of thought on the best way to secure parts together temporarily. Some suggest using a small...
- How to clean model railways track?There is of course the old tried and tested method, the track rubber which does the job, no railway modeller should...