A hospital train (or ambulance train) is exactly what its name suggests - a train that acts as a mobile hospital....
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 is a hospital train?Read more -
What is the third rail?Read moreThe "third rail" refers to an additional rail that provides electrical power to trains, separate from the two rails...
-
The Dos and Don'ts of Lubricating Your Model TrainsRead moreKeeping your model trains running smoothly requires regular maintenance, and lubrication is a key part of that....
-
What are the benefits of using a hand drill when modelling?Read moreHand drills are used in modelling for intricate jobs where a power drill would not provide the delicacy, pace and...
-
Where should I typically position a water tower on a layout?Read moreA water tower is an essential structure in a model railway layout as it provides a source of water for steam...
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: £ 31.70No.2 Radius Standard Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius - pack of 8
No.2 Radius Double Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius...
Price: £ 20.20No.2 Radius Double Curve, 438mm (17¼in) radius - pack of 4
No.1 Radius Double Curve, 371mm (14⅝in) radius...
Price: £ 19.10No.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...