Mod-u-rail baseboard system
It certainly gives credence to WS’S claim that you can finish a layout module in an evening!
◆ SCALE Any ◆ MODEL See panel ◆ PRICE See panel ◆ AVAILABILITY Kernow Model Rail Centre, 01209 714099, www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com
The baseboard – it’s arguably the most off-putting part of building a layout. It can be difficult to construct, especially if woodwork isn’t your forte, and the pressure to get it right is immense. After all, a wonky or misaligned board can plague your layout forever. If we told you that there was a baseboard system that was easy to build, with the bare minimum of tools, that would allow you to include mountains or river valleys and that could be used on anything from a micro layout to a huge room filler, you’d probably think it too good to be true. But it isn’t. Say hello to Mod-u-rail, from Woodland Scenics. Mod-u-rail is a modular baseboard system that comes in two main parts: you get a pine/mdf frame and then a hard foam base. The frames screw together and all you need to affix the foam is glue. Assembly doesn’t get much easier than that. There are two sizes of baseboard kit. There’s a 3ft by 18in straight and a 3ft by 3ft unit that can either be built as a square or as an angled corner unit. By combining straight and square/corner units, you can assemble a baseboard to whatever configuration you require. The foam top sections include the flat foam base, foam frames, risers and trackbed, as well as a huge selection of Woodland Scenics glues, scatters and other scenic accessories (see panel). It certainly gives credence to WS’S claim that you can finish a layout module in an evening! We were able to put Mod-urail to the test, thanks to the generosity of stockist Kernow Model Rail Centre. It worked pretty much as advertised, although we did have to re-drill a few holes because they weren’t aligned properly. You might feel that Mod-u-rail is an expensive way to build a layout, especially if you’re planning a large one. However, factor in the cost of buying all those scenic accessories and it starts to make more financial sense. It makes even more sense when all you need to provide is track of your choice and you have everything you need to build a fully detailed scene in under a day. Our verdict is that Mod-u-rail offers a flexible and fun alternative option to layout building.