Whilst building the baseboards, I planned to add a second piece of plywood to each side (and one end) which would provide a scenic facsimile, but also drop down about an inch (25mm, if you wish) to protect the legs when folded away, and also to provide somewhere to fix Velcro, for attaching drapes.

This is not a difficult task, but the pieces needed to be square, and accurate to length. Because I had it to hand, I used 6mm ply. 4mm would have been adequate. I also decided that the layout would be viewable from either side. I am not sure about this, and if I decide to go one-sided only, then I will be removing the fascia on the rear and replacing it with a backscene. Or maybe not.

Whilst making the legs, I also made three supports for a future lighting rig. I have no clear idea at the moment about how I will produce this, but whatever hangs from the poles, the poles need to be there! It will probably use LED strips, will be lightweight, and won’t have to cope with anyone leaning on it, so the support poles are fitted only every other leg unit.

For transport, I made up some simple frames from 6mm ply and bits of timber faced with cork strips to stop them scratching the floor. To protect the rail ends, they are spaced away from the baseboard ends, and also are fitted with locating dowels or receptacles (as appropriate) and holes for the same bolts as are used to join the baseboards.

As the layout develops, I will return to this page and update it, but for now, things remain at this stage whilst work commences on the track and the wiring…