N gauge platforms

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Heights and materials

Hi Everyone,
Sorry to keep dwelling on the topic but I have a few questions about
N gauge platforms.

I tried using 9mm deep mdf wood with sand paper on the top but it was too low. I then tried 12mm deep mdf but it looked un-realistically high.
I looked around at the local hardware store for an in between thickness but they didn't have any.

My questions are:
Option 1: Do I use a different material (like 2x 5mm thick balsa glued together)?
Option 2: Do I sand down the 12mm mdf (which will give an un-even effect)?
Option 3: Do I prop up the 9mm a bit with something else?

I would like the best effect, so what do I do?
I DO NOT want to buy any ready made or kit platforms (like Metcalfe, Graham Farish, Hornby or Ratio). I will buy edging (and possibly the top surface but it depends what I like the look of).

Cheers Connor.

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Sol
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Sol is in the usergroup ‘Super-moderators’
Connor, 5mm MDF is normally available but if not, use 9mm with 1mm Balsa  to give 10mm high platforms.

Ron
NCE DCC ; 00 scale UK outline.
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Balsa, or the 9mm plus card (don't buy card for that use empty cereal boxes or similar packaging) another alternative could be 2x 5mm foam board; for the sandpaper surface, look for belt sander rolls, finest grade you can find, = no joins on your platform surface, paint the surface with grey emulsion matchpots (unless you have a use for what would be left from a 2.5litre can).

Other colour match pots are also handy for a base under scenic scatter or mixed into modroc/plaster/polyfilla so it doesn't show white if/when chipped

I'd be less inclined to use MDF, for platforms, if you want to plant canopy support pillars, balsa or foam board are easy to pierce, MDF will require a drill.




Cheers MIKE
I'm like my avatar - a local ruin!
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