New Junction - How to make a Station platform, Part one 

Great idea. Looking forward to part 2!

Love working with wood, stronger and more durable than any other method. Can't wait to see your layout complete 👍

Platforms are shaping up nicely. Looking forward to part 2 !

fabulous job..fantastic layout !! cheers dave

Informative video, like the curves and different size shaped platforms. Loiks great and starts to bring the layout alive ..well done.... If after you have put the template paper down, you run your longest coach with a pencil held in the middle, and them loco with the longest overhang with a pencil held at the front, you will get lines to show how much clearance you need. You can then cut nearer to size and reduce sanding.Most sanding tools have a suction outlet to attach a hoover to reduce dust. Alternatively leave the hoover running with the nozzle near where you are working to reduce the dust.Hope that's helpful. x The Bigfella x

Can't wait to see the station finished

looking good. Thanks.

looking good Richard, nice start to the platforms Andy

Platforms look great matey

Great work, and I guess nothing will beat a custom made platform if you have curves like yours. Instead of trying to make the track fit a pre-made platform system or similar! I’m lucky I have straight platforms, as I’ve definitely had enough wood work for a while haha!

Enjoyed the video a lot, great to see a layout taking shape...Mal

Yeah great to see some mess on someone else layout. Great job look forward to the next part

Great idear looks good mate

Brilliant tutorial like the look of it I have just got an APT for my birthday yesterday it is in mint condition even has the pantograph with it

Platforms look great. Glad you were able to get the curves looking good. They do make such a difference, if a pain. I was torn on using wood rather than card, but both approaches are time-consuming and messy! You win on how messy it was though! I need to get cracking on my last two platforms now. Iain

I have an N scale layout and was going to create my platforms (2x curved), using balsa because it can be cut and shaped with a modellers knife. BUT then I discovered Peco NB-26 platform edging - brick type 👍

So so true. Oh well keep up the good work love it. 😜

that is a smart way to do a template of the area between the rails. and gluing the boards together before you cut. now why did i not think of a tip like that one? video is very helpful with different tips and tricks. lots of clean up before trains run again.. think i would want to sand outside,, in the garage then very nice finish.

Looking good. Nice solid Base to build on. Don't forget about holes for platform lighting :)

Great technique. I might have to try it on my new layout. Great vid as usual. Ollie v

Hi Richard. This looks very messy and over complicated. Ideally I would have recommended tracing the actual rails along similar lines to your tracing of the cork underlay, then glueing the paper to some 18mm mdf using wallpaper paste. When dry you could have then positioned your largest overhang item of rolling stock on the trace line, and marked exactly where the cut would need to go, then go outside and use a jig saw, followed by some rough sandpaper to smooth it off. Return the platform to the layout, check clearances, sand as required or move the track slightly if it's only a 'kiss' rather than a 'hit'. Then if you had a router, go outside again, turn the platform over and rebate from the underside to leave an overhang. If you use 18mm ply you may get splintering on the platform edge when using the router - not so with mdf. I then screwed down from the underside of the baseboard into the platform so I didn't have screw heads to fill and sand. Worked well on my Setforth Junction layout.

A very good method with the paper and marking out and I’m the same with a jigsaw can never follow a line properly I’m always looking out for cheap table saws or something similar.

A messy messy job but as you say, unavoidable. You may have more sanding mess if you choose the plasticard or Peco edging options but you seem to be enjoying it. Nice work so far, look forward to part 2. Paul

Nice

Did anyone else see that love heart emoji above the class 67 in the thumbnail?

Hi Richard good job on the platforms if it was me I would use medcalf for the top and peco edging around the sides

Similar to how I did my template except getting the curve for coaches I cocked up....looks like you dine well sir ....regards fred

See on the far platform to could create a retaining wall like at Carlisle to hide the fiddle yard whith metal beams going from the canopy to the wall

I have a trakmat layout which I’ve made videos on but soon I’ll be building a bigger layout. And I was Wondering if you had any tips?

Wow so nice but the platforms are too small

A lot of work but, worth it.

Love ur instructional videos. Just wondering why u didnt use foam board for the platform. Less dust, easier to cut and shape. Love the A4 paper trace idea! Thanks.

Looking to make a terminus from plywood, how high is the platform in mm? Looks well so far!

Please do a video going over all your trains Please!!!

Hehe, great vid though.

How high does a platform need to be?

Hi Richard, excellent way of building a platform, what would you say is the ideal height of a platform? Looking forward to part 2...Simon

The basic idea is okay but, it would be far better using plasterboard rather than plywood. There is also less to clean up after trimming plasterboard and it’s a lot easier to work with if you want to add something later like steps leading to an underground level.

I have an easier method. I don't cut the paper immediately with a knife. I cut it with scissors after I remove the paper using the track outline. I use 6mm plywood on top of 12mm chipboard. The 12mm chipboard can be at least 7mm in from the track and is non-critical. You wont see it so much as its the lower surface and I put brick paper on the sides of it. The 6mm plywood can be cut easily with a jig saw. I cut it and then test it with Mark 4 carriages as these have the longest wheel base, re-cutting as necessary. The 2 are connected using small tacks/nails which is easier than PVA. Sanding is unnecessary with this method. Interesting video but harder than it needs to be. Look forward to your finishing technique in part 2.

Awe what a shame this is old why is it coming up as NEW???? Having said that I can see now that you do everything like its O Gauge (very sturdy construction)

I wish you didn't keep sniffing !

Blow your chuffin' nose before you go public. The constant 'sniffing' is revolting.........and quite unbearable.

Nice