I’ve just recently got started in model railroading and am currently building some of my structures (HO scale). What I’d like to know is whether it is better to build a structure on a base prior to placing it on the benchwork itself, and if so, what would be the best material to use as a base? Thanks
There is no rule thst has to be followed here…
If it’s a trackside structure, then yyou need to make allowances for clearence, & rail height.
I test fit everything before, during, & after construction.
Any material can be used, plywood, masonite, cardboard, foamcore, styrene, styrofoam…a lot depends on the desired height, & what type of benchwork you have…i.e. open grid, tabletop, etc…
Whole sections of structures, like towns, etc…can be built at the workbench on a single piece of material, & then attached to the benchwork. This technique has advantages, in that it makes detail work much esier than having to bend over the layout.
Hope this helps.
sometimes no base at all is needed – but it does help to put some ground foam or dirt around the bottom edge so the building does not look toy-like.
If you think a base is needed (and some plastic buildings are quite flimsy) I’d advise a base that can move with the building rather than attach the building to the layout – you are likely to want to reuse that building after changing the layout.