And that was it — I was hooked again. I bought an N scale starter set, set it up on my table at home, and started running trains. Then my wife came in and said:
“Pack it up, we’re having dinner.”
Well… what now? How do you pack all that up? It’s a lot of work — and constant disassembly damages the rail joints, so after a while, the trains don’t run properly because of poor electrical contact.
So I started thinking: how could I make it possible to play — and then, when the order comes to clear the table, put everything away quickly?
That was the beginning of the idea — to build a solid baseboard made of plywood, with a top and bottom connected by internal ribs for reinforcement. There was even space inside for the power supply and all the electronics needed for operation. The whole setup could easily be covered with a cardboard lid. Cleanup became simple — just slide the board under the bed or place it on top of a wardrobe. No more dismantling and rebuilding everything.
So actually, it was my wife who “invented” the I-Track System (Intelligent Track).
Today, that first board is called the Start Board, and it is produced in several sizes. Start Boards can be easily connected side-by-side to create larger layouts that can still be quickly stored away when needed.
From a small layout to a bigger challenge
After a week, the small layout started to feel too small — I wanted to build something bigger.
I began researching how to build a “proper” layout, but what I found online was terrifying — heavy constructions of chipboard, OSB, laminated boards, extruded foam, plywood cut to size, complex supports, and massive frames to hold all that weight. Sawdust everywhere, mess, and noise.
And I couldn’t shake the feeling that these constructions would eventually warp and collapse.
So — definitely not that way! But what was the alternative?
In our company, I deal daily with the design and production of RC aircraft and boats of all sizes, so I began developing a system for easy, quick, and precise construction of model railway bases and tracks.
I learned that there are clear standards for gradient, roadbed width, and so on.
For my N scale layout, I used the same concept as with the small original board, but improved in many details. The result was a light yet strong structure made of two self-supporting baseboards joined in an L-shape (160×130 cm) with a height of 160 mm — a solid foundation to build on. Unlike all those bulky designs online, mine was lightweight yet extremely rigid, needing only a simple outer frame for support.
Quiet operation and vibration damping
Noise reduction is very important. Tracks need to be laid on material that absorbs vibrations and sound — otherwise, you’ll be surprised how loud a running train can be. The clatter can ruin the entire experience.
For vibration and noise damping, I used high-quality polypropylene — not polystyrene! This material is used not only for the trackbeds but also for embankments and ramps.
Thanks to these ready-made components (ramps, embankments, roadbeds), construction is fast — all you need is a sharp knife and a hot-glue gun.
At stations, the underlay panels are full-surface and black, resembling the appearance of real ballast. Then I simply lay the tracks where I want them and start gluing the ramps and embankments one after another. For curves, I use the Flexi version, which can easily be shaped. If I need to raise the tracks, I stack the required embankment pieces as supports and continue building upwards.
The structure is strong, stable, and quick to assemble — my N scale layout (over 20 m of track) was ready in one weekend! Within two days I was running trains.
After a few weeks of running, I enjoyed adding scenery, buildings, and even a turntable.
Moving up to H0 scale
N scale models are beautiful, but everything is small — you need glasses all the time. So I decided to move on to H0 scale, where everything is larger and easier to see.
Of course, that meant I needed much more space for the layout.
Now I had to plan more carefully. The new baseboards were larger and modular, allowing layouts of almost any size. Frames made from 40×40 mm planed wood are built precisely to match the board dimensions. The boards attach to the frame using simple corner locks.
From there, construction continues as before — the 5 mm sound-absorbing roadbed is laid, along with ramps and embankments.
For track sections at higher elevations or to overcome height differences, I developed a system of curved and straight plywood segments. Their shapes match standard track geometry and radii. The segments come in single- or double-track versions and are supported by adjustable plywood columns ensuring perfect stability.
For continuous gradients and spiral climbs, we created the Rondela spiral system, available for H0, TT, and N scales.
The entire I-Track System is modular — a true construction set where every piece fits perfectly together.
Design, technology, and innovation
The baseboards and hidden yards include cable holders and internal storage spaces for electronics. All controls can be neatly housed inside the board. In the 160 mm-thick boards, you can easily install a control tablet, lighting and turnout controllers, or signals.
Some versions include slide-out trays for the electronics — just pull them out when operating, and push them back in when done. Everything is tidy, protected from dust, and nothing is in the way.
Side covers for the baseboards and hidden yards are also available — either transparent or solid white — and are mounted easily using simple twist locks.
About Hacker Model Production
Our company has been manufacturing RC model aircraft and boats since 1990.
We are equipped with professional technology — laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers and mills, and complete facilities for working with plastics, laminates, wood, and paper.
The I-Track System has become part of our production program.
We manufacture standard I-Track components and continually develop new ones to make the system a comprehensive construction kit suitable for every modeller — even the most demanding.
Our program also includes modules for FREMO systems.
The advantages of I-Track
The I-Track System makes it easier for modellers to build the foundations of layouts of any size — saving time and letting them enjoy the creative part instead of cutting, sanding, drilling, and cleaning sawdust.
The main advantage of I-Track is that you don’t need heavy supporting frames.
Thanks to their box-type construction, the baseboards are lightweight yet self-supporting. Frames are supplied as simple kits.
You don’t need expensive tools for cutting or shaping.
When building a layout with I-Track, there’s minimal dust and waste, and you avoid complicated manual fabrication.
For curves, you can use prefabricated plywood segments or easily shape Flexi ramps and embankments.
The result? You can build and run your layout quickly, spending less time on construction and more on creating scenery and details.
We also offer complete layout kits — everything is pre-planned, just assemble.
All frames and baseboards are modular and can be bolted together. And if you ever move, you can simply disassemble the modules and transport your layout without damage.
All information can be found at www.Hacker-model.com.
Below in the photo gallery, you can see my first N-scale layout built from I-Track segments.
