Hello all, I need some advice here. I am building a layout on an interior door. I've finiahed the trackwork (have to post some pictures soon) and am at a point where I'd like to install a fascia. Here is specifically what I'd like to do: I'd like this to be 80" long (the length of the door), and I am thinking 18" wide (which will be the vertical height or length once installed). It will need to be able to hold a Digitrax loconet panel, be able to have some kind of handles or space to hold a throttle, and I'd also like to build onto it a small shelf to hold my Digitrax Zephyr command station. I'd also like to paint it, probably Southern green. What kind of material would be best to use for this? What would be the best way of installing this? Ideally I'd like it to be able to be removed if I ever need to move the layout. Thanks!
I am a little bit confused by the 18 inch height. Are you planning high mountains on the door that will rise a foot or more above the level of the track? I am also trying to decide on what to use for fascia (I will need ~43 feet), but it will be more like 6 inches high except where there are hilly areas. I have a piece of foamcore I used for picture backing when framing prints that I am going to experiment with, installing power switches on it and see how it holds up. :cat:
This will be on the sides of the layout, not on the actual layout itself. The 18" I really just estimated. Enough to cover some of the bare space and be able to have some throttle connections and such.
Is this what you're trying to do? Use 1/8' masonite, available at any home improvement/diy store. (Masonite is the brown stuff that clipboards are made of). I have XpressNet panels, throttle hooks, switch toggles and rerailer/uncoupling picks mounted in accessible locations on my fascia, which will eventually be painted Brunswick Green. You may, however, want to reconsider the 18" part. My fascia at its deepest point is 9", and even that doesn't look so great. I'll probably end up recutting it to 6"-7".
3rdRail, You might have better luck if you cover the foam core with something like matte board. I don't have much fascia in the traditional sense on a multi-deck layout. My fascia slopes inward at about a 30 degree angle, so that light can reach further into the lower decks. I've found that foam core is just too soft on the surface, so I've glued matte board on top. I have a large supply of both foam core and matte board. In some areas where the fascia is traditionally vertical, I use about three layers of matte board. There's one thing here--rarely am I trying to mount controls through the fascia, as I'm on DCC. In previous layouts, I've had great luck with single or double layers of matte board. I also think I've never had a fascia deeper than 4 inches.
I'm also almost ready to add fascia. What is the material I have heard about that is available that looks (and acts) like a chalkboard? Thought if I could find that it would save having to paint Masonite (I guess this stuff comes in green?). We have a Menards and a Lowes locally - guess maybe I'll see if they have it. Otherwise, I'll use good old 1/8th inch Masonite. Do most of you users of Masonite actually paint it or leave it as-is?
SRF , I always use 1/8" Masonite. Mine is curved but works straight. I cut it to the height I need and then lay it on the floor with the backside up and soak the back with water applied with a sponge until it is pretty wet , let it sit for about 20 minutes and then put it up where it goes with screws. After it dries I mark the topography on the back with a pencil, remove it and cut the contours and then put it back up , lightly sand and paint. Mike
I would use the 1/8" masonite for the fascia.It bends easily and is easy to paint. Stay cool and run steam.......
I suppose I could wait for a really humid day here - wouldn't need to soak the Masonite. Hey - what's that monitor we see hanging in the pic?
Tim , That monitor is hooked to a mini cam that is looking left down my staging yard that is inside the hole you see. Thanks , Mike
Thanks, this is exactly what I want to do! Looks like it can be mounted by screwing it into the sides of the benchwork? I'd like to also include a spot to hold my dcc command station. Is it a strong enough material to build (and hold) something like a small shelf on it?
