I am about to add a backdrop to my new layout. I have been researching what others have used to build theirs, but would like to get more opinions on the subject. So far, I have read about the following materials for backdrop construction: Masonite Aluminum Sheet Roll Vinyl Flooring Styrene (.060 or .080) Formica Foamboard Sintra (?) Drywall Before you render your opinion please note the following: The layout is in my garage (Texas) and is subject to humidity. Existing walls are finished with rough plaster. I would like to limit damage to existing walls (I don't mind using screws to attach backdrop but want to stay away from adhesives). I would like to curve the corners but it is not necessary. I would like to limit seams or make them less noticeable. You can take a look at the layout shape and backdrop location by following this link. Backdrop Location Pros and cons of any material that you used would be very helpful. Thanks for the help.
I am using .060 styrene for my backdrop and have curved all the corners.I have it attached directly to the wall. Where the sections of styrene join the are glued to the wall,but other than that they are simply attached with plain old ordinary drywall screws.
I use 1/8th inch masonite because it is cheap and readily available. It does the job well, holds paint and will bend to make corners seamless. To join I use a strip of drywall tape and smooth a layer of drywall compound over the tape to make a seamless joint. As far as humidity goes mine has held up ok with humidity up to 60%. My house is air conditioned so it doesn't get to the 90% humidity that it gets to outside. I haven't tried any other material such as the styrene Catt uses but it sure looks good on his layout. [ 12 February 2002, 21:59: Message edited by: Robin Matthysen ]
I'm with Robin on this one. I just finished my backdrop which has two rolled corners. The only difference is that I used 1/4 masonite to reduce flexing and then used 1/8 primed into the corners. It made the blend easy and quick plus the filler used for the blend was a little easier with backing.
Gotta go with masonite, it holds paint real well and expansion/contraction in extreme weather conditions (hot and cold) does not seem to be a problem. I am curious about the styrene...never heard of using it for a backdrop. Where do you get sheets that big, and how costly is it?? John
Styrene comes in 4' x8' sheets just like plywood or masonite.I bought mine from a signshop in 15" x 40" pieces that had been cut for a sign job that fell through.
Interesting. So you paint it like you would any styrene model? I wonder if you could back light it?....Hey Catt, as usual, you have me thinkin' !! John
Yea. Cost is a concern that I did not mention in my original post. I think I heard one time that you can get styrene in 4 x 8 sheets from local plastic dealers (look under 'Plastics' in the phone book). I think the cost I heard was $8 - $10US. As far as masonite goes, what is the smallest radius that it can be bent to without breaking? I don't want big backdrop curves taking up prime real estate on the layout. Also, I just remembered the 'Carbondale Central' project from '88 Model Railroaders. In that series, Malcolm Furlow mentioned a product called EasyCurve. Anybody heard of this? Cost? Availability? Thanks for the responses so far.
Hey JC,remember that big black blob I posted? You know the BIG building(no its not done yet)thats the plastic my backdrop is made from.It is painted with plain old ordinary latex paint(paint sticks real good if you scuff the surface).
