So in the near future I need to add some fascia to both of my small 2' x 4' bases. It doesn't have to be super heavy as my layout is so small. Does anyone know if Chipboard will work and exactly what it is? I have found sheets at Hobby Lobby etc... as I don't think I need Masonite on such a small layout. Also, should I cut it uneven and wavy I guess is what I am asking? I mainly want it to keep my trains from falling off the two bases, but don't want to black my view at the same time? Any help and suggestions appreciated!
If it's 1/8" it would work well. It will conform to gentle curves and is strong. You could glue on shelving covering to give it some finish or paint the shelving paper. Also it would be good to get plastic door edging at auto parts store and put that over the top edge for a smooth and strong edge. Things can be mounted to it as well. Rich
Moose no know about chip board... Moose used 1/8" x 2 ft x 4 ft project panel tempered hardboard from a "big box" store. Cut it into ~ 6" x 4 ft strips and screwed to layout. The moose layout is contoured, so Moose soaked boards in water to soften them up to get them to bend to layout contours. Moose suspect that is not necessary for a 2 x 4 layout, sooo never mind that part...
Is this what y'all call chipboard? In my experience, it's horrible stuff -- heavy, warps when laid flat under load, it produces clouds of dust when worked and it collapses when screws are driven in to it. Perhaps in thin sheets this wouldn't matter. In an application like @in2tech 's, I'd vote for @Moose2013 's hardboard solution. I used 1/2" plywood, but I needed strength and protection because the layout will be moved someday.
I agree. That is particle (sawdust) board and it isn't flexible nor strong. Screws don't hold well in it either. Thanks for the correction. Richard
This is chipboard, going to look at it at either Michaels or Hobby Lobby or both. Nothing like what @Hardcoaler showed. Apparently it's used in craft's a lot. I don't need anything think as mine is simply 2' x 4' bases? I also am curious to see it in person? I'll report back when I do. If it's what I think it is I'll at least buy one sheet if I can? https://www.michaels.com/chipboard-...Vb53LcRP0OUnxLkm2Hq9PgBK6cUSuSFcaAo1ZEALw_wcB Only thing I can't find the thickness dimensions but I am thinking an 1/8", 3/8", I really don't know. Looks like corkboard to me, but maybe more dense? Want something lite weight?
Just a thought. Check out "Hardboard" at Lowes or Home Depot. Comes in a 4x8 sheet but they will cut it for you. That is what I used and they cut it into 1foot by 8 foot strips for me and i trimmed it from there. It was less than $15 so the per square foot price would be about half of that in the Michaels link. It's fairly light weight and just over an 1/8 inch thick.
Poster board is the same. Yes it would work for a small layout. Easily cut, even with a scissors to make curves.
Stay away from chip board, it's just a a bunch of wood chips glued together and put under pressure during manufacturing. Any kind of moisture will make it come apart. I used 1/8 inch Masonite on my layout and overhead lights valance. It's strong, light weight and easy to work with. Lowe's will cut it for free in most cases, they have never charged me at least. I used Gesso to seal the Masonite before painting. It can be found at Hobby Lobby near the craft paint. Joe
I'll be looking at different options as I go buy Lowes, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, etc... over the coming week's!
