I would like to devide a part of my layout into two halfs. One side will be a gravel quarry and the other will be a coal mine. I have A piece of sheet rock installed. Is this a good enought piece of material to do this with. I also made it 24 inches high. It almost looks too hight. There are two pics below to show what I have done. I will be putting mountains on each side of it. to help hold it.
I just wanted to know if I heading in the right direction. Any tips and sugestions will be appreciated.
This side will be the coal mine
this side is the gravel company.
If you intent is to build a scenic divider down the center of the layout, then yes you are on the right track. Even though its held in place by the 2X4s at the bottom, you are also going to want to build the terrain up to at least 6 inches up the back drop. Also I would continue it all the way across the bench work because once you start one, you have to continue it all the way across the scene or things just do not look right. The Kalmback Book HO Layout from Star to Finish deomonstrates how effective a simple back drop can be. And that was a 4X8 layout.
James
The idea is right, for my way of thinking, although you could just as easily cut a long slot for the partition in the base of the layout, and fasten it below the layout with supporting blocks (the way you have it, but done below the surface).
However, I am a bit concerned about using gyproc. It is not strong, and an inadvertent jarring of the table, with only the low profile blocking that you have pictured, will likely make it snap, sag, tilt, and maybe come tumbling down in a dusty, damaging mess.
Wouldn’t 1/4 ply or masonite be better?
Only thought I have is what ever you use, I would round the corner off. The square sharp edge works, but the huge straight lines well take away what ever else you do. So much more of an impact since it is eye height. I would use like a large dinrer plate as a template for a radius, trace it, and cut or grind it smooth. it iwll give it a much more finished look, and wont standout as much.
Just my thoughs… [:)]
I agree with selector I would’nt use the drywall, how about a 1" thick piece of foam, it’s very light and stable and won’t require alot of bracing.
bill
I like your Ideas and info. Thanks everyone. But does the wall look to hight?
24" does seem too high. Perhaps 15 to 18" would be better. Try testing different sizes with a piece of scrap cardboard. Which size is best will be affected by the terrain you plan to have. Mountainous terrain might look better with a taller panel; and flat terrain with a shorter panel. How high is really a matter of personal preference – whatever looks best to you.
Like others have said, gyproc is not the best material to use – how would you fini***he cut edges of it so that they don’t chip ?