After reading several Model RR mags I’ve come to the conclusion that .08 inch thick styrene sheets would be the best material for a backdrop for my L shaped 6’ X 8" layout…I’m thinking about 16" to 18" high…also considering masonite…Two questions, is this the best approach and if so where can I purchast the stryene sheets…I’ve gone on the internet but most sellers only offer small sizes…
Gerry
Masonite is available at most lumber yards. Have them cut the sheets to the desired height of your backdrop. I have used Luan on the four walls of my 24’x24’ layout. Masonite is bendable, whereas Luan is not. One can purchase 24"x150" photo panoramas at most model railroad hobby shops. I use the 7"x11" sequential photo panoramas from SceniKing. I matched the fairly uniform blue of the top of the photos, with electronically mixed blue paint. Background structures are available for giving a forced perspective illusion. I also use green painted packing sponge, sliced into 1/8" sheets. I cut these into rows of conifer shapes and layered them to give the illusion of a dense conifer forest,(that is actual ly only one inch deep.) Another way to create forced perspective, is to have an N scale train on a slightly raised track, directly behind a HO train. I used SceniKing panorama of low distant hills, to add to the illusion of forced perspective. In the third photo, note how a river photo that curves is an excellent way to create the illusion of distance in forced perspective. Click on photos to enlargethrem. Then, click on photo series, (at left), to view other photos of my layout. Bob Hahn 
Lowe’s or Home Depot have a product called Vinyl flashing. Come as a 50 foot roll. costs about 85 bucks or so.
If you have a sign shop in your area they have or can get it for you. Most should be able to cut it for you also, may or may not charge.
Rolled aluminum flashing from a lumber yard and some hardware stores is also used. It comes in rolls, not sure of the longest, but I know 25’ and 50’ are common… You can get it pre-painted white, which gives you a good primer coat and it curves easily in the corners.
Good luck
Hi there,
I used this vinyl sideing called Duraflash for my backdrop and it is the best thing yet, at least for me. Takes paint very well can bend to round off corners and is lightweight.
http://www.diyhomecenter.com/duraflash-vinyl-flashing/
I use 2’ x 4’ Masonite panels. You can get them at Home Depot in 1/4" or 1/8" thickness.
They accept latex paint quite nicely.
I am intrigued with the idea of using DuraFlash Vinyl, but how do you attach it to the backdrop frame, with glue, nails, screws? If you use nails or screws, how do you hide them? Thanks.
Hey JPO,
I used Liquid nails, but you can use small tack nails also compound then just sand and paint.
I use .080 white styrene that I buy in 4’ X8’ sheets from a plastics dealer in Philadelphia. I put them in the back of my pickup truck and haul them home. I cut them to width, then splice them at installation using Testor’s gooey plastic cement. The seam is filled using Squadron white putty, then sanded smooth and painted.
You can order styrene sheets in various thicknesses from www.usplastic.com. They’re the Rubbermaid people. I ordered a couple of big sheets a few years ago, and I’ve cut them up slowly to make all kinds of things.
Bob: Thanks for the input, I bought a couple of sheets at Home Depot yesterday.
Gerry
Thx for the reply and input…someone also suggested Duraflash, which is probably similar…
Gerry
Another good input…thx!
Gerry
Thx for the suggestion…between masonite, styrene, and duraflex I think I’ve got all of the base covered!
gerry
Thx for the input…time to make a decision!
gerry
Gary,
How stiff is that duraflash? Does it wrinkle?
Swayin, here is the informatoin from the web site. It is flexible enoung to go around corners but not so that it will bend or wrinkle. If you have a flat surface it will be better than mine sone mine is on a frame. I go the 50 foot roll but they do have other sizes. Check out thier site for sixes
| Length - Feet | 50 |
|---|---|
| Width - Inches | 20 |
| Color | White |
| Material | Exterior Grade PVC |
| Thickness | 15 mil (.015 inches) |
I went to a dealer in the industrial area listed under plastics, bought 4x8 sheets of styrene. I borrowed a pickup truck to carry it, but it rolled up easy enough to stick in the front passengers seat. Cut it into 16 inch tall strips.
I sprayed it with a special sticks-to-styrene spray paint from Walmart. Then painted sky with oil base paint sky blue at top blended to sky-blue-with-white mixed at bottom. Spray painted clouds using a hole torn in a old piece of scrap cardboard as a “stencil”. Sharpie marker for hightension towers.
Lots of Photoshop manipulated photos printed out and glued on.
Mockup of shrimpboat harbor to check background. I still need to draw rigging and paint nets for the background cutout shrimpboats.
How about running up to PA and painting mine --blue is already done
And then swing over to the Chicago area and paint some clouds on blue painted Masonite panels.