Bending masonite backdrop

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Howdy,

Just getting ready to install the backdrop using 1/8" Masonite with 1X2" supports.

Are there any tips about making corners, etc with the masonite?

Thanks

Chuck

2

Masonite can be bent if it is “scored” but either in Model Railroader or the new Model Railroad Planning issue I saw an even better idea - the thin wood veneer that is used to make hollow core doors bends very nicely.

I was on a layout tour yesterday after the local NMRA divisional meet here in Milwaukee and saw a good idea. The guy had Masonite backdrop and fastened it to his studs using those plastic L shaped things that are used to hold a mirror to the wall.

http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/28-452-mirror-hanger/mirror-holders-and-anchors-218040.aspx

They are cheap, easy to work with and according to the modeler have the additional advantage of letting the Masonite move a bit back and forth during seasonal changes in humidity. He had painted his blue to match the sky but he could have left them clear they way they come.

Dave Nelson

3

I gave up trying to make curves with Masonite. I had some vinyl flooring offcuts and made my coved corners by gluing it with the underside facing out. Tape and feather it in with Spackle. Then paint it along with the Masonite used in the flat sections and it looks great.

The corner above the hill was done this way.

4

You can bend 1/8" masonite to an approximately 18" radius. This makes for a good transition around corners so that you don’t get the “folded sky” look in these corners. My layout is free standing and, like you, the backdrop is supported by 1X2" pieces. You may want to use 1X3" supports for a little more “heft” to hold the corner steady. I actually got this idea from Dave Frary’s book on realistic scenery.

5

I have bent 1/8" masonite on my layout as tight as a 10" radius. My backdrop, however, is supported by walls and I was able to push it into the corners much tighter than you could having the backdrop supported by uprights. No need to score it; just have an extra pair of hands help you work it into the corners and then fasten it in place.

By the way, I wouldn’t try to go any tighter than 10 or 12" radius again in the future…it makes a very loud “snap” when it fails…and it failed at 3:48AM.

Don Z.