I have a shelf layout built on heavy duty shelf supports and foam which is attached to the walls in my railroad room. Lighting as been from floodlights attached to the ceiling. The ceiling is a drop ceiling that I put in myself. I am thinking about adding a valance around the edge of the layout to give it the shadow box look. I am looking for ideas for a light weight, sturdy material that I could directly attach to the ceiling and run the edge of the layout and hang down about 15 inches. Most designs for valances are made from hardboard and are built into the framing of the layout. hardboard might be to heavy for my ceiling to support. Any ideas or thoughts? - Nevin
How about a large sheet of styrene? I was able to get some from a dress manufacturer, they use it as pattern material. A plastics supplier would have it as well.
The August 2003 MRR had an article about creating valances with ceiling tiles. If you put your ceiling in yourself, you may have left over tiles to use for the valance as per this article. Because the tiles are light, the suspended ceiling braces can support their weight in the valance.
I use polyethelene sheeting. I originally applied it as a temporary valance. I liked it so much I will use it as I expand the layout.
Click to enlarge image. You can see the plastic in the upper left corner.
I have a “what I did” about layout lighting at:
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/lighting/
Thank you if you visit
Harold
P.S. The flexible sheeting is also easier on the top of the head