Curved Hardboard (Masonite) Facia

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am planning an around-the-room layout, and I have a question about facia. I plan to use a 1x3 open-grid frame supporting 2" foam board. To make it look better, I plan to put a hardboard facia along the front, as well as a 12" hardboard valence parallel to the edge of my layout along the ceiling to hide my lighting.

I have seen pictures in MR that show layouts with curved facia, and I really like the smooth look. If I use 1/8" hardboard, what kind of radius do you think I could bend it to? I have pretty broad curves, so if I could get a 6" wide strip for the facia and a 12" wide strip for the valence to make a 36" radius, that should work.

Has anyone done this? If so, any tips?

I really appeciate any feedback on the topic.

Mike

2

Shouldn’t be a problem, I built a small 2’ x 4’ module once that had a masonite backdrop around three sides. The corners were bent to about a 6" radius. I sprayed water on the masonite in the corner area as I was bending it. I don’t remember where I heard or read that trick, but it worked great.

John
Underhill, VT

3

Thanks John,

I never thought of using water to help curve the masonite.

Mike

4

Another good trick :slight_smile: wait until a good sunny day in the spring, spray the backside(knobby)with just a mist of water, and lay it good side up on your driveway. When it is nice and warm take it in and install it.