My simple DCC layout doesn’t look as if it will call for too much under-table wiring, but it will have a couple dozen Bullfrog turnout controls. It looks a lot simpler to be able to attach those to a fascia, which argues for putting it up pretty early in the construction process–roughly as track is being layed. But what wiring must be done will then have that fascia hanging down to contend with.
I notice that some layouts have fascia that appears to be only about six inches high, while others use two, three, even four times that. I’d appreciate opinions about both the fascia height and the point at which it makes the most sense to install it.
You don’t need to add the fascia at this time if you mount the bullfrog controls on their own “recessed” panel/ board the same as you would for recessing “isle” switches. Locate the controls and allow them to be recessed w/ 3/4" stock. When it’s time to mount the fascia you would leave cutouts @ the controls. This will allow you to continue and once finished won’t snag clothing, etc on them.
LION says: Put the wires ON the Fascia. HIm is doing that now and wishes him thought of it six years ago. No bending, plenty of light, able to see and reach. Is purrfect idea. LION will write article and submit it to MR. Of course the finished fascia will cover the roughed in fascia.
Oooh nice one! Can you imagine. An article published by MR magazine, for the whole world to see, how this guy seems to think he’s being funny by talking like a 5 year old. That would be classic.
I installed fascia (1/8" Masonite) as soon as the subroadbed, cork, and track was in place and the layout operational. It was needed to allow the plaster-on-screen terrain to be installed. The layout is open grid, in 1"x4", and the fascia extends below it by only 1". However, because the roadbed and scenery is supported by risers, the fascia height varies from 6" to over 30".
6" here:
6" on the right side of the aisle, and 8" on the left:
10" here (the stuff at the right side of the picture is the fascia for the grade to the second level of the layout, and is about 23" high at this point):
13" here:
…and 31" just beyond the area of the tunnel entrance. This is where the second level of the layout will begin, and that’s the reason for the gap on the backdrop:
I use a combination of facias, one that has the scenery modeled onto it and one below that covers a lot ot wiring components. Mine are 3/16 laun plywood and are cutout to clear small panels and Loconet panels.
the function of the facia board is primarily to tidy up the edge of the known world.
As I use tongue and groove lining boards I put the first level of board in at base board construction stage
I add any further boards to take into account higher or lower scenery as they are needed.
The height and depth of the facia are pretty much determined by scenery and personal taste,
do paint it a boring neutral color you want people looking at the railway not the facia.
I don’t find the facia to be a problem when wiring the layout if it is necessary to bring wiring or switches through the board I just drill the holes where needed.
My fascia is 1/8" Masonite and is used to protect the edge of the foam layout base as well as hold my removable plexi glass safety fence.
To hide anything below layout level, folks use different methods: curtains, removable panels, doors, whatever is handy, cost effective and suits their desires.
