How narrow can I make a double sided backdrop?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Group,

How narrow can I make a double sided backdrop? I have a limited space (who doesn’t) that I want to save all the valuable area that I can for the aisle. Is there a way to have a strong, yet narrow backdrop (must be somewhat cheap)?

Thanks,
Nate

2

Well a 1/4" sheet of masonite can be a double sided backdrop. The hard part is hiding the supports. We have one doble sided backdrop at the club that is basically 1x2 supports with a 1/8" thick sheet of masonite on both sides. The whole thing is about 1" thick. Masonite curves well too.

3

My double-sided backdrop is 3/4" thick. It’s made out of vinyl flashing with 1x2 supports. It is very sturdy, although I wouldn’t want to stand on it. Here’s a pic.

A fairly recent article in MR magazine (I can’t recall which issue) explained how to use styrene only as a double-sided backdrop. It is very thin, but I’m not sure how sturdy it is.

I hope this helps!

4

By putting a slight curve in it, a sheet of double-sided Masonite will stand and support itself up to about 24 inches. For greater height, a matching curve in a top frame will carry it up to the full width of a 4’ wide panel. Also, by carefully locating the ins and outs of the curvature (an S curve works best) you can gain a fraction of an inch on one side or the other to accommodate scenic effects.

CAUTION - this will only work with solid sheets. Cutting a portal for a loads-in/empties-out industry pair will compromise the geometry.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)