Hello, although I’ve lurked for a few months, I’m new to the forums as a registered user because I’d like to hear input about drop clothe choices to cover layouts when not in use.
My HO layout is being constructed in modular “L” shaped sections, with individual section lengths of up to 8 feet and a standard width of 24 inches. A 1 foot high strip of masonite extends upward on the back side of each section, forming the backdrop. I need to find some type of material to cover the layout with to prevent dust accumulation, and I’d prefer light plastic to avoid mold issues with cloth.
My question to fellow moderlers is: what material have you found ideally suited in simiar situations. Obviously I can find back drops available in varying sizes, but I’d like to hear if anyone has found a particular size and type that works the best. Given the short width but long lengths of my layout design, I imagine that some cutting to size might be necessary, but that’s fine with me–I just need an inexpensive yet effective solution.
When I need to cover mine I just use cheap plastic drop cloths from Menard’s but Lowe’s or Home Depot would have the same thing. I like them because they are very lightweight and don’t press down on anything. When I am done, they get recycled.
I can’t imagine covering my layout. It’s not that I don’t get dust, I just can’t see any kind of cloth that wouldn’t do damage to delicate structures, rolling stock and landscape.
I wonder if plastic is really the way to go if you are concerned about mold. Seems to me that plastic, being somewhat impervious to moisture, would do a good job keeping moisture off the railroad. On the other hand, any moisture trapped between the layout and the plastic would tend to collect on the underside of the plastic and then possibly rain on the rairoad if there were any temperature changes.
Or maybe not.
Anyway, I happened to be at Home Depot today and they had an aisle end display of various lengths/widths of (I believe) 4 mil thick plastic suitable for covering large areas. Possibly they would have a width/length combination suitable for your needs.
I know what you mean about dust, my layout is only 6 months old and already have a lot of dust. I’m probably going to get those lightweight plastic ones at Home Depot.
As for the backdrop, why don’t you make them yourself. It’s really easy to create a panorama photo with a decent camera and a tripod. And just have it printed on cheap photo paper non-glossy at a local print shop.
If you are worried about a mold issue, you should invest in a dehumidifier and run it to keep moisture down in the area the layout is in. IF you collect a lot of moisture and empty the dehumidifier often, you will know you could have mold/mildew issues. Also, some scenery materials themselves will attract moisture or cause problems with mildew if high moisture is in the air.
As far as covering, the lightweight plastic drop cloths may be best. Cloth would be heavier and weight down on the layout structures.
SOme advise against plastic, though. THey are concerned as one poster said about moisture trapped under it on the layout,and others are concerned with the plastic “sticking” or “melting” to structures or RR equipment.
I would recommend not using a cloth and instead investing in a hepa filter for the room and run it on low. It makes all the difference in the world and not bad for the breathing as well.
Here you go, this is from my slot car day’s and still messing with body work in the now train room.
The plastic is used in Auto Body to drape a car that is getting a spot job. (only 1 or 2 panels being painted) You can buy a roll for around $30.00 from a parts hose that sells car paint. I has around 100 yards and unfolds to around 12 foot wide. Now more than likely you won’t need 100 yards of the stuff and $30.00 might be a little steep for you. Go to a body shop and ask how much you they want for the sizes you need. More than likely they will just give you some.
It does have static cling, in paint a real car that is good thing, helps to seal it self to the car. I don’t see this as a problem with the trains.
Get a copy of Dec 09 MRR. It has an article on pg 28 on making a dust cover. Since you have a 2’ wide layout, I would suggest a roll of lightweight plastic either 4’ or 6’ wide to drape over it if you can’t get or don’t like the sheets suggested in the article. It usually comes in 25’ or 100’ rolls. Some stores have a roll and will cut off what you want, just a little more per foot.
You could use 3/4" PVC pipe instead of wood for the framework.
Fighting dust is as old as model railroading. Unless your are able to turn your train room into a “clean room”, as the semiconductor has, you will always encounter dust. Covering your layout up with a plastic tarp my not be such a good idea, as you will trap any humidity underneath it. Taking it down is also awkward and may damage your scenery and/or structures.
The best way for keeping dust away from your layout is to build a valance above it, which you need for proper lighting. You can attach roll-down cloth curtains, that “seal” your layout from dust, when it is not in use. For an operation session, you just roll them up.
Opinions seem to vary with this but I’m going to cast my vote in FAVOR of the plastic sheets. After beginnng to use them I noticed a big improvement in keeping the layout clean. Just to cover my bases though I agree with the recommendations about the the HEPA filters and dehumidifiers.
Another factor is overhead plumbing. A portion of my layout is directly below an upstairs bathroom. About every 18 months the bathroom has a ‘malfunction’ and the plastic protects the layout.
One minor disadvantage of the plastic though is you may find yourself running the layout a little less on an impromptu basis because you may not be in the mood to pull the sheets off.
My biggest problem with dust is the dust that collects on my water scenes. When my layout is not in use, I cover all of my poured water scenes with tracing paper cut to fit the area. Peter Smith, Memphis
I taped 2 rows of 3 - .50mil black plastic trash bags together and use large legal binders and medium spring clamps to cover the patio layout when not in use…it’s easy to roll up and out of the way when I’m running trains and light enough to not harm any scenery or structures.
Thanks for your informative replies! I’ll look into some of your suggestions as my first phase of layout section nears completion.
As far as scenery, there’s none for the plastic covering to damage at this point, because my first 11’ x 4’ L-shaped section is all yard trackage. Nearly the entire 2’ width is covered with tracks, with fewer tracks in some areas as necessary due to the spacing requirements of ladder tracks featuring No. 6 turnouts. The tracks are attached directly (but not tightly) to the plywood top surface, which received several coats of pebble gray satin finish paint after construction. All of the benchwork is movable, with the legs and braces assemble with and fastened to the layout base using carriage bolts.
The main concern about moisture formation with plastic might be an issue during the colder months if cold air becomes trapped under the covering. The height of my track is 5’ off the ground and the room’s heat source is radiant heat from the ceiling 3’ above. So during colder months, I may have to leave the layout uncovered, but at least having something the prevent dust accumulation during most of the year is a definite plus!
Also, to Lance Mindheim, thanks for your reply as well. Before I began laying my track, I came across the online track-laying tutorial on your Website, and it has been a big help to me when laying track.
