Peter's Model Railroading - Bear Creek & Eastern (06/14/2007)

Bear Creek & Eastern - June 14^th, 2007

I cut some more 1/8" Masonite hardboard for the backdrop of the Bear Creek area. The track supports (not visible in the photo) provide the support for holding the backboard up straight. It is not attached to the turntable diorama, because I plan on taking that with me in case of move.

Even though this area is nowhere near finished, I decided to install a front fascia panel while I was at it. Of course, it has to be removable. As the photo below shows, it already improves the overall look of the layout. The top edge of the board was cut flush with the layout for a clean look.

The front fascia panel is held in place with magnets. These are simple door magnets that can be bought at a home center.

On the back of the panel I glued several blocks and attached the magnet's faceplates to the blocks. The blocks are necessary for the screws (otherwise they would poke through the fascia panel).

The magnets were attached under the layout, as shown in the photo on the right. A total of three magnets are used to hold the front fascia panel in place. It works great. I can just slip my fingernail in between the panel and the layout and pull the panel off. To bring it all together, my next step is to paint the backdrop and the front panels of the two areas of the layout that are ready.

June 24^th, 2007 -->