Fascia

It was a busy week last week both on and off the railroad. After installing a new double hung window unit in our 4th bedroom, I spent a day outside on the driveway with the table saw, miter saw and circular saw cutting wood for various projects.

The fascia material was ripped from 3/16” tempered hardboard. The 5” high by 96” long strips were then primed and painted the same dark gray the lighting balance is painted.

I used Loctite Power Grab to fasten the long pieces and hot glue for the shorter pieces. I borrowed an idea from the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club and made the fascia 1/2” taller than the benchwork.

This accomplishes a number of things. First, it simplifies (at least for me) how to terminate the scenery at the benchwork edge. Second, it helps keep rolling stock from falling off the railroad. Third, it gives me a raised edge to hang modified clipboards on. And forth, the raised edge hopefully will help keep forearms off the railroad. As I was test switching cars a couple of weeks ago, I found myself resting my forearms on the railroad.

I finished the Illinois fascia today and will start on Indiana tomorrow. Once all the fascia is done, I’ll break out the paint and touch up any nicks or scratches.