Pin Strip tape for control panel

[Civil War]

I am thinking of building a control panel using pin striping tape on a panel. Has anyone done this? How tight of a turn can I expect to be able to make with this tape? Does it bend around a curve without buckling? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Roger Bielen]

I used colored pin stripe tape on a black background on my control panel. Different color for different loops/power districts. I didn't try to curve the tape, I mitered the corners. For a 90 I did 2 X 45 miters. Overall its somewhat like the photos one sees of old time dispatcher boards.

[richhotrain]

Roger Bielen

I used colored pin stripe tape on a black background on my control panel. Different color for different loops/power districts. I didn't try to curve the tape, I mitered the corners. For a 90 I did 2 X 45 miters. Overall its somewhat like the photos one sees of old time dispatcher boards.

On my most recent control panels, I printed paper copies of track diagrams drawn on Power Point.

But on my prior layout, I used automobile pin striping tape, both 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.  Rounded corners for curves are all but impossible.  I mitered the corners, just like Roger did.

Rich

[Civil War]

I found this vinyl tape

http://www.grafsticktapeandlabel.com/

that comes in various sizes and colors. They say it will form to a 1 inch radius. I ordered some and will try it out on my panel. I printed out my track plan large enough for my panel. I plan to put it behind a piece of Plexiglas and use it for a pattern for the vinyl tape. I will then remove the pattern and paint the back of my panel. I can drill through it for my switches and LED lights. Hopefully it will look pretty good. I'll try this tape and let you all know how it works. Thanks for all the tips.

 

[Train-O]

Terry,

I've enjoyed your 'Classic Toy Trains" article, which must have been fun for both your Brother and You.

Your article brought back pleasant memories of when my Brother, our Family and I enjoying our Lionel Scout train sets, when we first received them from Santa Claus of Christmas 1950 and there after.

Thank you,

P.S.  Does, Woolrich still make the woolen blankets and uniforms for the Civil War enactments, as they once did?

Ralph 

[Civil War]

Ralph,

Thanks for your kind comments on the article. It was fun for both of us, and Roger Carp was great to work with on it. I wrote it, but he edited it and made it read a lot better. Nice guy.

Yes Woolrich does still make blankets and uniforms try this web site:

http://www.woolrichfabrics.com/mysql/blankets.asp

 

[Train-O]

I'm glad to know that you and your Brother had fun and that Roger Carp is such a nice person.

My Brother, our Family always had a great time with the trains, so I understood your Great article.

It's good to know, as they advertise, that in fact Woolrich is keeping up a Great tradition and their clothes are Great, too.

Healthy, Happy New Year,

Ralph