VALANCE

[claycts]

Those who have a VALANCE (the high site blaock that hides the lights) some people use the term of SKIRT or FACIA which is the BOTTOM that hides the JUNK.[:D] Are you using A SOLID material or cloth? I have seen BALCK cloth used so there was easy access to the lights. I have also seen masonite with hinges and I guess the PINK FOAM is probably also used. What is the thought on the best way to go?

[Big_Boy_4005]

Let's square away those terms, because they are all a little different. Fascia is the treatment given to the edge of the layout. A valance is used to block and direct light and keep the glare out of viewer's eyes.

That said, it is possible to have the same material perform double duty in a multi deck situation. An upper deck fascia could be widened to extend down to form a valance. This is what I plan to along the upper deck of my layout.

As for skirt, some people may use that term to mean fascia, but when I hear it I think of some kind of fabric to cover the legs of the layout and block the view of the area under the layout.

For safety sake I would not recommend the use of foam as a valance. Lights can get hot, and foam has a fairly low flashpoint compared to other materials. Cloth is also not the best choice for the same reason, but also the fact that it is not opaque.

When using a valance, it does not need to wrap under the lights at all. Access should be simple, no hinges required.

[hminky]

I use black plastic sheeting for the Valence, I use the twisty flourescents and have had no problem with heat. The lights were on for 6 straight hours during my open house.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/lighting/

I originally put up the black plastic to use as a pattern. I will now use it as a permanent valence material
Just a thought
Harold

[ClinchValleySD40]

I use 1/8" masonite painted black on the outside and white on the inside. Photos in link below.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

I use 1/8" masonite painted black on the outside and white on the inside. Photos in link below.

That looks really sharp!!. I have always been a fan of black, when it comes to fascia, valances, and skirts. Black doesn't call attention to itself or detract from the subject, which is the railroad. I won't use any other color. I learned about black years ago when I built architectural models professionally. We always edged our model's bases with black.

How did you attach the valance to the drop ceiling? Ultimately I will need to do that.

[claycts]

Thank you. Looks like a BLACK VALANCE made ot a LIGHT WEIGHT material NOT FOAM is the way to go. I will be posting pictures on www.leatherique.net or www.seecarr.org whichever has the biggest storage available. Again Thank You!