Aluminum Roll Flashing for Backdrop

[karle]

Has anyone tried aluminum roll flashing (sometimes called coil stock) for backdrop? The thought is one could buy the 24 " high x 50 foot white painted roll, there would be no seams up to 50 ft unlike masonite that does every 8ft, it would be self supporting, could be curved in corners, then paint backdrop on that. Would it be rigid enough (attached at bottom to benchwork)? Would it unroll flat enough? Would it take latex sky blue paint ? 

[DSchmitt]

2 matches for aluminum backdrop

Aluminum backdrops Sheet aluminum is easy to install and can make a great seamless backdrop by Jim Martin  from Railroad Model Craftsman January 2010  p. 54 aluminum  backdrop  scenery
Seamless Aluminum Backdrop by Ken Chick  from NMRA Bulletin October 2006  p. 12 aluminum  backdrop  scenery

[cuyama]

A number of folks have used it successfully.

https://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/sr201202_alumback.pdf

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/174496.aspx

Google search "aluminum roll backdrop railroad"

[karle]

Thanks to both of you I'll check these articles out.

[gmpullman]

One word of caution:

If you use wireless throttles you may find that the aluminum "barrier" will be impenetrable by the radio signals, especially the weaker 2.4 Ghz bands.

My Digitrax duplex system has trouble "seeing" through 1/2" drywall! I can't imagine the restrictions a sheet of aluminum would cause.

On the other hand, it may act as a ground plane and actually help the signal?

Good Luck, Ed

[cuyama]

gmpullman

If you use wireless throttles you may find that the aluminum "barrier" will be impenetrable by the radio signals, especially the weaker 2.4 Ghz bands.

I've operated on multiple layouts with aluminum roll backdrops, no problems with wireless NCE DCC.

True, that is in the 900 MHz frequency band, so likely better than some others at 2.4G. Also, often a good idea to mount transceiver on ceiling (or at least high). Humans (water-filled bags) absorb RF really well, placing transceiver high helps.

 

[mlehman]

Ed,

I've had no issues with my NCE wireless throttles or using the wifi WiThrottle program via JMRI interface. I think both operate in differfent frequency ranges than the Digitrax system, but not sure.

Here's a couple of pics of my install a few years back.

After some scenery and paint...

I didn't take it all the way to the top for several reasons generally irrelevant other than to using the stuff in my basement, but you can easily do that.

Lots more pics of my backdrop going up on the Cascade extension here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/219241.aspx?page=1

[ACY Fan]

I have used 24" x 50' aluminum coil stock for many years with no issues.  It's top mounted in a plastic strip made specifically for aluminum sheet metal used in roofing applications.  You will also need a crimper and a good metal cutter.  Check with your local dealer or large roofing wholesale supply... Reynolds or Noranda are two.  The sheet stock can be painted with any latex paint.  I use white at the bottom horizon and blend darker blues toward the top.    REL

 

 

[gshin]

I've used this material very successfully for my curved backdrop on the layout.  I used a j-channel to support it at the top, making installation extremely fast and easy.  Once installed, we painted it blue with a subtle lightening at the horizon.