1/8" hardboard too wavy

[edknecht]

The October 2004 issue of MR contains an article by Mike Danneman about painting backdrops. The article refers readers to Mike's book (Scenery for Your Model Railroad) for more information. Chapter 3 of the book deals with backdrop construction, recommending 1/8 " hardboard, as well as other materials.

I realize that 1/8" hardboard is good for areas where the backdrop forms a curve along the layout. But it seems too wavy to use along straight walls. I looked at sheets of it lying in a stack at the lumber yard and noticed how wavy it was. Won't this wavyness be noticable when hung on studs? Wouldn't thicker material be better for straight sections of a layout?

[CNJ831]

If you are seeing any significant waviness in the hardboard at your lumber yard then it's been exposed to too much moisture/humidity while in storgae and you need to go elsewhere to make your purchase. There often is a very slight curvature per sheet, depending on how it has been stacked, but this should vanish when mounted. I've purchased quite a number of sheets of 1/8-inch hardboard over the years for my layout and never had any sheet I'd consider at all wavy.

Incidentally, you can get hardboard in 1/4-inch thickness as well. It's sure to be flat but it's also quite heavy.

CNJ831

[selector]

Consider 'doorskin', or even MDF (Medite). See you builders' supply store.

[Anonymous]

I also have purchased several sheets of 1/8 in masonite hardboard from Home Depot without any problems. Since I have a shelf layout, the masonite attaches to the studs behind the finished drywall. I have always had Home Depot cut it length ways so each piece is 2' x 8'. When the masonite is attached to the wall and primed and painted sky blue, you shouldn't see any wobbles in the material.

Larry