On my O gauge layout, I have a length of about 18 inches, that is about one inch wide where, if the trains are going too fast, there is a possibility of them flying off the track and crashing to the floor.
My wife is against having a vinyl backdrop attached to a piece of wood because she doesn't want sky on a backdrop. What kind of decorative barrier, about four inches high, could I make or buy?
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I used 1/8" Plexiglas from Lowe's. I used quite a bit so they cut it into 4" x 48" strips for me.
If you only need 18" another solution might work--I'm sure others have solved this problem.
Shelves pictured below are 9' and 7'-6" above the floor. Plexiglas is held in place by window stop moulding. All dismantled in March '08.
I used 1/8" Plexiglas from Lowe's.
Me too: same stuff, bought at the same chain of stores.
Dewey:
This is a very good solution to the problem. 
Plexiglass is a good idea. However, the top and side of my train board is covered with indoor/outdoor carpet. How would I attach the plexiglass?
Is the 18" stretch curved or straight? In either case, if either you or the Domestic CEO[yes I have one also] will accept bendable 1/8" Masonite it will do the job as a barrier.
You can drill it and fasten with glue or screws to a 3/4" wooden toeplate. Then position the toeplate and screw down through it into the layout carpet/decking. If a curved spot you will have to kerf the toeplate to bend it slightly.
Not fully understanding the site[1"]perhaps I am suggesting an engine clearance problem.
Plexiglass is a good idea. However, the top and side of my train board is covered with indoor/outdoor carpet. How would I attach the plexiglass?
If the carpet is grass green or soil tan you could drill through it and install vertical metal posts through to the solid wood, then hang a suitable "chain link" fence material to them. You could still see the trains, have something that would pass as scenery, and still make it sturdy enough to keep the trains from going over the edge.
I use 1" deck screws with a plastic washer. Go to a hardware store and ask them for a plexiglass drill bit. It will melt and then drill through the plexi without cracking it. Then simply use a plastic washer and deck screw every 18". Works perfectly.
Good solution Wood!
If the carpet is grass green or soil tan you could drill through it and install vertical . . .
I did this with my Plexiglas. It worked well.
Be very careful drilling through some carpet. If you catch a fiber, you could cause a run if it is a looped pile.
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