I am looking to build a period correct mountain for the new postwar dealer layout I am building. Has one already done the research on this and have the list of current materials that can be used? I have heard that the Robert Carp book "Lionel Dealer Displays You Can Build" had a section on this subject.
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I have not read the book referenced. But I would recommend wooden frame for shape, aluminum window screen stapled on frame to make desired shape and covering with paper towels soaked in a mixture of powered texture paint. This method was use by me in the late 1970s and probably was not use in the 1940s or 50s display layouts but I think it will give the same appearance with out the weight and cracking of plaster of Paris that was probably used on the earlier display layouts.
The below write up is from my OGR post linked below
https://ogrforum.com/...ra-027-layout?page=2
The mountain frame was made from ¾ inch boards for a base and ¼ and 3/8 inch plywood framing to make the mountains shape. Care was taken to be sure none of the tunnel supports interfered with the train track and right of way. Tunnel portals were cut from ½ inch plywood. The mountain shape was covered by stapling aluminum window screen on to fill the openings between the framing and fill in the mountain shape. An access door was made in the side of the mountain to allow clearance of train wrecks and derailments.
View of Mountain with access Door for derailments
Access Door removed showing two Marx switches inside mountain
View Inside mountain showing framing and some window screen on left
Sears Textured Paint, a powder that was mixed with water to make a paste was used to cover the aluminum screen wire. Textured paint was used by painters to add swirls to ceilings to hide the tape seams and may not be available now but something similar should be available. It has proven to be a great mountain material and did not crack and is much lighter than plaster of Paris and is more durable than paper mache and not susceptible to bug attack. The textured paint was used to soak paper towels that were laid on the wire screen to form the surface. Several layers and coats were used.
5 pounds of Texture Paint was used and this one left over.
Charlie
Original Lionel Dealer Display Layouts used felt dipped in a stiffening agent loosely draped over wooden frame.
Mike,
Good advice so far. Also do a forum search for the poster "Jagrick." He has had some good threads on his display builds including a few discussing mountain construction.
@Jagrick has done some extensive dealer display restoration and rebuilds. Here is a topic where he discusses this very topic:
NYC Fan posted:Original Lionel Dealer Display Layouts used felt dipped in a stiffening agent loosely draped over wooden frame.
Yep, I have one.
Mike Espy posted:I am looking to build a period correct mountain for the new postwar dealer layout I am building. Has one already done the research on this and have the list of current materials that can be used? I have heard that the Robert Carp book "Lionel Dealer Displays You Can Build" had a section on this subject.
The section in the Carp book on layout construction is a reprint of articles that were published in the 1991 February and April editions of Classic Toy Trains. Those are available on ebay for modest amounts. I don't think those articles are as good as Jim Barrett's two part article on constructing a modern version of the Lionel D-265 in Run 206 and run 207. Those Runs are part of the OGR digital library. I continue to enjoy reading those back issues, they are part of the digital subscription. Its a great value. I have saved you hours in trying to locate the articles, but I refuse to email copies of copyrighted material.
I wish you luck in building your display layout!
Will posted:NYC Fan posted:Original Lionel Dealer Display Layouts used felt dipped in a stiffening agent loosely draped over wooden frame.
Yep, I have one.
If you get a chance, please post some pictures of your display layout. Would love to see them. 
Brewman1973 posted:Mike Espy posted:I am looking to build a period correct mountain for the new postwar dealer layout I am building. Has one already done the research on this and have the list of current materials that can be used? I have heard that the Robert Carp book "Lionel Dealer Displays You Can Build" had a section on this subject.
The section in the Carp book on layout construction is a reprint of articles that were published in the 1991 February and April editions of Classic Toy Trains. Those are available on ebay for modest amounts. I don't think those articles are as good as Jim Barrett's two part article on constructing a modern version of the Lionel D-265 in Run 206 and run 207. Those Runs are part of the OGR digital library. I continue to enjoy reading those back issues, they are part of the digital subscription. Its a great value. I have saved you hours in trying to locate the articles, but I refuse to email copies of copyrighted material.
I wish you luck in building your display layout!
Thanks Dave for this information. Gives me a good start on getting some information to work with!
This one is a 1959/early 60 layout the year Lionel sold the 920 portals and were used on layout,kraft paper ONLY under the hide glue soaked felt that when set is a nice firm shell but is susceptible to humidity and some are seen to sag years later.
Thank you all for all of your great input to date!!
Will be doing more as I get started on the new building interior. Hoping to recreate a 1950-1960 train store complete with dealer displays, layouts etc!
@Mike Espy posted:I am looking to build a period correct mountain for the new postwar dealer layout I am building. Has one already done the research on this and have the list of current materials that can be used? I have heard that the Robert Carp book "Lionel Dealer Displays You Can Build" had a section on this subject.
Can anyone provide a link or source for the felt? I found this Hyde Glue and was wondering if it was correct type and gram strength?
Life-Like used to make mountain paper, discontinued, but it can be bought from a certain auction site.
You can order felt online usually a light gray will do. The hide Glue should work, I use an old crockpot I got from Goodwill just about the right temperature
I believe Lionel saturated the felt with an acetone based mixture that stiffened it after it was dry. They loosely draped it over wooden supports.
https://ogrforum.com/...6#157829273476174316
you are thinking of celotec i believe. Used in some instances but for dealer displays it was hide glue. Celotec is pretty rough to work with because of acetone and flammable
@Jagrick posted:https://ogrforum.com/...6#157829273476174316
you are thinking of celotec i believe. Used in some instances but for dealer displays it was hide glue. Celotec is pretty rough to work with because of acetone and flammable
Actually, the material is called "Celastic". It was included in the Lionel Postwar landscaping kits. It is described in the 1958 Lionel "Model Railroading" book.
Still available:
Thanks for correction. I actually got some sheets of it to use but have not done anything with
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