Facia - When to Install

Well I just finished mine and I haven't even begun the scenery yet. Even if it gets dirty I'll just put another coat of paint on when its all done. The skirt is removable though, held on by velcro, so when I am getting messy with the scenery, I'll definitely pull the skirt back off. It's machine washable as well.




You can see the construction photos of the layout here:

http://s19.photobucket.com/alb...0Switching%20Layout/

I did the same thing, I attached the facia when I built the benchwork.

Same as others noted above, I go ahead and install facia, fill nail holes,sand and prime + one finish coat[all flat black in my case]. Will lightly sand and recoat after some of the sloppy work is done. Ballasting now with wet water/glue system and will be using much of the same for certain groundcover situations.

No hard fast rule IMO. For flat one level RR the above thoughts are right on. As far as a RR with undulating topography IMO it depends on whether or not the fascia is structurally needed for the scenery profile, whether on not it will be high and hinder track/wiring work, whether on not it is going to also run real low and hinder construction crawl under access (think scratched back). Whether it is structural to the benchwork. Whether or not it is to be fragile or delicate by nature. tt

I am still waiting to do mine.

I go under the layout constantly to work on wiring, can easily go under just about anywhere, and don't want to have anything get in the way. I made a small dolly that I can sit on and scoot around without hitting my head, and can cover a lot of territory very quickly and easily.

When I am closer to being done with the wiring, I'll add the fascia - maybe in about a year.

Alex

Nice use of a mirror

I would install the fascia last, particularly if you are doing any hardshell type scenery. Then you can wrap the plaster cloth over the edge and cover this with the fascia.

Chris,

You don't specify what type of benchwork you have. The role of fascia depends on your benchwork style.

On most open grid (butt joint) or flat table top layouts, the outer edge of the benchwork is actually fascia. If you intend to cover this with something more attractive, then I would wait until all the messy work (scenery) is complete.

But, in L-girder construction there is no outer edge. The fascia (usually masonite) is applied to the ends of the joists. The fascia is needed as an anchor point for the hard shell scenery. In turn, the thin fascia depends on the scenery for support. So, in that case, it must be applied before scenery is begun.

Jim

Guys,

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice. Jim hit the nail on the head for me. I have butt joint benchwork, so I am going to wait to install the facia until after I complete the scenery. In addition, I'm anxious to get building the layout instead of doing benchwork, so I'm very happy with this decision.

Thanks,

Chris

I think that adding fascia depends on what method you are using for building your railway.
If you are using the cardboard/ plaster cloth method, the fascia (so I'm told) is added right after completing the bench work so that it can be used to support the cardboard strips and plaster cloth.
If you are using the foam and plaster cloth method (which I like to use) I find it best to add the fascia after the foam has been carved so that I can shape the fascia to the landscape without having to go around trees and track and breaking things by accident.
If you are doing a basic table top layout without much landscape to it (in other words it is flat) the fascia I guess can be installed any time.

A mistake I had made repeatedly is that I forgot about the fascia until after the layout was scenically "finished". Working around everything that you have already built can be a hassle. Thankfully This time around I have gotten it right hopefully.

In conclusion, the best time to add the fascia is when it is the most oppritune moment. Adding it when finished, and cutting it before the layout bench work has even been erected causes problems.