Fence or rail around train layout.

How about the plastic edging you put between yard and a flower bed?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EasyF...ging-Roll/1001518722

GREAT idea !

Thank You !

Flexible baseboard molding might also be an option for you.

Our dad just put 1x4s around the outside of the plywood base.  It did somewhat obscure our view of the trains as they ran along the edge, but in 16 years we never lost one to the floor!  If seeing the trains is important, you could make the edge guards out of Lexan or Plexiglass.

I know that some of today's trains run slower and are generally tamer than Postwar steam locos with AC motors.  But it's a long way to the floor, and I'm a staunch advocate of having some kind of protection around the sides.  It doesn't matter what you use, just do it!

@GLA posted:

Anybody out there got an idea what could be used as a good fence or rail around outside of layout board that's shape is a large U approximately 45 ft. outside dia. ? Something 5"-6" wide--(tall). Material needs to be flexible enough to go around a 30" dia. I have tried "gutter guard" but did not work.

What's the purpose of the fence/rail? Are you trying to keep the trains in, or the people out? Does transparency matter?

There are a number of transparent plastic sheet options, most easily fastened to the edge of the layout, that will achieve both goals while still allowing full visibility. There are also simple landscaping and fencing options that mostly allow visibility while restraining wayward rolling stock. Here's a couple of simple examples at one corner of my layout:

I used 1/8th inch hardboard and coffee stirrers to fashion and hot glue together a 'safety rail' on the el loop above, while using dowels and steel wire as a "catch fence" on the O-27 corner curve below. Both can effectively restrain any derailed rolling stock, while IMHO not being too visually obtrusive or obviously non-prototypical.

I did soon testing some  years ago and found that a railing 1 1/4 above the base effectively kept the rolling stock center of gravity on the layout.    If they derailed or tilted toward it, they would not go over.     This keeps things visible for the most part.   

I used 1/8 tempered masonite  which bends pretty easily but I don't think it will go around a 30 inch diameter without cracking.    It is/was relatively cheap and available.    I would buy 4x8 ft sheets and rip them to strips about 2 - 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 ft long.    I found the 4 ft lengths most convenient to handle and install.    I got a lot of fencing from one sheet.

Thank You