Ideas for fascia and skirts

I would like to make clear that I am not being critical of pleated skirting as Allan has hinted at, but rather I would like to expand our thinking, being 2014, to a more modern sleek look as shown by Matt-trains.

I look for ideas here and on the continent. Black, of course, is the color of night, the color of what should stay hidden. The pleated skirt concept is very ,  well, corporate , trade show kind of look.

I am only trying to have folks see that there is another, contemporary way to display our trains, using flat, taught fabric.

I know we all have our own sense of what looks good, that is what makes the hobby what it is today. But a little effort to show our trains in the best, most relevant light is well worth it.

Fred 

Fred...I was not referred to your post at all...and my skirting is not pleated, it is gathered.  But...you were being critical of pleated skirting which many members have.  Anyway, my skirting is standard width material that was cut to the proper length (height), cased at the top and hemmed at the bottom, and then gathered on a 36 inch wooden dowel.  Each of the wooden dowels / skirts were then hung from two screw hooks.   If one did not want the "gathers" and wanted a flat straight unfolded look (which in my mind would be fine too) then you could do something like I did but cut the fabric so that it is the exact length of the dowel stick.  When it is then slid on the stick, it would be more "sleek" as you say...

Alan

My mistake Allen, I admire your trains and what you have accomplished.

Please accept my apology

Fred. 

Fred...no apology needed.  This is a great thread that Art started and a lot can be learned.  Like I said in my earlier post, the most important part of this is to do what looks best for one's situation....

Alan

Corsair has the right idea, black fascia and black curtains. 

For attaching the curtains, the way I prefer is to glue a spring loaded clothes pin on the back side of the fascia.  Then just stuff the curtains into the clothes pins.  No velcro, hooks etc.  Super simple.  I keep my curtains 8 feet in length. 

My HO railroad uses hunter green fascia with brown curtains.  I may redo it at some point, as I like the black fascia.  I'm going to use black on my extension, curtains won't be used, as it is a triple deck railroad.

Regards,

Jerry Zeman

Jerry....great idea about the clothes pins!!  Also, good to see you post since we didn't see much of you last month.  I always enjoy your postings...

Alan

Hi Art.

You know in looking at the space you have there, and with it being so nicely finished and carpeted I would suggest staying away from the black skirting.  I think in your particular environment it would stick out like a sore thumb.  To me I feel you would be better off going with something that will play off the carpet and such.  I don't know an oatmeal color maybe....khaki? 

     Normally I would suggest the black skirting and fascia as it does cause the viewer to focus on the layout, but again in your finished space I would go with a neutral color that compliments the space.  Just my 2 cents...well wait the economy is bad...how about 1 cent? 

The Laser cut MDF is really something.  NICE.

One thing about black is it will show every pet hair and spec of lint.