Ideas needed on hiding furance & tank

I assume you mean your layout is traveling around the furnace water heater? If so Black tends to make things disappear in my experience. Curtains might be a good idea. Relatively light weight and easy to remove vs what I have done.

My layout is in an unfinished utility room. I use a 3' high backdrop. I left 4 feet of work space between the edge of the layout and furnace/water heater etc. But my upper level is at 53". Part of the backdrop is removable though heavy to provide access that can't be easily reached from inside the walk in layout. What I have found over time is that I get used to the part that is not covered because work and maintenance is so much easier. When the layout is totally finished I may put the removable portion of the backdrop back in place. But for know I just don't see it anymore. Its clumsy to move but looks nice. The more I think of it I like black curtains for mine! 

On my RR the tank less Hot water system is hung on the chimney behind Wildwood harbor and the Crusader Hotel. the Motel can be unplugged and the backdrop slides out for access to the panel. Can you see it?

I'd have second thoughts about a curtain near a furnace.  You just never know.  Maybe you can show us a picture to get a better idear.  LOL

Rick

hope it isn't like this one.....

I had a plumber move mine to a corner. Cost a few bucks but gave me the space I wanted. 

I don't think I'd use cloth that close to the heating system. I'd build light-weight removable walls with landscape murals painted on them, maybe even use sun-screen material.

Those 275 gallon fuel tanks are also available in an horizontal style.  Best to install under a portion of the layout where service is not expected to be an issue.

The heater is a natural for building facadescape.

Whatever you do allow the heater to be readily serviced and replaced.

Check for required code clearance with local building inspecter/use and occupancy dept. 

Failing to do so can come back to haunt you in an insurance claim.

I took the approach that train steve mentioned. This borrows from the methods used by tv and theatrical set designers. 1" x 3" will work well and be lightweight for a wall like frame. Then you attach  L-girders to the rear for the frame to stand. Screw eyes are installed on the outside edges and they a lashed together. Here's the bite...typically they use a material called scrim to cover it. Very expensive stuff, but very effective in many ways. So, what you cover it with will be the challenge.

The result will look like a wall that can be finished to suit your fancy.

Check out theatrical or tv set design information. I found a used college text book. 

The curtains will be quick and easy, but may look like the Wizard is behind them.

Electric hot water and a heat pump is a bit easier to move or hide, no flues or chimneys. High efficiency heat and hot water tanks can be vented out a wall, not requiring a flue.
(1.) Hot water tank was moved to under the front stairs.
(2.) Heat pump is in this small closet, closed door.

(3.) Laundry was moved to the second floor, stack-able.

(4.) Large storage closet was moved to the garage.

oh, by the way...that manila envelope hanging on or near the furnace (as required by most codes) will have the installation manual for the furnace. That will provide the minimum clearances required for the unit.

Same for water heater.

Wow, thanks for all the tips everyone, didn't get a chance to check my post last night, some great pictures & ideas to think about.  This forum is the best help since sliced bread.

Jack