Valances

I have used black cloth with a piece of light weight chain hemmed in (by gluing, not sewing) to the bottom.

This way it hangs straight down but you can easily move it out of the way with your head to access the layout.

You can bring the bottom edge lower down (about eye level) for better effect. I used velour cloth from JoAnn Fabrics store because it was thicker so light didn't show through.

at our club, we endeavor to have valances everywhere we can. mostly they serve to frame a scene a hide lighting and piping that runs along the ceiling. in some areas we use them as a view block so you cannot see across to the other side of the room. depending where on the layout it is located and the purpose it serves, it is either stained and finished 1/4" birch veneer plywood, or sky blue painted 1/8" hardboard.

because we also have finished birch valances at track level, it really dresses up the layout nicely.

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the input.

Todd

Todd I don't think a Valance would limit operations as there are a couple of HO scale layouts that have Valances that so operations.