Copyright 2023 Nicholas Kalis
Helpful Hint
Fascias, essential for most model railroads in whatever scale, era, or geographic area one has chosen, at their most elemental hide all the wiring, switch machines, and carpentry that would otherwise distract. A model railroad is a bit of magic - do magicians give away their secrets while performing? No; and neither should one. It is hard to imagine any model railroad that would not benefit from a fascia. Disagree? Sending me a photo where a missing fascia works.
Viewing Ron Hoess' HO scale Chestnut Hill & Stifftown Branch PRR layout, what makes his facia appealing?
- It is deep - some might use "tall" to describe its construction. A deep fascia makes viewers sense that what is modeled is a slice of reality, that the scene extends beyond the simple surface we have modeled. While a narrower fascia would save a bit of material, it just would not tell the same story as a deep fascia. Somehow the deeper fascia tricks the mind - at least my mind - into believing there is more here than meets the eye.
- It is uncluttered - for example, no holders for controllers are visible. Layout builders tend to veer towards one of two directions - some seek primarily to story tell, others seek to operate. Clearly Ron falls into the former category - as do my own proclivities for modeling. That is not to say Ron's layout does not operate flawlessly or that he could not host operating sessions.
- It is painted; far too many layout fascias seem to have been left unpainted for decades. How can one tell? Glues binding the familiar Masonite fascia commonly employed have started to discolor. I have always found it a head scratcher that modelers can devotes decades worth of work and expenditures and yet leave their fascia unpainted and so appear unfinished.
- The paint color chosen for Ron's fascia - a bit different from that seen in too many model railroads (not the usual black or bright green) - does not distract from modeled scenes. Instead, the almost military green chosen here complements the gritty urban scenery depicted. It is creative and so distinctive and memorable - but not memorable in the sense of competing with Ron's modeling.
- Each location modeled is clearly and neatly explained by use of rub on white lettering that makes a neat contrast with his dark green background color. Here we see Midvale Yard; in other places vehicular roadways are also labeled. Ron's labeling helps visitors make sense of what they are seeing.
- Incidentally, as publishers will tell one, words printed in a combination of upper and lower case letters are more readable than all upper case; see Ron's example as proof.
- Hoess's powered turnout toggle switches, both neatly arrayed at the same height and neatly labeled with a numbered code (CH refers to Chestnut Hill), indicate what one sees.
- Ron's method of attachment is unseen; in contrast, some model railroad fascias can have screws or other fasteners that can detract.
My take-away message? When building a layout, give some thought to one's fascia; don't make it simply an afterthought. A video of Contras 2023 - an annual show in the Netherlands - where Jimm Limonade was displayed illustrated how this exhibition layout had an oversized sign - about six inches deep in fact - depicting the logo of an imaginary drink manufacturer named Jim Limonade. This layout itself could not have been as effective without the guidance this oversized logo provided. Think of Jim Limonade when you craft your fascia.
Revised December 2, 2023
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