Okee dokey, here's the walnut stained fascia. My wife is graciously holding it in place for the photo. I still want to apply some clear coat finish before I glue it on. I think I prefer the stain look right now. The 1/4" holes are for dowels to aid in placement during the Liquid Nails for Projects application. The dowels will be flush to the surface and stained as well. Now I need somebody to sell me 4 mini grab irons for the ends to use as carrying handles.
Jim--I see you've one of those good ol' Troller power packs. Too bad they aren't around anymore. Tom G.
Staining gives a look and feel different than painting. Rick McClellan's fascia paint in post #6 gives a neutral, no-nonsense background for the layout operating equipment. The phone and order board rack appear easily visible to crew on this layout intended for operation. It does look nice and very likely blends into the scenery. It works for him and communicates an operations-directed style. Jim James, on the other hand, is working for an old time look and the stained wood, in my opinion, effectively conveys that. You are doing well, so far, Jim! The finish will make or break it, though. I do not think it should be as flat as it appears now, but it dare not be "high gloss." Paint of a certain texture could apply to the era. You would have to get a paint that lays like the old stuff they mixed in big troughs on the spot from dry white lead and linseed oil with a little color added. Just wear a respirator and wash up well afterwards! George
I'm planning on a satin finish polyurethane. Also some folks refer to my layout as 4x6 but it's a full 4x8. It's been so fun it seems like a 15x30! I don't know how you big layout guys do it.
Oh, I'm sorry Jim. I thought it was 4x6. That's my fault. 4x8 it is. Goes to show how well a job you did, it doesn't even look that large!
Jim, I think that you have done a great job and I do indeed like the wood finish look. It gives it a very "custom" finish look and should be great when you take it on the 'road'. Your finish has a very natural feel about it. I have enjoyed your series and hope to see more. Perhaps this will inspire more of us who talk a lot to maybe work a lot so that we can put up some post for others to see. Great job and a pleasure to view. Tony
Stop it guys. I'm gonna cry. But seriously, thanks. I've put more effort into this than any previous attempt.
