Clear plastic to prevent rolling stock from falling

[CBQ Fan]

I thought I had seen a post on something like this before, but can't locate it.  I am looking for clear plastic that I can attach to my layout edges that will prevent rolling stock from falling off the edge and landing on the floors.  With 3 boys and 2 of those young I like the additional level of protection. I am hoping for something store bought and quick and easy.  I am currently using thin sheets from hobby lobby but they are too thin and break often, again think 3 year old and 7 rear old!   

[seusscaboose]

lowes or home depot
plexiglass
custom cut for you in store

[Hamaker]

Like the gentleman above....either Lowe's or Home Depot.  I got mine at Lowe's.

[CBQ Fan]

Awesome, I will have to check it out!

[jmlaboda]

Our local Home Depot wouldn't cut it for us when we broke a window so we went with Lowe's.

[aikorob]

Lexan (or generic polycarbonate) will hold up longer than Plexiglass

[gkoproske]

IMHO, I would offer that you don't do it.  I've had kid experience, they act better than adults sometimes.  I think plexi kinda ruins the effect of a model railroad just by it being there.  Can't take photos, gets in the way, doesn't look very attractive. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

IMHO, I would offer that you don't do it.  I've had kid experience, they act better than adults sometimes.  I think plexi kinda ruins the effect of a model railroad just by it being there.  Can't take photos, gets in the way, doesn't look very attractive. 

And for that reason, it's wise to make it removable.

[bman]

Anyone ever tried trees to accomplish this?  Like replicating the edge of a woods along the right of way?  It'd be a view block depending on the height of your railroad, but I'm guessing most of us are tall enough for that not to be a problem.  It could possibly make for some interesting photos.  Thoughts?  There's an edge along the club railroad we're building that we've tossed this idea around.  More to keep folks from leaning on said layout than cars dropping to the floor, but that's also a small hazard along this edge.

[sirenwerks]

And for that reason, it's wise to make it removable.

Word.  Use a keyhole slot for mounting. 


And don't forget these plastics require a special cleaner to maintain.  Use Windex and you'll lose your transparency soon enough.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Anyone ever tried trees to accomplish this?  Like replicating the edge of a woods along the right of way?  It'd be a view block depending on the height of your railroad, but I'm guessing most of us are tall enough for that not to be a problem.  It could possibly make for some interesting photos.  Thoughts?  There's an edge along the club railroad we're building that we've tossed this idea around.  More to keep folks from leaning on said layout than cars dropping to the floor, but that's also a small hazard along this edge.

Use metal armatures. And sharpen em.

[Upstate Gator]

Be careful drilling the material. I've seen plenty of examples with starburst patterns around the hole.

There are a few videos on YouTube, including this one:

Ben

[C855B]

Be careful drilling the material. I've seen plenty of examples with starburst patterns around the hole.
...

Not so much the drilling per se, it's drilling the hole to screw size, or even under-drilling thinking you'll get better grip, or... heaven forbid... countersinking, which further weakens the plastic around the hole. Acrylics, especially, expand and contract with temperature quite a bit more than most common layout materials, and tight-fit fasteners inevitably result in starburst failures or worse. Always drill oversize - 1/4" for #8 screws, for example - and expect to secure the panel under washers with very light pressure. You'll typically see cone (trim) washers on plastic panels done properly. The problem is less severe with polycarbonates, but you still want to allow for fastener looseness.

[peteski]

If done properly, acrylic barriers can look good.  Making them easily removable for taking photos is a must.  Here is an older thread we discussed just this exact subject: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34680.msg403004#msg403004

[seusscaboose]

Anyone ever tried trees to accomplish this?  Like replicating the edge of a woods along the right of way?  It'd be a view block depending on the height of your railroad, but I'm guessing most of us are tall enough for that not to be a problem.  It could possibly make for some interesting photos.  Thoughts?  There's an edge along the club railroad we're building that we've tossed this idea around.  More to keep folks from leaning on said layout than cars dropping to the floor, but that's also a small hazard along this edge.

mount the tree armatures on springs so ham hands don't knock them off.