anyone make n scale backboards

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Anyone make backboards in n-scale? I would prefer etched parts

[CoalPorter]

I was thinking basketball backboards for the intercity scene look. That be cool too. I don't think anyone makes a n scale basketball court.

[RockGp40]

Anyone make backboards in n-scale? I would prefer etched parts

What are you trying to do, mimic a motor vehicle crash with EMS?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Backboards are standard issue on most modern fire trucks. They are often mounted externally, usially over the ladder or the suction hoses.

If anyone is whipping up some etched parts, can you e-mail me? I would like to add this in some of the unused fret. I can't etch to save my life.

daniel_leavitt2004@yahoo.com

[John Burkush]

Anyone make backboards in n-scale? I would prefer etched parts

The plastic ones in your image have been around for about 25 years or so.
Until the plastic ones came out we used backboards made from 3/4" plywood with handholds
cut into the sides and 2 hardwood ribs along the bottom for strength and to be able to pick
it up off the street. You can make some backboards out scraps from a laser kit and use a fine
black pencil to draw the handholds and stain them dark brown and finish with gloss.
When I started on the MFD 32 years ago thats all we used; up until recently you would
occasionaly come accross one on a mutual aid call or in the ER waiting to be picked up by
some ambulance company. The down side to the wood boards was the pins and screws showed up
on the X-rays when an accident victim was brought in. but at the time thats all we had up here
in NH.
Bottom line: make some up from wood and you will be safe from the prototype police.
John B.

[CoalPorter]

You could probably start with some N scale metal roof walk and modify it somehow. or maybe you could use n scale metal freight car ladders as a start and solder more parts to it. ? ???

[RockGp40]

[The plastic ones in your image have been around for about 25 years or so.
Until the plastic ones came out we used backboards made from 3/4" plywood with handholds
cut into the sides and 2 hardwood ribs along the bottom for strength and to be able to pick
it up off the street.

We used wooden backboards up until 1993 in Baltimore County, MD, and slightly later in Anne Arundel County. There was quite the uproar about possible disease spread from the wood grooves, so that required the switch to the plastic boards. I like the plastic, easier to clean and lighter to use.

[Sokramiketes]

Can't just print it out on cardstock and cut it out?  Photoetch is cool and all, but unless you need 100 of these things, seems like the cardstock would be quick enough.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The backboard is only 18" wide... the hand holds are only 2-3" wide. I can't cut that accurate. I also need about 20 for my fire truck fleet.

[Sokramiketes]

The backboard is only 18" wide... the hand holds are only 2-3" wide. I can't cut that accurate. I also need about 20 for my fire truck fleet.

Can the holes just be black?  Then you're just cutting the perimeter...

[up1950s]

This sounds like the perfect impetus to learn how to photo-etch . Maybe the question should be , how can I do this , and just what should I buy . This would be an interesting learning project for myself , as well as others . How does one get to that first step , the photo that one applies to the process ?

Found it , a CAD program is needed , as well as a laser printer . I guess the photo etch kit will stay on my shelf for another 7 years .
http://www.starshipmodeler.com/tech/fh_pe.htm

[Chris333]

Any drawing program and a ink jet printer works for me.

[TrainCat2]

Done!!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Bob, did you etch the parts? That would be great!

[TrainCat2]

I did the artwork and stuck them in some open spaces on a upcoming sheet.