Ideas for blending a model railroad with a finished entertaining space?

[Dave V]

I've always dreamed of having enough income to use kitchen cabinet lowers under my layout with matching valence above.
Geoff

Ooo, I like that!

But, alas...  We dropped enough coin on this house already.  Those cabinets you see in the bar match the cabinets throughout (except for white in the kitchen and the butler's pantry) and they were not cheap!

It's a cool coincidence that the exterior color scheme is a decent approximation to both the PRR and the D&RGW building color scheme!
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[Ed Kapuscinski]

Have you thought about talking to an actual designer/decorator?

Given the subject, I think you might be onto something with the wood. What about something like wooden car siding? I'm thinking maybe something like this?
http://www.shelterness.com/faux-barn-wood-finishes/

[Dave V]

Have you thought about talking to an actual designer/decorator?

Given the subject, I think you might be onto something with the wood. What about something like wooden car siding? I'm thinking maybe something like this?
http://www.shelterness.com/faux-barn-wood-finishes/

Actually, Ed, I think you're on to something there!  We've added some rustic finishes already to the basement, so a rustic fascia would blend in well!  After all, weathered wood is synonymous with the RGS in its later years.  My only concern is that when it shows up in photos (as invariably it will) will the fascia edge be too distracting?

We did work with a designer through the builder on choosing finishes for the basement.  Ironically, she mentioned someone in her family was a model railroader.  I wonder if she'd consult "pro bono."

[jnevis]

I like the idea of the distressed wood fascia.  Maybe if you did the stain in a light enough color, similar to the greys on the site Ed posted, but maybe browns it wouldn't overpower.  That could blend into the beige-ish walls.  I think the darker colors would definitely detract/distract from the rest of the space.  With the bar area being dark it draws focus more there and away from the lighter fascia, even if it went all the way to the floor.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It's worth a shot.

When I was talking about a black fascia, I meant something like a small strip that serves just as a border.

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[basementcalling]

I knew I had seen something like what I think you are after Dave, and finally found it. Adding a thematic touch to the fascia seems like a natural idea for a layout in your setting.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/25107



THe picture I can't post has the name of the CNJ based layout in lazer cut lettering along with the bolt heads. The rusty finish adds an industrial touch.

[MichaelT]

It might have been mentioned already but I didn't see it...

Have you considered using a stain grade wood for your facia and staining it to match your cabinets? With an open space that would pull the elements together without the thought of them being a distraction from each other.

Having coordinating elements even across a room from each other (cabinets, drapes, end tables, etc) can help pull an entire space together.

[chessie system fan]

The next logical step is to make it look like repurposed lumber taken from an old boxcar, complete with faded chalked markings and a grab iron or two (or holes where some were).

[wcfn100]

The next logical step is to make it look like repurposed lumber taken from an old boxcar, complete with faded chalked markings and a grab iron or two (or holes where some were).

A midnight trip to Monte Vista could take car of that.

https://goo.gl/maps/Hyw5sm6J1iB2

Jason

[chuck geiger]

Still one of the best I've seen Dave - http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Home.html

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#2

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#3

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#1

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I know it isn't the same, but I am designing my shelf layout to match the living room in our Thai house.

The furniture is dark wood, very modern:






The layout will be along the wall with the fan - 3 meters long.

Right now the plan is to make a bookcase with "floating" shelves anchored into the wall. Each shelf will be 2" thick, 5-6 in total. The third shelf will hold the layout. This shelf will have a hollow core to hide wiring, switch machines etc. A small control panel will flip down for switching. I hope to use touch sensors under a plexiglass face to give it a modern look without buttons. The throttle will be wireless, possibly phone controlled using a bluerails decoder on the layout itself.

Why floating shelves? The walls are blue and makes a perfect backdrop. I also like to minimize the impact of the layout in the room.

Your project will be much larger. One thing to remember is that a layout is always furniture. That's how guests will see it. That's how it should be designed in a social setting. It should spark conversation, no envelope the room.

I believe it should also match the furniture you have in the room. Obviously this means the bar, but also tables, TV stand and seating. It should all flow.

[garethashenden]

I think that having a "finished" look to it will do most of the work for you if you're careful. Get the backscene done, then the fascia, then the drapes. I think that plain painted/stained fascia boards are the way to go personally. Anything else would be distracting.

[MichaelT]

Still one of the best I've seen Dave - http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Home.html

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#2

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#3

http://www.patchrailroad.net/The_Patch/Patch_Photos/Pages/Finished_Layout_Photos.html#1

That is nice. Very well done to compliment the space in the room.

[mark.hinds]

Have you considered a lightbox-type arrangement, like this:  http://nwprr.net/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=07pfv5lgzkmag ?  Kind of like a framed picture, if you do it right. 

MH

[Dave V]

Have you considered a lightbox-type arrangement, like this:  http://nwprr.net/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=07pfv5lgzkmag ?  Kind of like a framed picture, if you do it right. 

MH

I don't know if I'd do a valence or not.