Model Railroad Hobbyist | January 2015 | #59
sale. See
Similar material can be found at other
fabric and craft stores.
We initially experimented with some landscaper grade burlap
we got for free, but found it was difficult to work with. Wrinkles
prevented it from lying flat, and its looser weave allowed too
much plaster to leak through. The fabric from Jo-Ann’s is flex-
ible but has a tight weave.
1. Form a grid of corrugated cardboard strips to support the
plaster and burlap scenery shell. Staples hold the latticework
together.
BURLAP HARDSHELL | 4
Building with burlap
To form general land contours, hot-glue front-to-back strips
between the backdrop and roadbed or fascia, then staple
lengthwise strips on top [1].
When the lattice is in place, run continuous strips of cardboard
[2] along all the backdrop, fascia, and roadbed edges of the
landforms. This prevents lumpy droops and sags from forming
at the edges, allows tacking down the fabric snugly, and adds
considerable strength along the edges.
Use scissors to cut the fabric to match the area to be covered.
Absolute precision isn’t a must, but excess material will need to
be cut away as the material is smoothed into place.
2. A strip of cardboard stapled along the edges makes the grid
much stronger and gives a firm attachment point for the bur-
lap cloth.
