I needed a simple, inexpensive way to mount backdrops on my new layout. I already had some from my old HO layout which I planned to reuse, and those were custom-printed by LARC Products on self-adhesive vinyl. The sky images were mounted 3/16" thick Gatorfoam. However, they weren't the right length for my new layout and a large seam fell where I didn't want it to. And I don't like the color of them anymore... they are too cold and bluish purple. But they work okay for now.
Since I sometimes work on my layout from the rear side, I wanted them easily removable. The solution I came up with is custom-made "U" shaped brackets that mount on the back of the layout.
They are made from aluminum U-channels. The inside width of the "U" portion is 1", which is just right for my 3/4" thick benchwork lumber and the 3/16" Gatorfoam. It leaves a slight clearance gap of about 1/16" to drop the backdrop in easily from the top, and the U-bracket is tall enough to keep it in the vertical position.
I had my local metal store cut me 20 pieces that are 2" long, and I cleaned up the edges on my belt sander to remove any burrs. The cost for all of them was about $20. Now that I have a bandsaw, I could make them myself for a lot less. Then, I drilled them with 1/8" diameter holes on one side for mounting screws.
I slipped them under the bottom of the rear 1x4 benchwork piece and screwed them on from the inside. They stuck out the back with the gap and the backdrops dropped right in.
Because my current lumber is slightly thinner than what I used on my HO layout, they have more slop and lean forward. However, I just need to slip in a thin piece of cardstock from a cereal box to tighten up the gap more and they will be fine.
I used two brackets per 6' length of benchwork which is adequate for my purposes. And now they hide the blue concrete blocks behind the layout.
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