Rolled Roofing Effect Using Toilet Paper

July 10, 2007

Here is a clever, simple yet little known tip for constructing a roof for a building on your model railroad layout.

Single ply toilet paper (without a pattern) can be an ideal material for roofs on structures. Cut it into ½” wide strips and lay the first strip a little on the roof. Make sure that it is slightly longer than the length of the roof. Use some Floquil weathered black or roof brown to paint the lower edge paint in position.

Keep on adding the strips to the roof until one side of the roof is completely covered.

Do the same on the other side.

Cut a thin strip to represent the cap strip and apply it to where the two sections meet at the peak.

Wait for the paint to completely dry before trimming the edges with a sharp blade knife.

This simple model railroading trick provides you with a very realistic looking rolled roofing effect.