Backdrop 1

Backdrops are an interesting beast. There are many philosophies as to what the role of a model railroad backdrop should be and which technique best achieves that role.

• No backdrop.

• A quick and simple, flat blue sky and perhaps a hint of distant hills is best for giving an impression of an extended environment while also not drawing too much attention to itself and allowing the focus of the scene to remain on the models. 

• A  lightly detailed backdrop composed of painted mountains hills and forests and trees. Think Bob Ross and his landscapes. 

• A highly detailed, extremely realistic backdrop composed of mostly photographic elements will help to set the models into the scene and is less likely to betray the effect of realism that model railroaders strive for in their work.

As indicated in earlier posts - i have build this layout as a sectional design. As such the backdrops are no more than 4x8 foot panels . I made no effort to spackle tape and sand seams between panels. I also decided not to curve the corners or cove the top of the backdrop with the ceiling, rather I will attempt to hide the corner with scenery elements.

As for sky color I noticed that in the Pacific Northwest wide expanses and an upward look revealed a deeper sky blue while narrow expanses and a more horizontal level look showed a more washed out blue. Using several pictures taken while i was  living in the Pacific Northwest I took those pictures to the local big box store and had them matched on the color computer. The upper deck would have the deeper sky blue, the lower level would have the more washed out blue.

I spent the past week spackling and sanding screw holes and imperfections, and then painting the backdrops.  I was nervous going into the project, but the process was pretty simple and straight-forward and I could not be happier with the results. While the paint chip here looks dark, when the decks are lit with 5000k LEDs they look much better. I'm using two coats of paint to ensure even coverage. The Upper Rear L-Girders are painted as well to minimize any visual or photo distractions at the lower level.

Once each module is initially constructed and rough scenery is installed, I will use a overhead projector and color transparencies of my selected background photos to sketch in cloud formations and background scenic elements necessary to complete the scene. I plan to use the Bob Ross technique of painting to complete the scene.