Prototype Information
Many modelers think of the sky portion of a backdrop as just a blue
color of some kind. Depending on the modeling scale the sky can be an important or unimportant to the overall look and feel of the layout.
The color of the sky is different based on time of day, location, atmospheric condition, weather etc. It can be one color on very clear and bright days, it can be multi-colored from high to horizon based on haze and dust It can be multiple shades of red based on sunrise and sunset conditions. It can be cloudy or cloud-free.
Modeling Information
There are several modeling techniques when it comes to creating a sky background.
Photomural.
There are a variety of photo-mural companies that have sky either as a
part of the landscape or sky individualized. Modelers can use a variety
of software programs to 'cut and paste' sky images for printing and
installation.
Single color. This technique involves the use of one color. That color is painted onto the backdrop either by brush/roller or air brush.
Layered. One can reproduce a sky color gradient with a single blue, with increasing additions of white at lower levels. Alternatively, one can choose a range of blue colors from a commercial palette. The sky is hazier at the horizon and a deeper blue at it apex. Spray painting a soft band of white provides this affect.
Fabric. Trevor Marshall used three different colors as backdrop 'sky": black, gray and plain blue fabric (or painted polystyrene sheets). He chose those colors as they aid in focusing one’s attention on the models.
Paint
Sky color is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone has a different view to the color of sky. Custom color based on photographs or color determined by a color card are valid strategies.
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Here are some suggestions from modelers whose blogs I have read. Model Railroad Hobbyist has a great forum to read about sky color. It's where I got the image on the right.
Forum participants suggested a variety of colors, including:
Behr 540B-4 Horizon Haze (eggshell)
Benjamin Moore Blue Veil
Behr Nevada Sky (520A-3) (Flat) with a Titanium White fade
Glidden " Wild Blue Yonder"
Walmart Color Place "Song Blue Sonata
Behr Utah Sky (560A-3)
Paint
finish should also be considered. Finish choices are flat, eggshell,
and satin. It appears that flat and eggshell are the preferred finishes
(when stated).
Clouds. At each station section, modifications to the basic sky color can/will be applied. Satsop River will have a sky filled with darkening clouds suggesting imminent rainfall. Other locations will have varying degrees of white billowing clouds .See 5.4.2 Clouds for the modeling techniques.
The WWSL
The WWSL scenery rule is simple: I see the trees not the forest. Scenery is primarily close up. Mid - and far scenery doesn't exist on the WWSL except for a couple of locations: Satsop River, North River and Headquarters Junction. The majority of my sky is not seen, and what is seen is the look of a cloudless, sunny September day in western Washington.
Modeling Technique
Single Color Process.
I use the single color technique. I used two sky colors. On the top level I used a medium blue I had formulated from a color photograph I took from the modeled area. The height of the top level and the right of way land-forms forces the the viewer to look upward to the darker blue sky.
On the lower level, I used a lighter blue. also formulated from a color photograph. The height of the lower level forces the viewer to look straight (when sitting) or downward to a lighter blue sky..
The technique was easy. Prior to the installation of the upper level track support sections (L-Girder) I used a roller to paint the entire backdrop panel in the appropriate sky blue color. The technique is also easier to touch up when making cloud mistakes!
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| Basic upper and lower level backdrop sky colors |
Layered Method
Several modelers have written about their layered sky technique. You will find their techniques here and here and here.
Reference
Mike Danneman: Painting Backdrops For Your Model Railroad
Andy Sperandeo: A Backdrop For The Washita & Santa Fe – Mr Nov 1982
Dave Frary: Realistic Model Railroad Scenery – Kalmbach
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