How do do Scenery (for starters)?

[Anonymous]

Most of my temporary layouts I have made in the past was just the track and the trains. I never had any kind of scenery put anywhere on the layout, mainly because I never had scenery done before. Alot of the website pics of layouts I have seen on this site was quite amazing. I dont think I have that type of skill to make the scenery that has been seen in these layouts.

Is it really that tough to create it, mainly like mountains, roads and such like that? How did some of you guys get into making scenery? I know most people dont bother with any scenery because they dont have the artistic ability others have. If im to plan my future ultimate layout down the line, then I will need to learn about making good scenery.

Chris

[Roger Bielen]

A lot of what I used I learned from my father many years ago. Also I was not afraid to try, I figure that if it doesn't turn out, get the TNT and start over.

A good book for detailed scenery is "How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery" by Dave Frary, Kalmback Books. The book uses HO but eveything is applicable. Other sources are the magazines and this forum.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I made some trees the other day using small branches from bushes in the yard, clay and moss from the craft section from walmart. The clay was the bake to harden stuff. I took the branches and formed a tapered base with the clay and baked as needed. Took the moss and using hot glue added moss till it looked right. Sprayed the whole thing with hair spray. Turned out pretty good (good enough for me) and cheap!
Jim

[wrmcclellan]

Trainmaster - I use the foam board like you buy at Home Depot as a base. Cut and glue it (glue with Liquid Nails for Projects - Foam) to make land forms. Paint it heavy with cheap latex paint (bought from HD bargain bin - bad mixes usually come out brown). Then spray with 1:4 mix of matte medium (art or craft store) or white glue to water and sprinkle on Woodland Scenics or Scenic Express ground foams. If you do not like it, just go over it again with the paint and do the foam again. You can even moisten it and scrape stuff off if necessary. Don't like the shape - recarve it or add to it. I use Scupltamold (train shop or hobby shop) to fill gaps.

Take the plunge - it's cheap and risk free!

Regards,
Roy

[Anonymous]

I think you need to ask yourself, "what kind of scenery will I be happy with?". Layout size will also come into play. If your layout will be relitively small in size, do you want it to be very "operations" oriented, or do you want to have ample space for scenics?(not easy to have both on a 5x8, like mine is). Many other things can come into play, such as, "what are the chances that I'll be moving within the next few years?"
As you look at the layouts in train magazines, don't feel that yours has to mimic them. To me, most of them look large, with great scenics, or small, and crammed with track. I've chosen a small with scenics route. Two loops with little in the way of "operations", but I love it. My best compliments came from a few guests who said, "Gee, I didn't expect it to be THIS nice". Joe

[pbjwilson]

I've built several layouts over the years and my latest is the nicest. I decided to go really simple this time around.

Started with an exsisting countertop and cut some green carpet to fit. Added some buildings,trees, and lights and a backdrop. The backdrop is a printed fabric.

The buildings that are available now are great. They come with lights installed, all you do is run some wires to them.

All my wiring was done on the surface in green and black wires. You barely notice them.
Found a flat slate type rock for some terrain, will add more real rocks as I find them.

The trains and accessories are so detailed these days you really don't have to add much to make a fine layout.

Use your imagination and keep it simple- Good-luck!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joe0315

I think you need to ask yourself, "what kind of scenery will I be happy with?". Layout size will also come into play. If your layout will be relitively small in size, do you want it to be very "operations" oriented, or do you want to have ample space for scenics?(not easy to have both on a 5x8, like mine is). Many other things can come into play, such as, "what are the chances that I'll be moving within the next few years?"

Very good points there. I know I will be moving again at some point since right now I stay in a duplex, so hopefully my next move will be a permanent one in a house, and with enough space to make the layout I would like on a permanent basis. Im sure there are some good books as well for making good scenery and that doesnt have to cost a fortune.

Chris

[Anonymous]

The photo of Paul's layout is a great example of what can be done without getting into a major project. My 5x8 layout has a tight-pile indoor carpet covering with 2 loops of FasTrack, 1 siding with a manual switch, and 1 "dummy" siding along the front of the layout for some operating trackside accessories. My "scenics" are built as removable "modules", on thin plastic or basswood bases. These also have the advantage of being able to build them off the layout, one at a time. At this point, after 10 months, my layout is about 90% complete, but I could pack it all up, and move it, in one day. Joe