Hey, does anyone know about using dividing backdrops on a small loop Layout. It would keep the loop from looking so plain (help to hide the fact that Its a loop.) All I’ve seen are ones with large mountains, running up to the top to meet with the blue sky. My layout will Have relatively flat terrian though:(
I’ve heard of using buildings to create a divide too...
Scenic dividers are common on small layouts, particualary in recent years. Our host has featured a number of them in their magazine.
Buildings, trees, hills/mountains have also been used with and without a divider (backdrop).
Another way. Here is a plan from an NMRA region that uses a street and two rows of buildings http://www.gatewaynmra.org/2003/gateway-central-4x6-foot-small-ho-scale-model-railroad-layout/http://www.carendt.com/
Micro Layouts. Some with dividers http://www.carendt.com/
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
I have a 4x6 with a scenic divider, to do just what you are tryiing to to, make the trains go somewhere. I have a passing siding on each side, so if I have visitors I can fool them into thinking the train will come out where it did before. Nope, another train comes from the other direction. The layout was set up DC, but I now have DCC in anticipation of a larger layout.
The backdrop is only sky blue, faded at the bottom. It is removable as I made a slot in a 2x4 for it to set in, but foam completely hides the 2x4. I used foam hills in front of it that roll down before getting to the divider. My hills have puff ball trees on them, so they look distant, smaller trees in front of them help make the illusion of distance. Individual trees could be placed fairly close together to make it look like lower hills. On one end I have a deep rock cut, on the other a thick clump of trees close to the edge to hide the approaching train. The backdrop is not full length and neither centered nor parallel to the side of the layout. That leaves me room for a two track siding (yard) on the "front" side. My diviider is just high enough so you cannot see the trains on the other sidem thus I usually operate from the end.
I do have a plexiglass saftey barrier around the edge, as with a 4x6 there is not a lot of space. It can be lifted out if I want to work on trackwork or scenery clost to the edge.
Currently the back side of the layout is pretty much pink foam. Originally it was planned to be a display layout, with the unfinished side showing folks just what was underneath the scenery, (Lost the vehicle it was suppose to travel in.)
Buildings, tunnels and overpasses have also been used successfully to disguise the disappearing train.
Good luck,
Richard
Nscsx I see you gave up on trying to to sell your layout... good luck on your build.
Steve
If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!