backdrop first or track?

[Anonymous]

I don't see why you shouldn't put up your backdrop against the walls and at least get it painted basic blue.I saw a few layouts where the guys used thin Masonite,or even Linoleum,and put it up and painted itand rounded the corners with it,before they even started benchwork.That's what I did on my last layout,and I'm gonna do it this time,too.I can see not putting up deviders or false buildings or the like first,but it's a tremendous time saver doing all that work on a bare wall.And George P.,be careful with that "vapor barrier" on the roof..My buddy [strangely,also a George P...]did the same thing,and he had a few minor leaks,bad enough to get water inside,but not enough to really show up.the water got trapped between the rafters,and it de-laminated all the plywood on his roof!!!

[Anonymous]

my layout has more of that battlefield type look sopainted the sky gray, and i plan to make mist but using a fog machine and placing it to the side of the layout and having it blow acorss the top of it

[2021]

I agree that you need to have a track plan first, BUT only paint the walls a basic blue. Then do the benchwork, and then the final backdrop. You can't do a backdrop until you know the right heights. Get to early and you're mountains may end up as valleys if you get my drift (ha-ha). Good luck.
Ron K.

[peterjenkinson1956]

you must prep ypur room first.... i have seen some great layouts in rooms that were terrible... it does not matter what you use to seal the ceiling so long as it is sealed... drywall or wood panelling if you can afford it or simply staple builders plastic the type used under concrete

when i built my layout 20' x 20' i built the base boards ..then painted a basic generic backdrop of hills... the thing to remember is that the hils get more gray as the are further away (atmospheric haze ).. i painted rolling hills and did not put any detail on them then when i did the scenary trees , buildings etc the hills were allready inplace then if i wanted to highlite any part of the background it was quite simple to do

i am building my new layout in a purpose built train room 30' x 20 ' and this is the way i will do it... a room with recessed lighting , air cond , nice flooring etc a good room makes an average layout look very good..... peter

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chateauricher

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4664challenger
(...) i was wondering what would be easier, starting with the backdrop,or making a track plan, (...)

Contrary to what everyone else has suggested, I think you should start with the track plan first.

You should build a layout in this order ...

1. track plan;


2. paint backdrop;


3. build benchwork; then


4. everything else (including laying track; scenery; buildings/structures; wiring; etc.).

If you don't have a plan, you won't know how to paint your backdrop. The plan will dictate the location of cities/towns, mountains/hills/valleys, forests/fields, etc. Which, in turn, determines your backdrop.

Boy am I dumb, this is the correct way. Geez, old age!!!

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4664challenger
(...) i was wondering what would be easier, starting with the backdrop,or making a track plan, (...)

Contrary to what everyone else has suggested, I think you should start with the track plan first.

You should build a layout in this order ...

1. track plan;


2. paint backdrop;


3. build benchwork; then


4. everything else (including laying track; scenery; buildings/structures; wiring; etc.).

If you don't have a plan, you won't know how to paint your backdrop. The plan will dictate the location of cities/towns, mountains/hills/valleys, forests/fields, etc. Which, in turn, determines your backdrop.

[sansouci]

I saw a recent article in October Railroad Model Craftsman by Don Spiro that made a strong case for backdrops first and make them from sheet styrene rather than masonite. I personally hate drywall and would rather use slotwall or cheap paneling that's painted for non-backdrop surfaces.
>Ken

[cacole]

If that basement has open floor joists, every time someone walks across the floor upstairs, dirt is going to filter down onto your layout. First and foremost, seal off those joists by putting a ceiling in the basement; preferable one with good recessed lighting fixtures installed, too.

[Anonymous]

Room prep is critical. If you don't have the cash for a clean, dry, well-lit room BEFORE you draw the track plans, reconsider your priorities. As everyone mentioned sealing off every square inch of the room with tile, dry wall and new concrete floor and window removal has to be the first step for prolonged enjoyment.

Include your backdrop masonite when you start your framework. This is by far the easiest time to access it without any accidents to your roadbed lattice work.

[claycts]

BACKDROP, get your masonite up and painted.
I sealed my attic where the layout WAS going with plastic drop cloth material and held it up with window screen lattice. Simple, then you can put a finsh over it, I was going to use drywall. I figured that was a vapor barrier and dust barrier in one.
George P.

[dehusman]

put a drop cieling or even stapling cieling tiles to the rafters cuts a lot of the dust. Sealing the floor with a coat of floor paint stops the dust off the concrete floor (or carpet). You might even want to get those interlocking rubber floor mats to walk on.

I would put in the backdrop before the track, less likelihood of damaging the track dragging a sheet of masonite over it.

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

i haven't posted in awhile, but i tore my layout down and i am starting over again, i plan to do a WWII theme. and i was wondering what would be easier, starting with the backdrop,or making a track plan, and my layout is in a really old dusty basement, is there anyway to reduce dust and other stuff getting on my tracks and buildings?
thanx guyz and girls