Backdrop Dilemma

[Anonymous]

I am at a point at which I must decide whether or not to have a backdrop or not. Since my layout is two feet deep at the narrowest part, there are many more photo opporutnities from the back of the layout. The layout is also relatively flat, with the exception of one mountain. The reason that I do want a backdrop is that it brings a little more realism to the layout so that when you look at it, you see something that slightly resembles sky or some other background feature, instead of seeing a bed or computer. This realism would greatly affect the quality of my photos. If you have not already picked up on it, photographs are very important to me. Any arguements for or against? I thought of a removable backdrop, but that might be more of a hassle than it's worth.
Thanks,
Reed

[Anonymous]

You've thought about a removable backdrop. How about hinging it so you can easily drop it for photo sessions?

Wayne

[Anonymous]

How tall would the backdrop have to be? I have limited space around the edge of my layout, about 1.5 feet.
Thanks,
Reed

[AntonioFP45]

Bnnnboy,

Absolutely go for it! A backdrop, in my humble opinion, will add greatly to a model railroad's theme.

What kind of budget are you on? Are you basically planning on photographing your potential background or are you buying one that's already commercially available?
What type of "overall" background are you planning on?

Click and check out this website: www.backdropwarehouse.com

May help you with some ideas whether you purchase a backdrop or do it on your own. Keep us posted of your progress!

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

I am on a very low budget. I was thinking of a simple light blue backdrop using 1/4" Masonite, or maybe 3/16" or 1/8" if I support them with 1x2s. If I use 1/8" or 3/16" masonite, I can only have a 6.5" backdrop, whereas if I use 1/4" I can have a 12.5" backdrop. I thought about hinging the backdrop, but I was having difficulty thinkning of a way to keep it upright.
Thanks,
Reed

[CNJ831]

Bnnnboy, could you expand on your last statement about (apparently) being limited to a 6.5" backdrop for 1/8 - 3/16 or 12.5" one using 1/4-inch Masonite? I can't see the logic or limitations.

With regard to backdrops in general anything much less than 18-inches tall really isn't worth the effort (except in a multi-level layout situation) and will tend to detract rather than add to the scene. At 2 feet tall, with a layout level of 44-inches, I feel my backdrop is _just_ sufficient to create the illusion of reality. Less wouldn't have worked. And, yes, I intended it for photography.

CNJ831

[leighant]

Is your layout moveable where you can get behind it to photograph fro the "back"? Out in the middle of the room? Could you put background on the wall.
I am in a different room now, which I share w wife's stuff, but I used to have a room, had walk space "behind" layout and backdrop behind that. My photo is looking directly into the corner of the room....curved corner. Blue sky paint, white spray paint clouds used my own stencils similar to those from New London Industries. Indistinct pine tree line is easy though it takes time to paint a million of them. Indistinct hills are not too hard either.
http:..www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aad.jpg

(on this layout, I could not photograph town scene from "back" side because tree line blocked view---deliberately to allow another scne on reverse side.)

Specific buildings are more difficult to do convincingly than generic sky, clouds, forest.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aac.jpg

[Anonymous]

If I hinge the backdrop, if there is no support then I can put the hinges near the top of the layout. If there is support, then I must put the hinges at the bottom of the framework, otherwise the backdrop won't lay flat when not in use. I figure that the thinner masonite will need some support to be able to stay flat. My layout is in the middle of the room because around the walls there is a A/C unit, a window, and two doors into storage space. Actually I jujst thought of something. What if I clamped the backdrop onto the frame and then drilled holes for 1/4" carriage bolts so I could bolt the backdrop to the framework when I wanted it there and take it off when it was not necessary. This way I could have a 24" backdrop and not have to worry about clearances around the layout. when the backdrop is not in use, I can store it under the layout. What do you all think about this new idea?
Thanks,
Reed

[CP5170]

I think that it is a very good idea. Thr great part is that you figured it out yourself. Sometimes talking thru an idea draws a solution.

Good Luck...Ken