Backdrops??

[Anonymous]

Im wodering what is the best way to go about making a backdrop for my layout????

Nate

[challenger3802]

Scenery applicable to the area you're modelling - Trees, countryside and villages, or a city sky-scape. The choice is yours. Also think about the period you're modelling in, if your stock is 1910's it's no good having sky scrapers in the background.

Ian

[cwclark]

Walthers has some good backdrops called instant horizons...they are nice backdrops...chuck

[Anonymous]

There are scenery books out there that show you how to make your own, depending upon how complicated you want them. Check out Dave Frary's book on scenery, that's what I used.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

What a coincidence! Nate, I just posted a question about my backdrop when I noticed your Topic. As I mentioned, mine is a photo mural of a "city skyline" which was a little pricy but as realistic as it gets. I was not convinced with the Walthers "Instant Horizons" city buildings although Walthers other scenic views are rather nice. I apologize that the product name escapes my memory but the product is listed in Walther's Catalog in the Scenery section. Be forewarned that the "mural" has an unnatural dull sheen which is the title of my Topic posted 4/18/05 (today). Keep an eye open for answers to my "Topic" if you choose to go with photographed back drops. Happy rails to you, Ted

[Anonymous]

What is best way? Depends. How much can you spend? There are really nice photo backdrops from Backdrop Warehouse and Realistic Backgrounds. If photo backdrops are too expensive then painting is another option. You can do it yourself, even if you only paint a blue sky color. There is a lot to say and different ways on how to paint backdrops. Some use 1/8" hardbord, others use the back linolem, styrene, aluminum or the wall behind the layout as the base for the background.
I have the book Scenery for Your Model Railroad by Mike Danneman, and it has some very good information on how to paint backdrops. There are other publications and articles that you can find on the subject. Kalmbach Publishing sells a downloadable article on building and painting backdrops.