Backdrop project

[Frank53]

Bought some downtown deco wall sections to build a abandoned factory backdrop, which started out like this:





The individual boarded up window sections, read FOR RENT H12-7339, as I am trying to have a 40's theme and at that time phone numbers started with letters.

The painting didn't go well the first time out of the gate:



Back to the drawing board. Mrs 53 got hold of it a few days ago and she kicked butt on it. I think the colors are vastly improved.



I bought some Model Power HO goosenecks and put three on the wall. I am going to add four more, as these are a bit weak.

[daan]

On my layout I've been into building backdrops the last few weeks as well. I'm making mine with 4mm MDF sheet and then jigsawing out the windows of it.
It makes a big improvement when you just put a wall behind the layout, the appearance is changing directly. Instead of an abrupt end of the world, it seems to go on..
You could also use aquarium backdrops, they are sold as Cork sheets looking like rocks.

Nice work.

[Jumijo]

Great looking warehouse, Frank. The Frosty Bar your wife painted is also a very well done project. (Does she take commisions?)

I'm going to use 1/8" masonite for my backdrops. Here's my plan to make it appear more 3-dimensional. I'm going to paint the sky and clouds first, then the distant mountains. I'll paint those a slightly darker shade of blue than the sky. A closer range of mountains will be in front of that. Joint compound will be built up to simulate rock texture, then painted a more realistic gray and green. Then, I'll apply some couse turf foam and some clump foam to simulate foliage on the mountains. In front of the backdrop, I'll add some bushes and trees to add even more dimensionality.

Jim

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat

Great looking warehouse, Frank. The Frosty Bar your wife painted is also a very well done project. (Does she take commisions?)

I'm going to use 1/8" masonite for my backdrops. Here's my plan to make it appear more 3-dimensional. I'm going to paint the sky and clouds first, then the distant mountains. I'll paint those a slightly darker shade of blue than the sky. A closer range of mountains will be in front of that. Joint compound will be built up to simulate rock texture, then painted a more realistic gray and green. Then, I'll apply some couse turf foam and some clump foam to simulate foliage on the mountains. In front of the backdrop, I'll add some bushes and trees to add even more dimensionality.

Jim

sounds sweet Jim. I'll trade you a Frosty Bar for three twelve foot sections of mountains.

Heck, I'll even throw in a switch tower! [:D]

[Jumijo]

Hmmmm . . . I do need a switch tower. [;)]

Jim

[Frank53]

I'll send you the one I promised Chief. I figure by the time he finishes his benchwork, I'll be in an assisted living home.

[Jumijo]

Throw in that gorgeous 726 Berk of yours and we have a deal!

Your switch tower came out very nice. I'm going to be looking for one at the Greenberg show this weekend.

Jim

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat

Throw in that gorgeous 726 Berk of yours and we have a deal!

Your switch tower came out very nice. I'm going to be looking for one at the Greenberg show this weekend.

Jim

no deal on the Berk - I'm having it placed in my coffin.

As for teh switch tower - check out Dennis B's article in teh January CTT - he does a great job of enhancing an ordinary item. Add a few N-Sclae street lights like I did for lights at the doors and you'll have a nice model.

As an aside, I bought mine when I was about ten years old with grass cutting money. I found teh original box with teh prices marked on it:



You'll have a tough time getting one at that price.

[FJ and G]

Very nice, Frank.

Where'd ya get the lamp?

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

Very nice, Frank.

Where'd ya get the lamp?

Dave:

I was mistaken, these are made by Bachmann, not Model Power. They are HO and I picked it up at the Local Hobby Shop

[FJ and G]

Thanks Frank, who writes:

"no deal on the Berk - I'm having it placed in my coffin."

--------

You must be a shriner :-)

[Frank53]

nah, I'm just attached to my trains. My Dad bought that train before I was born, and it was his favorite. It's close to 60 years old and runs as smooth as silk. Have yet to fry any of the boards, oh wait - it doesn't have any boards!

[Jumijo]

Frank,

Admit it. You've been tempted to buy the Polar Express set. Well, did you get one?

Jim

[Frank53]

I did get a Polar Express set and the two add on cars. Haven't run it yet, and only took a couple of cars from the box. I'm going to run it on the lower level of my layout. COnsidering I am still working on teh top level, and teh main level is between teh top and lower levels -it'll be a while.

[Jumijo]

Frank,

set the PE up under the tree and enjoy it. This is THE time of year for that train! Put 8 drops of smoke fluid in it first. It will hold it.

Jim

[dougdagrump]

Frank, They turned out great. [8D]