Backdrop

[Anonymous]

I've heard that bigger is better when doing a backdrop. Is there some sort of standard for backdrop height relative to layout size or does it depend more on what type of scene is depicted? Is is more advantageous to do the backdrop before starting scene construction as it is easier to work with while the platform is empty. Thanks for any advice you can give me. [?]

[Anonymous]

Backdrops are as varied in nature as modellers overall choices of layout design. There are no 'rules'.
Backdrops have been done on sheets of masonite, linoleum, styrene, or many other materials. They have also been painted directly on walls.
They can be any height up to the ceiling limitation of the room.

Often, a low height is used ( 12" - 18")when the layout is at eye level, or when it is portable, like a module.
It can be much easier to paint a backdrop when there's nothing in front of it, but some modellers make their backdrops removable, so they can be painted off the layout altogether.
Backdrops can be all paint, or photomurals, or printed pictures, or made with combinations of these, like partly painted scenery, with cut out pictures of buildings or other items....and with some 'low profile' three dimensional aspects. A good scenery book can help. I recommend Dave Frary's "Realistic Model RR Scenery", a Kalmbach book.
regards
Mike[:D]

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mike, especially for the tip on the scenery book. As I mentioned, I just finished my benchwork and its placement is such that whatever backdrop I'm intending (likely a photo copy) would be easier to get to now than later. If you have any other tips in this regard I'd sure appreciate hearing them. Thanks again. Take care.
Steve

[CBQ_Guy]

Good info from Mike. Let me add a couple thoughts for consideration...

I'm thinking of a backdrop on a peninsula specifically here -- some considerations I've read in the past are to base the height on whether you want operators on opposite sides of the aisle to be able to look over the top and see each other. I don't as it promotes, as they say, "non-railroading thoughts" (aka distracton which detracts from the illusion we're trying to create). On the flip side, though, I think there should be some sort of open space above the penisular backdrop to promote healthy air circulation throughout the basement, as well as conditioned air movement through the area more effectively. This might seem like a no brainer but if your basement ceiling height is a bit on the "challenged" side, you may have to balance the above considerations when choosing the backdrop height.