1" gap between layout & backdrop

[FJ and G]

Does anyone do this? They say there are 2 good reasons to leave a gap:

1. Allows you to fold the horizon down slightly so it appears to go on indefinitely.

2. Allows you to install lights with dimmer switch below the table, to shine thru the crack, simulating varying degrees of sunlight; depending on how you adjust the dimmer switch-----otherwise, if you don't have this crack, the light will often form shadows on the backdrop from various layout structures and natural elements.

[ndbprr]

Haven't done t becasue I am usually trying to gain every inch of space available but your point about lighting is well taken and could make for some evening operating sessions.

[FJ and G]

ndbprr,

So, you are trying to gain space. This does that by making the layout appear larger, paradoxically. I'm planning to do this on my relatively narrow shelf layout.

[Anonymous]

I have a 1-1/2" space between the back wall and the layout, which will someday have a picture on it and become a backdrop. I plan to install indirect lighting with dimmer.

[Eriediamond]

Another good reason for the gap is to give the illusion of depth. In other words as you move along the layout it alows the scenery to move also. Am I making sense here?

[FJ and G]

Erie,

not really; but it sounds good to me. [:)]

[Jetrock]

If you are modeling a scene that is supposed to be very deep (like a prairie scene) then that gap can be good--or even, say, the "other" side of a mountain line (the viewer is facing the train from the hillside and looking out at the mountains in the distance across the tracks.) since the added bit of parallax will add depth to the scene. If you are modeling a scene where the real-world background would not be very deep (forest, urban, etc.) then it might not be that effective a technique--although an urban scene with an inch or so of depth is far superior visually to one that is simply a series of flats--the 3-D effect of half-flats and the effects of parallax create a more pleasing effect.

My layout is flat against the backdrop but most of its interface has buildings 1/2"\2-1/2" thick at the edge to disguise the backdrop.

[Eriediamond]

Thanks jetrock, I think that is what I was trying to say. It's kind of like driving along a hwy with a mountain off in the distance. You drive by a house or farm and it moves past you, but the mountain appears to be traveling the speed you are. does that make more sense now F J and G???

[FJ and G]

thanks Erie and Jet,

I get it now! Jet's scientific explanation with the parallax and stuff just floored me.

This is definitely a case where an inch is really as good as a mile!