Backdrops
Take your layout to the next level by creating a more realistic backdrop. Whether you want rolling hills for the countryside or blue sky for a cityscape, these are the expert techniques you need to give your scenes a new layer of depth.
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9:04Model Railroad Scenery Techniques: Blending into the Backdrop
As many model railroaders know, blending water into the backdrop can be challenging. In this video, expert modeler Tom Lund shares some of his model railroad scenery techniques for blending scenery into the backdrop with rocks, trees and water on his Lake Superior layout. Painting model railroad backdrops that blend seamlessly When building realistic model…
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12:25How to Paint an Inexpensive Model Railroad Backdrop
Backdrops were the exception on model railroad layouts a half-century ago, but nowadays most layouts feature a painted backdrop of some sort to add realism, depth and conceal unwanted background features like walls, pipes and water tanks and softeners. In this video, Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone shares some tips on selecting an appropriate material…
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3:29Using Masonite as a Model Railroad Backdrop
If you’re thinking about a good material to form the background to your layout, consider using masonite as a model railroad backdrop. Masonite is one of the most inexpensive and curvable materials to use, and Master Model Railroader, Gerry Leone, share some tips as to how he has mounted ⅛” masonite for model railroad backdrops.…
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10:02Use Markers to Create Urban Model Railroad Buildings
Those of us model railroaders who have urban scenes on our layouts are often dismayed at the high cost of buying building kits to create realistic scenes to fill vast spaces. Finding enough variety of building shapes and architectural styles is also problematic. Watch as Expert Modeler Tom Lund creates urban model railroad buildings at…
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3:16Painting Clouds on a Model Railroad Backdrop
In a layout as large as his (25’ x 62’), painting clouds on a model railroad backdrop can seem a daunting task and, in fact, Bruce Carpenter had never painted a cloud only two years ago. But he shows MRA’s Allen Keller a quick and easy method he learned for creating realistic-looking clouds using inexpensive…
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5:24Creating Realistic Stone Walls on Your Layout
As with all other scenery components on a layout, weathering the walls of your structures is highly important for adding realism and intrigue to your model railroad. Many real railroads feature buildings, tunnels and other structures in towns and along the tracks that were constructed from stone and concrete, so it’s only natural that some…
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13:30Creating and Operating a More Realistic Model Railroad
Designing and building the most realistic model railroad layout possible requires attention to detail and a huge amount of labor. From the backdrop to the timetable, every aspect of a worthwhile railroad should be meticulously thought through and executed. Some modelers believe a good railroad takes decades to finish, while others say it’s never truly…
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7:32Tips for Painting Backdrops for Model Railroads
Nothing completes a model railroad quite like a well made backdrop. You can add a remarkable amount of realism to your model railroad layouts by setting the scene for a nice blue sky day with a room-brightening backdrop. To create your own illuminating backdrops for model railroads, all you’ll need are a few basic materials…
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10:02Disguising Your Scenery-Backdrop Joint
Seamlessly blending your backdrop into your model railroad scene can be tricky at times. Tony Koester offers some helpful tips for blending streams, rivers and roads with the backdrop. To help avoid situation where the scene intersects the backdrop and forms a 90 degree angle, Tony recommends using a photo backdrop; buy them commercially or…
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