Rob’s been busy getting his model railroad backdrop just right:
“Hi Al,
I created a mural for the back of my layout earlier on in the build of my Colorado and North Western.
But I was not happy with it and had the intention to create or improve it and then have it reprinted.
I worked on the new version of the model railroad backdrop/backscene off and on for a number of weeks. When I arrived at what I thought would be a better picture, I had it printed.
It really turned out well and this time I am very happy with it. I did have to adjust it slightly after I got it back from the printer and the method I used is demonstrated in the video.
I am including a real photo of Longs Peak which figures prominently on my backdrop. I though some folks would enjoy seeing what It really looks like (first picture below).
The backdrop is not a photo, it is an original creation by me.
I have included a photo of my Hiway Cafe’ because it relates to the backdrop. There is a miniature version of the back scene along the wall in the cafe’ behind the counter. It is very hard to see, but it is there none-the-less.
Rob”
A huge thanks to Hall of Fame member, Rob.
It’s wonderful to see a layout come to life, especially one like this.
If you want to get up to date with what Rob has been busy with, his last post is here.
When it comes to model railroad backdrops, there’s quite a few posts on the blog about them:
Fred’s amazing model train backdrop.
Brian’s scenery and hills backdrop ‘how to’.
How to create a sky backdrop for your model railroad
Plemnty of model railroad backdrops there for you.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your model railway – the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
I like the colors in the backdrop.
These are great back drops, keep up the good work.
I have found some really good ones but I am waiting for permission to use them as they are original works. I am hopeless at paining my own.
Pure magic !
All that’s missing from that movie is some popcorn Rob .
Very Nice.
The Critic
Great attention to detail. Plenty of variety. GREAT JOB.
Shlack in NC
Awesome background photos and train running Rob
Happy holidays to you and family
Cary aka cbgadget
I am no Picasso, but I say you did a great job. Landscape art is tough. One day the sky and clouds are this color and the next they’re nothing like the day before. Great pictures, I am envious.
amazing !!! good job
Al, Thanks again for all you do. The posts start my day right. In the never ending
quest for minniture realism allow me to offer a bit of related trivia. “The human
hair strand is approx. seven thousands of an inch, side to side…..If you cut the
hair side to side into five thousand pieces, each piece is one NANO Bit wide or
maybe a couple of atoms. ” ..The question for hobbiests is, ” How small do you
want to go???”….Hopefully, this post will provide a chuckle…….RJL
I check this site everyday and Without a doubt this is the best ever layout I’ve ever seen… The detail is spot on
The streets and roads do not look cluttered. It’s a fantastic layout
Very well done …not good for a Filet but for this layout excellent
Way to go Rob ! I like it when trains are running !
That is beautiful, just to sit and watch the trains run with that backdrop is WOW! I am throwing this out here and just asking. Any of you ever used a raised backdrop? what I mean is like a topographical map will have raises for hills mountains and valleys so it has depth/dimension. I don’t want to offend anyone, but the level of work on a lot of these layouts?? WOW!!
Beautiful backdrop by Rob. Wouldn’t it be great if the backdrop could change to mirror various times of day and various weathers. The technology is probably already here. I envision a backscreen projector that would project various weather and time images onto a type of translucent backdrop screen. Haven’t seen it done yet but wouild add tremendous realism to layouts.
Very nice.
Awesome look good. I hope mine turns out that good.
Only one thing i think you have to do is make your rolling stock a little dirty. They look to plastic for me. THE BACKDROP IS OUTSTANDING
I love model railroads that tell “stories” through vignettes of buildings, people, scenery and lighting….and give a realistic view of the past.
Very nice!
I really like the Detail you are modeling. Makes it come to life
Those backdrops are gorgeous! If you painted those yourself – that’s IMPRESSIVE!!!!
Water stains on the wall under the air conditioner! Love it!!!
Rob, I recognized Long’s Peak well before I read any of your dialog. Long’s Peak and Mount Meeker were part of my daily western view for the first 30 years of my life. I grew up on a farm east of Greeley. I now live in Idaho, but next time I’m in Greeley, I’ll need to look you up.
Randy Geisick
Kimberly Idaho
I see this is in Longmont Co. I noticed the Gibson Mfr building. I own a ’41 Gibson tractor. The backdrop is amazing. Great layout. It would be great to see a over view of the layout to see the track plan.
A comment on John Fraim’s : Years ago I also thought about using rear projection for backdrops, but one would need a large space and multiple synced projectors behind each side of the layout. With the evolving tech – flat screen TVs and wearable fabric computers we may in the future be able to have thin flexible projecting backdrops. I am currently modifying some of my photos to fit my background needs. By using the banner printing service at Office Depot. I can get a 8′ x 2′ scene on long lasting scrim vinyl for under $100.00 US.
Great work
What works of art these backdrops are! Never seen anything like ’em! Bravo!!
Super job !! Am I the only one that caught PizzaLand from “The Sopranos” ? Love it !!
Great detail on the buildings etc all brought to life by the wonderful backdrops. Well done
WOW !
You are quite the artist
I was taught that “If you can’t say something nice about something, than don’t say anything. Awesome job on the back drop and I liked the shiny trains.
All your Longmont town needs now is the old Butterball turkey factory on Main Street with a couple of rail cars and trucks with turkeys waiting to be processed.
Congratulations, You have an Awesome Layout with your new back drop adding to your impressive Longmont town! 😎
Backdrops seem to be the missing factor these days done right at least. What a difference these can make and especially todays rendition. Dave also has captured this idea to a T. Used to have these scenery pop up books for the kids, imagine those incorporated into backdrops. Absolutely things look 3D and layered with distance. Love these ones where the “country road” continues up the wall. And a few are really done well with those.
Just my observations only, Rich
Superb backdrop. I wanted to do something similar and even took appropriate photos for the backdrop to my layout. Unfortunately for the past three years, I just haven’t been able to get myself to do anything to my layout.
I love the superb detail everywhere.
Well done.
Rob
Awesome layout and sincere thanks for the time & effort to show us your handiwork.
I am truly marveled and humbled when people with great artistic talents explain their view. When you said “too purply” I didnt get it. Then you toned it down with a wisp of white and Bingo- that separated the men from the boys.
You are a master modeler and artist.
Thanks for the ride thru town.
Big Al
A movie by the great FH, coffee, sunny morning! Super.
Gracias Amigo
I love the layouts you have shown us.. Can you tell me how much money is needed to create one? Not counting your labor.
What a great depiction of Longmont and Longs Peak! I’m right down the road in Boulder and recognize so much on your outstanding layout. Working on my O scale in the basement and getting my G Scale in the front yard ready for the holiday season. Happy railroading!
Thanks for showing your trains running. I am always surprised when someone spends so much time building realistic scenery but leaves their trains in pristine condition and not weathered. To each his own. 🙂
love the diner and the step back through time. always liked the old cars and trucks.
Rob,
That view of Long’s Peak and Mount Meeker is pretty much the view I enjoyed every day for the first 30 years of my life on the farm east of Greeley. Next time I make the trip from Idaho to Greeley, we should connect.
Rob…….love your work…..scenes of the town are terrific along with the backdrop
Remarkable and inspiring !