Ned’s been back in touch and added to the posts on model railroad backdrops and backgrounds.
This time he’s been blending the foreground into the background:
“Alastair,
I’ve been progressing along. Working on blending the 3 dimensional foreground into 2 dimensional background.
The attached photos show how I provided myself access to the wiring for the upper level tracks and lighting. I saved a load of cabinet magnets years ago. I’ve been using them to secure the foam in place and allow removal for access.
It takes a little thought and planning to blend the rock so the access is invisible during normal operation. It has worked out well.
Model railroad backdrops and backgrounds:
My objective over the last few months has been to add foreground that blends seamlessly with the backgrounds I painted last winter. So far it has been going well.
As a reminder, my train setup progresses through the seasons as you rotate counterclockwise around the room.
I’ve been laying the track and developing the foreground on the upper level and some of the lower level over the last few months. Trying to ensure each area tells a small story.
Additional details will be added in the future to compliment the existing scene. Observations and recommendations are always appreciated.
Answering one question previously posted – I did not build the bridges. I found an eBay seller that had several wooden trestle bridges that fit my theme.
I am pleased with how they fit into my setup.
-Ned”
(If you missed Ned’s previous post, it’s here: Paint model train backdrop.)
A huge big thanks to Ned for adding to the model railroad backdrops and backgrounds on the blog.
There’s quite a few of these now, here are a few more:
Scenic backdrops for model trains
Painting model railroad backdrops
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.
It’s always nice to see another “O” Scale layout. If there are any others out there, please send your posts with pics, also dimensions of the layout please so I can get ideas for my plan. Have fun with your hobby.
Ned, your craftsmanship is terrific!
Did you serve on the USS Sculpin?
If so, thanks for your service.
I saw the plague on the wall.
I noticed your treatment of land form fissures/cracks? That is a very interesting technique. IU would be interested to know how you did it. Nice layout work. Rob
what kind of track is being used here?
I will see if I can put together a series of photos showing how I create the rocks. Essentially, I glue up insulating foam in the general shape I desire. Use a hot knife to carve cracks, fissures, and further shape the rocks and hide the seams. I use 1”, 1.5”, and 2” foam to give some variety. My table saw and band saw work exceptionally well in cutting the foam. Finally I use utility knives and wire brushes to give texture before app[lying a number of different painting techniques, starting with airbrush etc.
Answering the other question – I did serve on the USS Sculpin for my Junior Officer tour. Spent 20 years on 4 different submarines and multiple shore commands. Gave me the ability to retire early and build model trains.
I use a combination of Ross and Gargraves O Gage track and switches. Both work well together. I spent years before starting this layout collecting different types of tracks and switches but stuck to those two manufacturers. Most of the curves are fixed radius. I am attempting to keep all curves in the primary layout greater than 72” diameter curves to accommodate several of my engines. In most situations the fixed radius curves have worked well with Gargraves flex track providing for spots where everything doesn’t quite align.. I’m finding I collected a bit more track than I can fit into the space and layout that I am currently working on. Ah well – opportunity to grow in the future.
I noticed that you explained the process of how you did the rock designs that look nice and you have very artistic talent in painting your back drops. I’m not sure if I can paint back drops but I’m going to give it a try and see. A very nice “O” scale layout Ned. I’m also building a 027 gauge layout it’s just taking me some time because I work at when I have extra time to spend on it.
Your access panels are brilliant and blend in so beautifully. Outstanding work on the scenery and background/backdrop. It all blends together so naturally—truly stunning work. I love every bit of it!
love the rock work. the brdge is great too.
I also enjoy seeing another 0 scale and 0 gauge layout. ( although I do dabble in H0 too) I like the way your track work is ,and the type of track used. Your scenes are beautiful . I usually run scale , but I like too get out a famorite old toy train nonscale and run it for fun.