Backdrop question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey guys

I started a small switching layout measuring 2 feet wide by 8 feet long. the track work is all done and nicely laid. My question is what should I make my backdrop out of? also how high should it be? also if you guys have ani idea on what to use where would I get it from?

Thanks everybody for any help

Jeremy[:)]

2

I used 1/4" foam board, but it curled when the paint dried. The thinnest masonite you can get, or doorskin even, might be suitable. A while back one fellow said that he had reversed some lino and used the backing as a paintable surface.Make it as high as you can for maximum effect, although I suspect that 3-4 feet will be just fine. See your local builders’ supply outlet.

3

thanks for the tip seletor

4

I use sheet rock painted with a satin white primer. Then use to different colors of blue, one light and the other darker for the sky. Working in small stages paint the bottom portion of the backdrop light blue and the top darker blue. Then using a different paint brush blend the two colors together making the transition complete. This gives a realistic view of the distance of the sky. Then if you want use a sponge to dab on clouds, bright white for puffy clouds or grayish white with darker gray bottoms for storm clouds on the horizon.
hope that is helpful
Randy Johnson

5

I’d suggest a 4x8’ sheet of 1/8" masonite cut to a height that pleases you. I’d recommend 24" or better on the height and, as you can see, it would be one piece. That eliminates the taping and sanding of joints! I used Wally World’s “stratosphere” for the base color on ours.

6

The backdrop on my 4’x2.5’ module is masonite - painted with latex and acrylic paints. I use the “broad brush” technique. I placed a blue undercoat, followed by a “ground color undercoat”. Then I use a number of latex paint w/ “distance” colors lightly blended in reduce to a wash in density, and lightly wash over the terain to give it an impressionistic distance appearance. I haven’t tried too hard to “paint a picture”. I figure if the backdrop is too detailed, people will wander in to it. It should be “uncertain” enough that they are “pushed out” to the “front stage”. When I get the thing finished, I’ll post some pic’s.
Of course, if you are doing “city”, building flats would work just fine too. What scene are you going fo?
randybc2003