I enjoy shooting photos on my layout, but the low, artificial light results in grainy blow-ups.

This sturdy diorama is what I need to shoot in natural, indirect light. I can remove the foam and pose structures, or stage rolling stock/locos on the track when I use the foam layer.

I like my auto settings, so the camera decides on exposure. This means the backdrop must be dark enough to force the camera into slowing the shudder speed enough to expose the subject properly. I talk more about it on my blog page.
Here’s the link
http://www.engineerkyle.com/the-turn-out—a-place-for-news-and-replys
Comparisons between low-light and natural light images Show a big difference. The outdoor shots appear much, much crisper.
Auto Settings? Setting on the back of an auto?
ROAR
Looks good , but no waterscene?
Lynn
Waterscene? Are you the Lynn that loves all things maritime?

LOL not sure if I’m the same Lynn but I do like water scenes . Could be from living in Northern Ontario.
I didn’t think they had water up there…only ice. [:D]
For the OP: I actually like building dioramas. It means I can model scenes that don’t fit on my layout, whether for space or thematic reasons. It also keeps me from trying to fit too much in, as in “I just have to have a harbor scene on my SW US-themed layout.”
I have found that dioramas made with plywood are incredibly heavy, and have switched to 2" foamboard instead. This is plenty rigid for the 24" x 48" size I work in.