Greetings,
I am considering adding a ‘dog bone’ to an existing layout that I have (HO scale). Am thinking about what to use for a backdrop in order to paint the sky on. That seems to be the easy part.
How does one go about blending in the backdrop to where the dog bone attaches to the existing layout? That is where I am struggling. Are there any websites or published materials that would point me in the right direction?
Thanks,
Mark
When you say dogbone, I think of basically two large curves at each end with more than 180degrees(otherwise it would be an oval) joined by a couple of running tracks. It could be folded, double track or any one of a number special forms.
So, to help, first I would need to know where in the dogbone it is joining. For example, one of my dogbones is joined close to each “curve” after coming up from a lower level. So, the backdrop is pretty simple in that it is behind the joints, while there is a view block in front along with buildings, etc.
Richard
I am not sure what you’re asking. A pic would really help.
This is hardboard attached to 1" x 4" open grid benchwork. I attached it with “T” nuts and 10/32 machine screws. It can be removed in a flash with the drill.
Brent
Hi Richard,
My dogbone will be just one large curve at the end. Image cutting a dogbone in half so that you have the shaft and the curve on one end. It will attach to my layout at the shaft point. So it is sort of a capital T on its side. It is at that attachment point where I am trying to picture how to do the scenery so that it blends in. I can ‘grasp’ using the backdrop out on the shaft toward and around the large curve, but somewhere that backdrop has to end the closer it gets to the attach point. How to do that and make it look nice is the pain point. I’ve thought about tall trees, gradually reducing the height of the backdrop, etc. Tall buildings are not an option for this most rural setting. I do have a few small or medium size factories I can use for this purpose.
Just hoping to see pics or material of how others have done this.
Thanks!
Mark
Hi Brent,
Thanks for trying with the pics. I am not able to create a pic and attach it. Hopefully, you can see what I am referring to in my reply to RIchard above. Attaching the dogbone is not the problem, it is doing the scenery with a backdrop at that point.
Thanks!
Mark
Not quite understanding the problem here yet. But, to blend two backdrops to together at the seam, you can use drywall tape and spackle and sand it smooth so there is no veritcal line to see after its painted. Provided your backdrop material accepts tape and mud. With no seam, there is no need for scenery to conceal it.
Would that solve your problem?
Not just sure how your track plan is laid out, but I know how you feel about not being able to post pictures. I’m in the same boat.
As for materials for a backdrop.
Masonite can be bent, but it has it’s limitations.
Two other materials come to mind that are much more flexible. You can get sheet styrene at a local sign shop and have it cut to the width you want for the height of your backdrop. You would be dealing with sections 8’ long, easily cut and painted. The other is available at lumberyards. Aluminum flashing is the only name I can think of, but there is a prepainted product available in rolls of 25’ and 50’. You can paint the bare aluminium, but the prepainted would be preferable to me as they have already cleaned and sealed the metal surface. Both these products are quite self supporting if you have some curve to them. Wouldn’t take much of a hill or building on either side to support a straight section.
Just a couple of ideas.
Good luck,
Richard
I wouldn’t join them. I woud end the dog bone backdrop with a large building and hide the end iin it or against it.