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Home > How To Create Realistic Model Train Scenery Using The Powers Of Observation
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How To Create Realistic Model Train Scenery Using The Powers Of Observation
by Robert R
I have a friend who is a Police Detective and he notices everything. He has a natural (or learned) ability to observe and remember the smallest details. Many landscape artists and photographers have a similar ability to notice details.
So, what's this got to do with building a model train layout? The answer is simple. When you are creating the layout scenery you have to consider EVERY aspect of it. You need to think about colors, perspective, textures, and positioning of the buildings, structures, and vegetation relative to the surroundings.
My Gran always taught me to look up when walking and not to just stare at the ground. I guess she was not only teaching me about good posture, but also the powers of observation.
The difference between a realistic looking model train layout and fake looking one, is usually in the detail. Some model railway layouts have unrealistic color schemes or things out of proportion; and unfortunately the eye is drawn to anything that looks "out of place" or appears unnatural. The casual observer might not know exactly what the problem is, but just that something doesn't look right. Unfortunately, just one little thing out of character (or out of place) can ruin the whole look.
So, I would advise anyone building a layout to try to observe things around them, just as a landscape artist, photographer, or even a Police Detective might.
1. When you are out and about have a good look at the color and patterns of the area you are in.
2. Look carefully at the materials used for fencing and gates, the color and texture of trees and hedges, the height and condition of brick walls, the details and design of buildings, and the advertising posters or graffiti.
3. Also observe the positioning of telegraph poles, street light, pillar boxes, mobile phone towers, masts and TV aerials.
4. Study the road markings, signs of road works, pot holes, cracks, drains, location of car parks, vehicles, people, construction sites, and the types and conditions of roofing, doors, windows, guttering and cladding on houses.
5. Have a look at the colors in gardens, and the color of lawns and crops in the fields. I could go on forever. I think you get the point I'm making; be observant and spot the detail.
Sometimes it pays to make notes or take photos, but over time your brain will start to do that for you. You'll get better and better at it.
Before you model a piece of landscape think about what we've just discussed. Think about the time of day, or time of year being modeled, and how this might affect colors and textures. Consider what materials would be best to use; could you buy items from a manufacturer's range, or maybe create (or scratch build) your own?
If you are modeling a building for your model train layout, think about where it is and what the neighboring structures or landscape would look like. What condition would the building be in, and has it undergone a change of use of the years? Should there be outbuildings in a back yard and what would they be used for? You see; it's not just a case of "plonking" a building on a layout in isolation. You need to think about it in relation to its surroundings, age, condition, and purpose.
I hope this will help you to see things in a different way and appreciate why things look the way they do. This is not a perfect world and model railroad scenery shouldn't look too perfect either. If the layout looks like it just came out of a package you bought, then it won't look natural to the casual observer. Not everything should look old and used, just as not everything should brand new. It is a case of striking the right balance if you are to create the perfect model train layout scenery.
About the Author
Robert has an online Model Train Club modeltrainclub.org with step by step video tutorials for every model railroader regardless of experience.
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