Constructing model train scenery is a large source of joy for model train hobbyist. Making realistic landscapes is a relaxing and very creative aspect of your model railroad. Here are a few of the basics of model train scenery and tips about the first steps to building a railroad model.
The benchwork is the foundation of your railroad. Train hobbyists have two choices for benchwork: creating your own or buying a premade benchwork kit. Buying a benchwork kit has quite a few advantages. Precut and predrilled, benchwork kits are sturdier then a piece of plywood lying on two sawhorses. Kits also have the option of being easily taken apart, which makes moving them to a different area in the house or taking it to a show much simpler.
Constructing your own benchwork is more complicated and is more time consuming however, you have the opportunity to achieve your perfect image for your trains. The first step is to prepare a design for your layout.
To do this, you’ll need to figure out how large your benchwork will be. Is it likely you might be adding to it at a later? Take into account the area available for your model train display.
Next step is to decide upon the shape you want for your benchwork. There are several options including oval, square, circular or rectangular. The table legs are usually 28 inches in height, but can be adjusted to better fit your design concept.
The most important thing in benchworking is making sure that your benchwork is solid and will support the weight of your model railroad. {Keep in mind the best platform is 3/8 inch or 1/2 think plywood|The best platform is a 3/8 inch or ½ inch thick piece of plywood.}. The benchwork must be solid and have the ability to support the weight of your railroad model. If you want your benchwork to be moveable, here’s a suggestion — cut the plywood into sections prior to you build your benchwork.
Perspective is a main factor when creating your model train scenery. The relationship of the objects will make your model train scenery realistic. Try using different levels of scenery to help with this.
For example, placing larger trees in the front of the model and smaller trees to the back or on the tops of mountains will help create this illusion. When choosing the items for the scenery, remember the theme you selected for the landscape. For example, a freight train pulling into a freight yard with the city in the background would have different items than a train passing through a rural town.
There are many options for landscaping features in your model train scenery: tunnels, farm lands fields, bridges and roads. You can also feature cities or villages filled with houses and buildings. Don’t forget about the fine details of your scenery such as signs, telephone poles, fences, rocks or boulders, hedges, pedestrians and animals. It’s even possible to include ponds, rivers or waterfalls.
Building model train scenery is an art form. It takes persistence, thought and attention to detail to make a lifelike model. The imagination is the only limit to design possibilities. So enjoy constructing your model railroad and take pride in designing spectacular and realistic scenery and landscapes.
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