Creating Model Train Scenery

There’s almost nothing more satisfying than building a model train set. From choosing the type of train to setting up the scenery, it’s simply amazing because when the finished product is revealed you know that it is your creation. When making your model train scenery however, there are some things that you will need to think about, and these are the things that can make or break your entire setup.

How much space do you have? This is going to have a huge effect on how well your model train scenery goes over with those that take a look at it. The thing is you need your scenery to look larger that it actually is, and therefore the larger your area is, the larger you can make it look. Yes, I know that makes absolutely no sense, but in all actuality it’s quite plausible.

What you want to do is include some model train scenery that makes your environment look huge. One way to do this is have larger trees toward the front and have the trees be progressively smaller toward the back. This gives the illusion that you are actually looking far away when you’re in fact only looking a few feet away. You can also do this with buildings by purchasing tiny buildings for the far off areas and larger ones for close up. Perspective is everything when you’re dealing with model train scenery!

You’ll want to make sure that your scenery matches the train. For example, if you have chosen a train that is hauling wood or related materials you will want to have a rugged environment. That means more of a mountain setting with trees, etc. If you’ve chosen more of a freight train or even a passenger train, then you’ll want to either have an urban setting or maybe even a half and half setup.

On the subject of a half and half setup, you always want different scenes occurring. Basically, you want something new to look at every time your eyes move. That in mind, try not to overdo it by having too much activity. Yes, it’s confusing but you need to find the healthy middle ground.

One final note that you’re going to want to keep in mind is that you don’t want your train to move on a single straight track. You should have different routes for it to take, and even have it move through a tunnel if you can. Make sure you have access to the tunnel however, in the event that your train manages to break down inside. Other things that you could have going on include rivers running or even cars running up and down the streets if you can think of a viable way to do it.

There are many things you can do to spice up and enhance your model train scenery. It’s going to take a little bit of imagination, and possibly a lot of work. But as you know, hard work pays off, and it’s definitely going to show when you look at the finished product!

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Related posts:

1. Model Train Scale