Landscape Details In this segment, Chris Chianelli gets learns some tricks from an expert on adding detail and realism to a miniature landscape in a model train setup. Chris's guest is George Riley of Athearn (TM ) Trains.
Important: This demonstration shows provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of these particular models and accessories. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- One of the secrets for adding realism to a train landscape -- without a lot of work -- is to add a backdrop panel (figure A). These backdrops come in rolls, and can be spray-mounted to plywood or foamcore.
- Particularly if your train set is situated against a wall, using a backdrop visually expands the layout by creating the illusion of sky and a horizon line (figure B).
- Another option is to utilize a backdrop as a center divider (figure C). This is useful for dividing a landscape into separate distinct areas, and is particularly effective when the train set is to be displayed in the middle of a room. The center panel can be mounted in the middle of a setup using woodworker's wood biscuits.
- Trees and shrubs (figure D) are the key element in creating the rural look of a train landscape. A wide variety of trees -- mimicking actual evergreen and deciduous species --- are available from hobby shops.
- One option is to fashion trees the way that you want them, using bendable-plastic tree armatures and foam "foliage" that is glued on (figure E).
- Dried caspia (figure F) is an excellent medium for creating miniature trees. Once specialized artificial foliage is applied, the look can be quite realistic (figure G). Trees made in this way are especially effective when placed as foreground trees.
- The detail of buildings is also a significant factor in creating a realistic scene. There is a huge variety of scale buildings that come as simple snap-together models (figure H) that can be put together in minutes.
- For the more serious model builder, multi-piece glue-together kits (figure I) are also available for creating your own tiny buildings.
- Digital (DCC) controllers bring the technical aspect into creating a realistic setup. The precision that these controllers (figure J) enable adds to the realism of the overall setup since the operation is so finely controlled.
- Individual trains are controlled simultaneously and in unison, by a single controller, for harmonious operation (figure K). Each train is controlled individually by addressable, encoded messages sent out by the DCC device.
The Worlds Smallest Trains
- The smallest gauge of working model trains being made today is Z-scale (figure L).
- In fact, this entire set-up is housed in a modified executive-briefcase (figure M) -- making this perhaps the most foolproof method to ending tedium in the corporate boardroom.
In the segment that follows, Chris visits the ultimate digital train set -- one of the largest HO layouts in the world.
RESOURCES :
The Large-Scale Model Railroading Handbook
Model: 0801982294
Author: Robert Schleicher:
Scenery for Model Railroads, Miniatures and Dioramas
Model: 0873417097
Author: Robert Schleicher
303 Tips for Detailing Model Railroad Scenery and Structures
Model: 0890242437
Author: Dave Frary
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery
Model: 0890241244
Author: Dave Frary
Scenery for Your Model Railroad: From Backdrop to Tabletop
Model: 0890243239
Kalmbach Publishing Company
Digitrax digital (DCC) controllers for model trains
Digitrax
Norcross, GA Phone: 770-441-7992
Website: www.digitrax.com
Athearn model trains
Athearn, Inc.
Compton, CA 90220
Phone: 310-631-3400
Fax: 310-885-5296
Website: www.athearn.com
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