Layout How To (L.H.T.) #01 Backdrops

So last week in my Mid-May update I posted two preview pictures of backdrops being mocked up for permanent installation.

While working on them tonight I thought it would be a great opportunity to create the blogs' first "Layout How To" in case anyone is interesting in achieving similar results using Sceniking or other numerous backdrops on the market.

Disclaimer: Opinions represented in this post are mine only and do not represent the official opinions of Scenking. These kits were purchased as a model railroad customer and not received as a gift in exchange for favorable reviews. Results may vary and nor do I guarantee them as each kit offers the modeler endless varieties and combinations of backdrops.

Layout Panoramic with the Residential Backdrop added on the right and the additional deciduous forest on the left.

Planning / Selection
So beings I model Mid-Michigan in the summer I had to find backdrops that were suitable and plausible as a background. Since my time is very limited having a young family, making my own at this point is not an option so turning to a commercial product was the way to go. Going commercial meant I needed some requirements to fit the layout:
    1. Price - Reasonable to allow completing entire layout in a realistic timeframe
    2. Availability - How easy can I get it
    3. Quality of print - Is is a photo or is it artwork?
    4. Ease of installation
    5. Selection of prints that would fit my era / location / season

After much search I found that Sceniking (www.sceniking.com) met all of these requirements and then some. Their online catalog allows you to view the backdrops and even print in smaller size to test mockups or get inspiration while working a scene.

Inspiration
Huron Eastern's Wenona Yard located on the northwest side of Bay City really sparked the inspiration for this area along Bay Yard. Looking at Bing or Google maps one can see the yard is bordered by large decidious trees in a way isolating it and on the north side transitions from Bay City to Kawkawlin / Linwood, Michigan which gave me the inspiration for the homes on the east end of the yard at Chessie Junction.

Image from Bing Maps - apologize its a little blurry, but this is the north end of Wenona Yard.

Preparation
For this installation we are going to be using the R026 kit which is a trackside quarry with hardwood trees on each end. As you will find with Sceniking kits some of them connect to make really long backdrop scenes if you prefer. This particular piece will help begin the transition from treeline to quarry (I am using as gravel lot) which will be part of the large MAC Terminal Elevator.

Tools needed:
- Good Workspace
- Sharp Scissors
- Hole Puncher
- Metal Ruler
- Glue Stick
- Hobby Knife

As always with a project - make sure to read the directions about working with these backdrops. While they are very forgiving to work with, having an idea on how handling and their process is encouraged.

Once you select the piece you are going to be working on (In this case their are 12 panels for this kit) we are going to be working on panel #12 which is the far right side of the kit. First I cutout a rough shape along the treeline since I will not be using the sky. If you are using the sky I suggest then following the kit instructions.

Basic treeline cutout - ready to begin nibble process

Once the rough shape has been cut out, it is time to the use the hole puncher to nibble around the tops of the trees to give them more definition versus a real smooth cut line as you see above. When making the rough the closer that you can get to the basic tree outline will reduce the amount of "nibbling" needed.

(BEFORE) Beginning to "nibble" around the top of the treeline

(AFTER) Nibbling complete - definitely alot more defined treeline than just a basic outline cut.

Installation

Once the nibbling has been complete for one or all of the panels you are going to use, it is then time to install the panel on the layout.

Add caption

Test fit before adding glue to back of panel

Each panel has some print overlap built in to each so it allows to match them perfectly during install. As you can see above the two panels Treeline kit (on right) and Quarry kit (on left) are a little off in color but that is fine as foreground scenery and trees will help conceal this joint. This same company has also come out with Rollout kits that allow for one seamless install which comes in a roll, but for flexibility I stuck with the panel kits. 

Once you test fit and it is looks good - I then use a glue stick to add glue to the entire back of the panel making sure to get good coverage around the edges and in the body of the panel.

Adding glue to the back.

Once glue has been applied affix the panel to backdrop and smooth out from right to left center out ensuring there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.

Finished product - will blend the joint in color with trees / scenic material

Presto - you had now installed your first backdrop panel. If you already cut the outline and nibbled around the trees you can then proceed to install the other panels in order. So far this is my eight Sceniking kit installed using the glue stick method affixed to hardboard backdrop painted with latex paint. No issues but the key is.... not being cheap when applying the glue stick to the panel. Just like scenic cement, it will dry clear.

Now you have a fantastic looking backdrop that helps add a lot of depth and substance to an otherwise bland scene that was just a blue sky. I hope you have enjoyed my first Layout How - To, appreciate feedback so I can improve on others in the future. Questions or comments feel free to post. Anyone interested in the backdrops the folks at Sceniking were very helpful and always ready to answer my questions.

A few more of the finished backdrops:

Bay Yard view to the west.

East Bay Yard / Chessie Junction.

-GM

Disclaimer: Opinions represented in this post are mine only and do not represent the official opinions of Sceniking. These kits were purchased as a model railroad customer and not received as a gift in exchange for favorable reviews. Results may vary and nor do I guarantee them as each kit offers the modeler endless varieties and combinations of backdrops.