Backdrop Overview

Expand your Horizons with Backdrops

Backdrops, or backboards, expand your layout, connecting your models to their wider world, while hiding the clutter and giants of our much larger world.

Mix and match possible materials and applications:

Materials	Applications
1/8th inch tempered hardboard (Masonite)	On room wall
.060 or .080 styrene	Scene divider (4’ X 8’ or peninsula)
MDO or signboard	On back of layout or module
Gatorboard	Curved or coved corners
Thin MDF or fiberboard	Hide staging behind visible layout - layered backdrops

Steps to creating a backdrop:

• Mount backdrop directly to layout or build a support frame
• Hide seams or screws/nails
• Prime using spray or roller
• Simplest approach is just sky blue paint
• Blue fading into white at horizon
• Photo versus painted backdrop details 

How To steps for backdrops on my layout:

• Prepping the backdrop

• Painting the sky

• Painting background landscape

“Tricks” for a backdrop that expands and creates depth to the modeled world:

• Higher layout viewing height 
• Relatively low horizon line
• KISS principle - maybe just a faded blue
• Similar colors on layout and backdrop
• Lighter and more muted color suggests distance
• Avoid obvious shadows on backdrop
• Disguise the 90° angle where the backdrop meets the layout: 

1. Scenery elevated so joint is hidden
2. Roads at acute angle
3. Background buildings
4. Natural features - trees and shrubbery
5. Human features - fences and signs