Post 17 8-12-2016
Backdrop for Layout on the Floor
To add a little realism, backdrop boards were added to the back side of the layout in 2005. These were made using 1x2 inch boards for a frame and wall paneling for the backdrop (the back side of the paneling was use to paint the backdrop). Two corner sections were made of ¼ plywood and screwed the edge of the backdrop board and into the side of the layout to support the background vertically.
The backdrop was made in three sections for easy handling as it would be installed and removed for storage each year. The sections where pinned together with 2 /12 inch finish nails into the frame pinned in slightly oversize holes. They are removable. These nails were also used to pin the frame of the backdrop to the back edge of the layout to keep it even with the back 1x6 layout frame.
An industrial and city scene was painted in the area behind the round house and mountain scenes to the left toward the mountain on the layout in the right corner. Latex flat paint was use and purchased at Lowes and HD for a dollar for paint sample 8 oz jars they made and sell to take home and see if the wife approves! I picked out colors from their color sample sheets. I think they charge more than a dollar now.
A Picture of Full Backdrop when the Layout was on the floor for 20 plus years for 1 month or so for each year. The buildings are too large for Baton Rouge but we have a huge Exxon oil refinery and chemical plant down town on the Mississippi River (Exxon seen below the blimp).
Additional pictures of the original full size background
Detail showing corner support - A more Recent picture without full Backdrop to allow more vision of room and window when in Train/Vintage Stereo/cave room after 2011
Charlie
