In the 1940s Lionel published a booklet that described scenic effects for model RRs. In it, they suggested using a mix of red, white, and blue bulbs situated just below the surface of the layout to achieve sunrise / sunset sky effects on a nearby background. In another article, they described using a rotary switch with momentary contacts to create flashes of lightning. Today, these effects could be further enhanced by digital sound recordings, triggered on demand. (Think crickets or croaking frogs, perhaps the hooting of an owl for a peaceful sunset. And thunder sounds for the lightning storm!)
I'm not a big scenery guy, but I always liked the "night pageant" at display layouts like Roadside America (RIP). I'm also a fan of backdrops / scene dividers, I think they go a long way toward giving a train layout a sense of place. I hope I have a chance to eventually build something like you did. Thanks for sharing!!
